Baseball’s amateur draft, according to recent Grand Junction High School graduate Geoff Baldwin, is just another steppingstone in the dream.
As the first Coloradan chosen Wednesday, in the 10th round by the Kansas City Royals, the first baseman got a rare gift.
“It’s where I wanted to go. I even tried out for them,” Baldwin said.
Baldwin, The Denver Post 2009 All-Colorado first baseman, has a viable option, because he has signed a letter of intent with Nebraska. Even so, he proclaimed: Let the negotiations begin. He considers himself “signable.”
“In the long run, it’s not about money; it’s about the people in the organization and how I’ll be developed,” he said. “If I can get what I want, I’ll sign.”
Like so many others nationally, Baldwin figured he would be drafted higher. Four other recent Colorado prep graduates were drafted: Rocky Mountain outfielder Jake Stewart, The Denver Post player of the year, in the 14th round, when he was selected by the World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies; Eaton catcher Bennett Pickar (15th round, by Atlanta); Faith Christian right-handed pitcher Pierce Johnson (15th, by Tampa Bay); and Mountain Vista’s Eric Anderson (28th, by Houston). Anderson said Wednesday he’ll probably play collegiately at Missouri.
Three locals were chosen as collegians: IF Jeff Squier, Sterling H.S., Mississippi Valley State, 14th round, Rockies; RHP Casey Schmidt, Ralston Valley H.S., University of San Diego, 15th, Mets; and RHP Tyler Sturdevant, Chatfield H.S., New Mexico State, 27th, Indians.
