Indians in Major League Baseball Draft

Click here for the 2008 College Seasons of former and current Indians -- 2008 College Stats

(June 5/6) - Five former Indians from the 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 seasons were selected by Major League Baseball Organizations.

The following former Indians were selected in the 2008 MLB Draft:

16th Round, Kansas City Royals, #475 overall

LHP Derrick Saito, 2006 SM Indians -- Cal Poly SLO

Saito, a left handed specialist pitched for the Indians as a reliever in 2006. He was a reliever in 2007 for the Mustangs and played last summer for the Santa Barbara Foresters. This spring he was the Saturday starter for Cal Poly and started off very strong. He was injured early in the season and pitched sparingly for Larry Lee. He was rated as the 131st prospect out of a deep California class. The college publication stated -- "Cal Poly has become a regular producer of draft talent, though the Mustangs went 24-32 this spring despite a roster featuring six likely draftees. Five-foot-9 lefty Derrick Saito was making the most noise early, pusing his way toward the first three rounds with a devastating 92-93 mph fastball and a curveball that Big West Conference coaches tabbed the best in the league entering the season. Saito lost velocity and his release point as the season went on, and his control wavered so much that he lost regular playing time. He could still go before the 10th round to a team that saw him good early, but his stature and short track record of success hinder his chances." (BB America)

RHP Carson Bryant, 2005/06 SM Indians -- Azusa Pacific University

25th Round, Kansas City Royals, #745 overall

The hard throwing righty is a former product of Hancock College in Santa Maria. He played for the Indians in 2005 following a season at Southern Idaho and then transferred to Hancock and played for the Indians in 2006. He played a few games in 2006 until he switched over to the Blues. He transferred to Vanguard University for the 2007 season and then Azusa Pacific for the 2008 season. He was previously selected in the later rounds of 2005 by the San Diego Padres.

25th Round, Arizona Diamondbacks, #768 overall

LHP Josh Spence, 2008 SM Indians -- Central Arizona College

Left handed pitcher Josh Spence will be joining the Indians for the 2008 summer after finishing his sophomore season for Central Arizona Community College. He has signed on to transfer to Arizona State University for the 2009 season. Baseball America has rated him as the 27th best prospect out of the state of Arizona. The college publication stated -- "The best player in the state's JCs the last two years, Central Arizona lefthander Josh Spence, isn't expected to be a high pick because of his below-average fastball, which peaks at 86-87 mph. Scouts still love Spence for his tremendous makeup, feel for pitching and quality secondary pitches, which include a 78 mph curveball and Bugs Bunny changeup. Both are plus pitches and he has above-average command. He's won 27 games the last two years and pitched Central Arizona to this year's NJCAA World Series, where he took his second loss of the year. The Australian Spence also has committed to Arizona State, which makes it less likely he'll be drafted high." (BB America)

33rd Round, San Diego Padres, #1005 overall

OF Daniel Robertson, 2006 SM Indians -- Oregon State University

The speedy outfielder from Southern California played with the Indians in 2006, and was one of the most exciting players to watch in Santa Maria the past few seasons. He was the everyday centerfielder in 2006 from Concordia University in Irvine. He returned to Concordia in 2007 and had a big season and headed to the Northwoods League in 2007. He took notice when he swiped 44 stolen bases that summer and soon thereafter transferred to Oregon State University. In his first season in D-1 baseball, Robertson hit above .300 and started almost every game for the Beavers.

SS Erik Morrison, 2005 SM Indians -- Kansas University

46th Round, Texas Rangers, #1380 overall

Shortstop Erik Morrison who played for the Indians in 2005 should once again be selected in Thursday's draft. The product of Arroyo Grande High School attended Kansas University of four seasons, being selected in the 49th round by the Pirates in 2007. He was rated as the 26th best prospect out of the state of Kansas.