Sport in world

Western Illinois Scout Day attracts MLB teams

October 27, 2007 on 8:15 pm | In Athletics |

MACOMB, Ill. - Western Illinois baseball Scout Day, highlighted by senior pitchers Frank Zenisek and Justin Eissens’ performances, attracted several Major League Baseball teams. Scouts from the Atlanta Braves, Florida Marlins, Colorado Rockies, and St. Louis Cardinals traveled to Macomb to evaluate Western Illinois players for the 2008 MLB draft.

Zenisek (Wichita, Kan.), who consistently boasted a 91 mile-per-hour fastball during his bullpen, and left hander Eissens (Thomson, Ill.) who hit 89 MPH, attracted the most attention from the MLB scouts. Senior outfielder T.J. Kistner (Quincy, Ill.), junior third baseman Tyler Metcalf (Wamego, Kan), and senior outfielder Pete Schneider (Waterloo, Iowa) also drew praise. In all, 12 Western Illinois position players and five pitchers participated in the event.

“All 17 players represented the program well,” said Western Illinois head coach Stan Hyman. “This is probably the deepest and most talented group overall that we’ve had here in my seven years. A majority of guys ran well, showed off their range and arms, and hit for contact and power. The coaching stuff was extremely satisfied and the scouts were very pleased.”

“Zenisek threw very well,” Hyman added. “He consistently was between 90-91 MPH and was very impressive. He showed control of most of his pitches and is on a lot of teams’ watch lists. Eissens also threw exceptionally well. He should rank up there with the best lefties. Both guys should get drafted after what we expect will be a great senior season.”

In addition to Zenisek and Eissens, the pro style workout at Alfred D. Boyer Stadium also showcased junior Leatherneck pitchers Nathan Johnson (Ada, Okla.), Ben Percival (Clive, Iowa), and Eric Eden (Hillsborough, N.J.).

Position players who participated in the event included senior shortstop Kyle Surprenant (Chebanse, Ill.), junior catcher Cooper Stewart (Sterling, Ill.), junior outfielders Kenny Price (Texarkana, Texas), Jared Wolf (St. Thomas, Ontario), and Zach Berg (Helena, Okla.). Senior outfielder Brett Pendell (Plymouth, Ill.), junior infielders Lorenzo Gallaga (New Lenox, Ill.) and Cole Waddell (Derby, Kan.), and senior outfielder/first baseman Steve Strutz (Orland Park, Ill.) also took swings and showed off defensive abilities.

The two-hour event featured a 60-yard run, batting practice, defensive rounds of infield and outfield, and pitchers’ bull pens.

Along with Gallaga, who ran a 6.64, Schneider, Kistner, Berg, Price, Pendell, and Waddell finished the 60-yard run under seven seconds.

“Kistner and Schneider showed their power at the plate,” Hyman added. “Metcalf really impressed the scouts with his round of BP and his range in the field. Stewart’s pop times, along with Price and Wolf’s throws from the outfield were all comparable with pro times.”

“We had a nice representation of Major League Baseball at the workout,” Hyman added. “It’s a credit to our players and the program that we have strong relationships with the area scouts. The players really showcased their skills today.”

Originaly from Source