Diamond Dogs Carver, Flagg, Moore Ink Pro Contracts
STARKVILLE, Miss. - Three members of Mississippi State’s 2008 baseball team have signed contracts and are set to begin their careers in professional baseball.
The latest Diamond Dogs to join the pro ranks are senior left-handed pitcher Jesse Carver of Starkville, Miss., junior outfielder/first baseman Jeff Flagg of Jacksonville, Fla., and junior first baseman Tyler Moore of Brandon, Miss.
Carver signed a free agent contract this week with Kansas City, and has reported to the Royals’ Pioneer League franchise in Idaho Falls, Idaho.
Carver appeared in 43 games and compiled a 2-1 record with a 7.03 career ERA in four seasons at Mississippi State. Primarily used in relief, the former Starkville High School standout drew two starts in both 2007 and in 2008.
Outfielder Jeff Flagg, a 27th-round draft pick of the New York Mets, has reported to the Mets’ spring training center in Port St. Lucie, Fla.
Flagg, who started 38 of his 81 games played the past three seasons, compiled a .253 career batting average with six home runs. He is expected to be assigned to the Kingsport (Tenn.) Mets in the rookie advanced Appalachian League.
First baseman Tyler Moore, a 16th-round draft pick of Washington, inked with the Nationals Thursday afternoon and will begin his pro career in the New York-Penn League with the Vermont Lake Monsters in Winooski, Vt.
Moore, one of two Bulldogs to draw starts in all 56 games, hit .299 in his lone season as a Diamond Dog, leading State with 14 home runs and 46 RBI in 2008. He is one of six Baseball Bulldogs selected last week in Major League Baseball’s First-Year Player Draft.