Three More Bulldogs Selected In MLB Draft Friday
The Tampa Bay Devil Rays made senior right-hander Josh Johnson of Caledonia, Miss., the first player selected in the 16th round. Johnson sports a 3-3 record with a 6.21 earned run average. He is 17-8 with a 5.23 career ERA at Mississippi State.
Junior first baseman/outfielder/pitcher Mitch Moreland was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 17th round. The Amory, Miss., product, currently hitting .336 with a team-best 23 doubles, hit his ninth home run of the year in leading Mississippi State to an 8-6 Super Regional win over Clemson in Starkville.
Rea, a senior second baseman/outfielder and school career hits leader from Nettleton, Miss., was tabbed by the Chicago Cubs in the 18th round. Rea, currently hitting .340, was a 33rd round draft pickoff the Boston Red Sox in 2006.
MSU junior catcher Edward Easley of Olive Branch, Miss., became the all-time highest draft pick among Mississippi State catchers Thursday when he was selected in the supplemental first round by the Arizona Diamondbacks, the 61st players selected in the draft overall.