Brewers draft Louisville OF in 1st round, California 3B in 2nd round
The Milwaukee Brewers selected Louisville outfielder Corey Ray with the fifth-overall pick in Thursday's MLB Draft.
The 21-year-old Chicago native has hit .319 with 15 homers, 60 RBI and 44 stolen bases for the Cardinals, who are in the NCAA Tournament super regionals. The left-handed Ray was a Golden Spikes Award semifinalist and All-ACC First Team selection.
"He brings a unique speed, power combination to the profile," said Ray Montgomery, the Brewers' vice president of amateur scouting. "With his ability to get on base and sort of agitate and irritate the other team, we're going be in good shape."
Originally drafted by the Mariners in the 33rd round of the 2013 draft, Ray has above average speed, power and fielding ability, according to mlb.com. The 6-foot, 190-pound junior has cut down on strikeouts in his past two seasons at Louisville.
Here is Ray's pre-draft STATS INC. bio:
Golden Spikes Award semifinalist and All-ACC First Team selection is do-it-all talent expected to be among first players selected. Lefty-hitting slugger sprays ball to all fields with power, makes consistent contact and has outstanding speed in field and on bases. After starring last summer for Team USA collegiate team, has been offensive leader (.319, 15 HRs, 60 RBIs, 44 for 52 in SBs) for Cardinals, who are in NCAA Tournament's super regionals. Likely to be highest-drafted player in school history.
3B Erceg drafted in 2nd round
The Brewers selected third baseman Lucas Erceg from Menlo College in California with the 46th overall pick in the MLB Draft.
Erceg, 21, hit .308/.351/.639 in 227 at-bats this season with 20 home runs, 56 RBI, 15 walks and 18 strikeouts. He also had a 0.78 ERA in 23 innings as a pitcher.
Erceg began his college career at Cal and hit .303 with 11 home runs as a sophomore. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound California native bats left handed and throws right handed.
Milwaukee selected Puerto Rican catcher, 17-year-old Mario Feliciano, with the 75th overall pick from Carlos Beltran Baseball Academy (PR).