The Cubs threw a curve into the first round of the draft Monday night by picking a Mulerider.
Making the 16th selection overall, the Cubs chose right-handed pitcher Hayden Simpson of Division II Southern Arkansas. He was the ninth pitcher taken in the first round.
RELATED STORIES
Silva hurls another gem
Simpson, a 6-foot, 175-pounder, went 35-2 in his three-year career for the Muleriders, including a 13-1 mark this season with a 1.81 ERA. He had 131 strikeouts in 99 1/3 innings pitched. Simpson, who gave up only two homers, had a string of 42 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings.
''I feel Hayden is a potential starter who has four average-to-plus pitches and is very athletic with a good feel for pitching,'' said Tim Wilken, the Cubs' director of amateur and professional scouting. ''We're fortunate to have received really good coverage from our scouts with this selection."
Simpson, 21, was recommended by area scout Jim Crawford.
''I'm so thrilled right now, and I'm extremely excited to be a Chicago Cub,'' Simpson said. ''This is greatest thing that has ever happened to me, and I'm ready to get started.''
Baseball America had Simpson as the 191st pitcher listed on its draft board. He is said to have a low-90s fastball that can hit 96, and a power curve. Scoutingbook.com said Simpson could fit in as a reliever right away or a starter in the future.
Making the 16th selection overall, the Cubs chose right-handed pitcher Hayden Simpson of Division II Southern Arkansas. He was the ninth pitcher taken in the first round.
RELATED STORIES
Silva hurls another gem
Simpson, a 6-foot, 175-pounder, went 35-2 in his three-year career for the Muleriders, including a 13-1 mark this season with a 1.81 ERA. He had 131 strikeouts in 99 1/3 innings pitched. Simpson, who gave up only two homers, had a string of 42 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings.
''I feel Hayden is a potential starter who has four average-to-plus pitches and is very athletic with a good feel for pitching,'' said Tim Wilken, the Cubs' director of amateur and professional scouting. ''We're fortunate to have received really good coverage from our scouts with this selection."
Simpson, 21, was recommended by area scout Jim Crawford.
''I'm so thrilled right now, and I'm extremely excited to be a Chicago Cub,'' Simpson said. ''This is greatest thing that has ever happened to me, and I'm ready to get started.''
Baseball America had Simpson as the 191st pitcher listed on its draft board. He is said to have a low-90s fastball that can hit 96, and a power curve. Scoutingbook.com said Simpson could fit in as a reliever right away or a starter in the future.
