Spencer Steedley began his pro career in Tennessee Wednesday night. |
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Charlotte Draft Picks Make First Pro Appearances
June 21, 2007
Charlotte, N.C. - All three of Charlotte's 2007 baseball draft picks have made their professional debuts with their minor league teams this week as a new chapter in their baseball careers is written.
Boston's eighth-round selection, Adam Mills, pitching for the Lowell Spinners in the NY-Penn League, tossed two scoreless innings of relief against the Oneonta Tigers Wednesday night, qualifying for a hold. He struck out his first pro batter in the contest as well.
According to the Major League Baseball Web site, a hold is not an official statistic, but was created to give credit to relivers who come in with a lead, get at least one out, and leave with the lead. You cannot get a hold and a save in the same outing.
Mills was the A-10 Pitcher of the Year and is a finalist for the Roger Clemens Award, given to the nation's top pitcher. His 1.01 ERA and 14 wins were NCAA bests, while he finished sixth in the country with 141 strikeouts.
Detroit's 22nd round pick, catcher Kris Rochelle, debuted on Tuesday and scored a run in the bottom of the ninth to help the Gulf Coast League Tigers score three to send the game to extra innings. He stayed to catch in the tenth as the Phillies won 6-3. Rochelle got his first at-bat Wednesday, striking out in the eighth inning.
Rochelle led the Niners with a .404 batting average and caught over 545 innings for Charlotte in his senior season. He was a first-team all-Atlantic 10 selection.
Minnesota's 25th round pick, Spencer Steedley, tossed an inning of scoreless relief in game one of a doubleheader Wednesday night for the Elizabethton Twins of the Appalachian League against the Kingsport Mets in a seven-inning 15-1 victory. He qualified for, but not receive a hold.
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Steedley was a first-team All-Conference starting pitcher, finishing with an 8-2 record and 3.05 ERA, both career bests. He finished the season with 92 strikeouts.
You can follow the careers of all eight Niners in the pros (with more news coming on additional players) at the Niners in the Pros page.
