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Hall of Fame baseball writer Hal McCoy has retired from the Dayton Daily News after covering the Cincinnati Reds for 37 years. Hal's blog, though, will continue to be a must-read for Reds fans. He'll share his thoughts on the team this season and will file updates from Great American Ball Park. You also can catch Hal in print every Sunday in his popular Ask Hal columnHome > Blogs > The Real McCoy | Cincinnati Reds baseball news > Archives > 2009 > June > 09 > Entry
Reds select righthanded pitcher
The Cincinnati Reds took righthanded pitcher Mike Leake of Arizona State University in the first round of the free agent draft.
Cincinnati Reds senior director of amateur scouting Chris Buckley announced the selection of the 6-0, 180-pounder who is pitching in the College World Series.
Leake, 21, is the first pitcher selected by the Reds in the first round since RHP Homer Bailey in 2004. He is the first collegiate pitcher selected by the Reds in the first round since RHP Ryan Wagner (2003). The Reds had selected a position player with their first pick in each of the previous four drafts: 1B Yonder Alonso (2008), C Devin Mesoraco (2007), OF Drew Stubbs (2006) and OF Jay Bruce (2005).
Leake was named 2008 PAC-10 Pitcher of the Year and is a finalist for the 2009 Golden Spikes Award. He is 16-1 with a 1.36 ERA after going 11-3 with a 3.49 ERA last season. The righthander also has been named a semifinalist for the Pitcher of the Year Award presented by the College Baseball Foundation. His 40 career wins at Arizona State are tied for the most in school history. Leake is set to appear in the 2009 College World Series with the Sun Devils.
“Mike is a very polished pitcher with a good delivery and lots of poise. He is an impressive looking athlete who has a great deal of ability and an excellent command of four pitches. We are excited to add this caliber of pitcher to our organization,” said Buckley.
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By Scott
June 10, 2009 3:33 PM | Link to this
The Reds not only drafted quality pitching with this pick, but (unlike in 2007) didn’t waste their first pick on someone who already has undergone Tommy John surgery.
By Bill from Florida
June 10, 2009 2:42 PM | Link to this
All this Strasburg and Boras deal reminds me of that movie “Jerry McGuire” with Tom Cruise. Scott Boras is the greedy & annoying sport agent.
By Max
June 10, 2009 12:09 PM | Link to this
Why are people complaining that this is a “safe” pick? I love this pick. Would you rather the Reds have taken someone whose mechanics they’ll have to fix repeatedly and won’t pitch consistently in the majors for six or seven years? I thought not.
By stlredsfan
June 10, 2009 9:25 AM | Link to this
Seems like a “safe” pick. My guess is Leake will pan out as a back of the rotation guy or a middle reliever.
By Steve
June 10, 2009 8:50 AM | Link to this
G-Fox, I think you are listing the stats of the Nationals #1 overall pick. But I don’t think much.
By BrarHopper
June 9, 2009 9:37 PM | Link to this
ATTN: Red’s scouts!!! PLEASE pay attention to Derrick Bleeker from the Skyline HS Falcons (Longmont, Colorado) and headed to U of Arkansas. He is a fire balling pitcher/ shortstop with gawdy offensive #s: a .540 BA, 27 runs, 36 RBI. As a pitcher, this 6’5”, 205 lb. righty finished the year 5-2, w/one save, 1.36 ERA, 62K’s in 46-1/3. innings.
By Mister Red
June 9, 2009 8:07 PM | Link to this
Reds take Leake in first round. Some Headline there for Hal.
By G-Fox
June 9, 2009 7:58 PM | Link to this
Hey Hal-Seems the Reds PR department has made a mistake. You’ve got his 08 stats up and not his 09. He’s 16-1 this year with a 1.36 era, .75 whip, 10.2 K/9, 150 K, and 21 BB.