Connecticut in the 2014 draft

There were 23 players picked in the MLB draft from Connecticut this year and I am particularly pleased because two were picked by the Yankees  and two were picked from my alma matter Central Connecticut State University. For Central its the first  MLB draft picks since Evan Scribner was picked in 2007, so congratulations to J.P Sportman who was picked in the 27th by the Athletics and Nick Neumann who was picked in the 28th by the Pirates, best of luck to both of them. The Yankees two Nutmeg draft picks are RHP Austin DeCarr and 3rd baseman Will Toffey, The Yankees already signed Austin DeCarr for double his slot money so he takes home $1,170,200, which is good for him, but apretly Toffey will be a tougher sign as he is committed to Vanderbilt and it might be hard to pry him away with 23rd round money; fun note though both of these guys go to the same High school, Salisbury School.

DeCarr. (@Xaverian_Hawks)

 Austin DeCarr was the Yankees third round draft pick and because they took Jacob Lindgren in the second round, who is more of a relief arm that could have a quick impact and had no first round pick DeCarr is the Yankees highest drafted true prospect which is a bit of a letdown after last year in which they had three first round picks, its nothing  against DeCarr he is a good pitching prospect but when the first prospect you are drafting is in the third round then its probbaly not the best draft for the Yankees. I really do not know anything about draft prospects but mlb.com describes DeCarr with "He'll pitch at 92-93 mph, but can reach back for 95 mph when he needs it. His curveball shows flashes of being a plus offering, and his changeup gives him the chance to have a very effective three-pitch mix." Its also apparently only his second year as a full time baseball player but is apparently more polished than some other High schoolers, which may have something to do with the fact that he isn't actually a high schooler because he only went to Salisbury academy as a post graduate because he did not get drafted last year and is now 19, still a good prospect just kind of a weird not high school or college guy, so still technically a high school guy. Honestly though I am excited to see what this guy can do.
DeCarr was actually the second Nutmeger drafted, although he is really from Massachusetts but we will take him nonetheless,  Sean Newcomb was taken 15th overall by the Angels and is a junior at the University of Hartford and I wish him the best of luck on behalf of all Nutmegers. Best of luck to all of the Nutmegers who got drafted, you can see the full list here.

CCSU loves Evan Scribner

Scribner with the CCSU Blue Devils

Evan Scribner with the Oakland A's

Evan Scribner is a relief pitcher for the Oakland Athletics and more importantly is a Central Connecticut State University Alumni and a Connecticut native. He is the first CCSU alumni to pitch in the majors since Ricky Bottalico ended his career with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2005. Scribner was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks following his senior season with the Blue Devils in 2007, in which he led them to the College World Series. Scribner made 74 appearances, including 33 starts, during his four-year career with CCSU. He compiled a 23-16 record and collected a Blue Devil-record 14 saves, I know that does not sound like a lot but remember this is college ball they do not play as many games and he switched between the bullpen and rotation a lot. Additionally, Scribner, who is among the all-time wins leaders in school history, recorded 20 complete games, five shutouts and a combined shutout. He totaled 288.0 innings on the mound, striking out 224 while walking just 57 and having a college 3.34 earned run average.

In his senior season in 2007, Scribner went 6-6 with a team-low 2.78 ERA. He made 21 appearances, starting nine games. He had seven complete games and one shutout while also notching seven saves. In 2004, Scribner won Northeast Conference Tournament Most Valuable Player honors for his efforts in helping lead the Blue Devils to a NCAA Tournament appearance as a freshman. He was also a 2006 All-NEC selection. Scribner has only pitched 12 innings so far with the A's but has already worked his way into some high leverage innings.

Scribner made his MLB Debut with the San Diego Padres  in April 2011 but was DFA in the offseason and picked up off waivers by the A's. Scribner achieved his first MLB save this season against his former club the San Diego Padres. Scribner sports a fastball at 90-94 mph, followed by a 12-6 curveball that is known to have a 20 mph difference. He has a changeup but he seldom uses it and is primarily a two pitch pitcher. Scribner has great control as he has a 18/6 Strike out to walk ratio.He is only the third CCSU alum to make it to the major leagues. Ricky Bottalico, and Skip Jutze are the only other two Blue Devils to make it that far.

I hope that Scribner can one day find his way to the Yankees, but until then I wish him the best of luck in Oakland from one CCSU Alumni to another. You can also follow Evan on Twitter @Evanscribner