MLB Draft: Cincinnati Reds decide they want another Valaika
One of the most promising prospects in the Cincinnati Reds organization is former Newhall Hart infielder Chris Valaika, so it comes as no surprise that the Reds selected his younger brother, Matt, a UC Santa Barbara infielder, in the 20th round of the amateur draft on Wednesday.
There have been lots of notable Southern California products taken in the second day of the draft. First baseman Jonathan Singleton of Long Beach Millikan went to the Phillies in the eighth round. UCLA pitcher Gavin Brooks was taken in the ninth round by the Yankees.
Santa Ana Mater Dei pitcher Aaron Northcraft went to the Atlanta Braves in the 10th round. San Dimas catcher Josh Leyland was chosen by the Athletics in the 16th round. In the 17th round, Simi Valley outfielder Brent Keys went to the Marlins, El Toro pitcher Chad Thompson was selected by the Yankees and Huntington Beach Marina pitcher Paul Strong went to the Rangers.
Cal State Fullerton catcher Dustin Garneau went to the Rockies in the 19th round.
UCLA has had five players chosen, with pitcher Charles Brewer going in the 12th round to the Diamondbacks, pitcher Brendan Lafferty going in the 18th round to the Royals and first baseman Cody Decker going in the 22nd round to the Padres.
USC infielder Hector Rabago went in the 18th round to the Yankees, and Trojans pitcher Anthony Vasquez was selected by the Mariners in 18th round.
-- Eric Sondheimer
