Could Feole Come Back?
The Story: UConn had five players selected in the MLB Draft, which ended yesterday, but what was most notable was that left-hander Mason Feole, the Huskies’ ace, fell to the 11th round before he was taken by the San Diego Padres.
A RETURN IN THE MAKING? Feole, who put together an utterly dominant sophomore season in 2018, was considered one of the top draft-eligible college pitchers this spring and, optimistically, a first- or second-round draft pick. A triceps injury delayed his 2019 debut by two weeks and the disruption to his winter conditioning seemed to overshadow his March and April. Though he started to show flashes of his previous dominance late in the season, his velocity had dipped and he struggled with his command.
Feole made his final appearance in the Huskies’ first NCAA tournament game against Nebraska, an 8-5 loss in which he lasted five innings and allowed seven earned runs on eight hits with eight strikeouts. But, considering the way his season came together, and the knowledge that he’s better than his 3-4 record, his 4.09 ERA and what he showed over the past three-plus months, it’s not impossible that he passes on the Padres’ offer and returns to Storrs for one last shot to prove he’s the player he was expected to be.
CLOSE TO HOME: Closer Jacob Wallace was the first UConn player off the board when he was selected by the Colorado Rockies in the third round with the 100th pick. Wallace, who was sensational in the NCAA tournament, finished with 68 strikeouts over 42 innings and allowed 10 walks, 20 hits and a .140 batting average against this season. Because of his improved command and his confidence on the mound, it wouldn’t be impossible to see him jet through the minors, which means a return to Dunkin’ Donuts Park with the Hartford Yard Goats is in the near future. He’ll be the first player from this class to reach the majors.
ALSO DRAFTED: The Minnesota Twins chose shortstop Anthony Prato in the seventh round, 209th overall, meaning he’ll likely be heading to the pros after three seasons in Storrs. Although he doesn’t hit for power, he’s a rangy fielder who has grown more patient at the plate and has routinely drawn praise from coach Jim Penders as one of the best players in the country. Senior center fielder Michael Woodworth gets to go home to Alameda, California, as he was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 29th round, 884th overall, and fifth-year senior pitcher CJ Dandeneau was taken in the 37th round, 1,114th overall, by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Left fielder John Toppa, who had a team-high .326 batting average this season, surprisingly went undrafted, as did pitcher Jeff Kersten, who made a team-high 16 starts but had a 4.78 ERA.
Morning Read
WILLIAMS GETS OFFER: Four-star junior Jaylin Williams, from Fort Smith, Arkansas, has been offered a scholarship by Dan Hurley. The 6-foot-9 center also has offers from a number of Big Ten and Big 12 schools. (Kevin McPherson on Twitter)
SPETZ COMMITS: The men’s hockey team received a commitment from John Spetz, a defenseman from New Jersey currently playing in the USHL. (The UConn Blog)
CHIPPING IN: Former UConn golfer Eric Dietrich qualified to play in the U.S. Open, which begins June 19 at Pebble Beach. (The UConn Blog)
SPRING IN HIS STEP: Houston Astros center fielder George Springer took batting practice yesterday for the first time as he recovers from a left hamstring injury. (Houston Chronicle)
GOING DEEP: The NCAA voted to move the men’s Division I 3-point line back a foot to the international distance of 22 feet, 1.75 inches, effective immediately. (Associated Press)
