Blueberg taken by Padres

By Darrell Moody

dmoody@nevadaappeal.com

Colby Blueberg realized a childhood dream when he was selected in the 24th round of the amateur baseball draft by the San Diego Padres Saturday afternoon.

Blueberg, who compiled a 4-2 record with two saves and a 1.22 ERA at Nevada this season, said the Padres came into the fray late in the day.

“It was mostly the Rays, Braves and Rockies,” said Blueberg, who was at Peccole Park to watch his younger brother, Chase, play in the annual Senior all-star game. “The Padres were one of the last teams I heard from.

“This is crazy and one helluva ride. The draft is a painful and anxious thing.”

Chase Blueberg, Colby’s younger brother, was happy for his brother.

“Once it happened, he was pretty calm,” the younger Blueberg said. “He told me he couldn’t believe it finally happened. We popped some champagne in the backyard and celebrated like we won the World Series.”

Now comes the difficult part, which is signing or going back to Nevada for his senior season. He said the Padres had talked about sending him to Eugene, their short-season Rookie League team.

One positive thing about being drafted by the Padres is they are a National League team, meaning he’ll get a chance to hit which is something he’s wanted to do at Nevada.

“There is nothing set in stone,” Blueberg said. “We’re still doing some negotiations. They were giving me some numbers. Sam Ray (from the Padres) said he’d love to sign me by Wednesday. There are some guys being sent out Tuesday.

“ I’ve got to sit down and talk with my dad (Jim, scout for the Mets) and my advisor. I’m sure I’ll make a decision in a week or two, or when I get a number I want.”

As a junior, Blueberg has some leverage when it comes to money because he can refuse the offer and go back to Nevada.

“I don’t want to give up that leverage, “ Blueberg said.

But, Blueberg doesn’t want to get low balled, either.

“I’m not a high profile guy (in terms of body build),” said the 5-foot-11 Blueberg. “I feel I did this so I should get this. I had a good season.”

Dave Lawn, Nevada pitching coach, said he talked with Blueberg briefly. He didn’t indicate one way or another what Blueberg’s decision would be.

“It depends on what he wants to do,” Lawn said. “I don’t think it necessarily means that he is coming back, and I don’t think it necessarily means that he is going to sign.

“We’d love to have him back. He has a heck of an arm. His dad is in the business, and he’ll get some good advice from him. He is going to get all the best advice from both sides. His dad played and went through it. He’ll make the decision that is right for him.”

But as Blueberg pointed out, there are worse things than going back to Nevada for his senior season.