The Chicago Cubs concluded the second day of the 2011 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft yesterday by accumulating a total of 30 selected players. The third and final day of the draft is today with rounds 31-50. They took some legacy devices by selecting talented players with talented genes- including the offspring of hockey’s “the great one” Wayne Gretzky and 1982 #1 overall MLB pick Shawon Dunston.
But before we get to those guys…
…The Cubs selected infielder Daniel Vogelbach out of Bishop Verot High School in Fort Myers , Florida in the second round (68th overall) and outfielder Ezekiel DeVoss out of the University of Miami ( Fla. ) in the third round (98th overall).
Go here for more on Vogelbach, who kind of resembles Chunk from “The Goonies.” Of course the kid with the truffle shuffle could never hit a 508 home run. He is committed to the University of Florida so we’ll see what happens.
By Paul M. Banks
DeVoss, 20, is a draft-eligible sophomore for the University of Miami ( Fla. ). In 2011, DeVoss batted .340 (73-for-215) with 13 doubles, three triples, two homers, 27 RBI, 59 runs scored, 57 walks, a .491 on-base percentage and 32 stolen bases in 42 attempts, leading the Hurricanes in most offensive categories.
With the club’s fourth pick (129th overall), the Cubs selected Tony Zych out of the University of Louisville (BIG EAST LOVE) . The right-handed pitcher is from Monee , Illinois (SICA!) and a graduate of St. Rita High School . He was originally drafted by the Cubs in the 46th round of the 2008 First-Year Player Draft, but did not sign.
The Cubs selected Trevor Gretzky, son of hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, in the seventh round (219th overall). The 6-4, 190-pound first baseman batted .341 with two homers and 33 RBI last season with Westlake Village Oaks High School in Westlake Village , California . The 18-year-old bats left-handed and throws right-handed and committed to San Diego State University.
With its 11th round pick, Chicago selected Shawon Dunston Jr., son of former Cub Shawon Dunston, out of Valley Christian High School in San Jose , California. Break out the “Shawon-O-Meter” Remember, Dunston just needs a couple more years to develop. Hopefully, for his sake he’ll not be like his Dad when it comes to plate discipline.
Through the first two days, the Cubs have selected 11 pitchers (nine right-handers and two left-handers), seven infielders, nine outfielders and three catchers. Additionally, the Cubs have selected 15 college players and 15 high school players.
Paul M. Banks is CEO of The Sports Bank.net. He’s also a regular contributor to Chicago Now, Walter Football.com, Yardbarker, and Fox Sports You can follow him on Twitter @thesportsbank and Facebook