2011 Draft Signings: ASU's sanctions could turn MacPhee pro

Zack MacPhee

9th round pick third baseman Jordan Smith is hitting .308 (4-for-13) with a double and two stolen bases in his first four games playing in the Cape Cod League. It will probably be a few weeks before he is signed (if he is signed).

Now that Arizona State has been eliminated from the college baseball postseason, expect 13th rounder second baseman Zach Macphee to sign soon. With Arizona State banned from the 2012 postseason because of NCAA violations, the lure to stay in school to play for a College World Series title next year is gone. He would strictly want to stay only to finish his degree, which is something he can do any time, plus risks seeing his draft stock fall his senior year. He already experienced the stock fall from his sophomore to junior year, so that may be enough to entice him to go pro now.

I’ve heard that 39th round pick outfielder John Barr will sign as soon as the University of Virginia is finished with their postseason play. Also that 48th round pick right-handed pitcher Blaine O’Brien is ready to sign.

Follow Tony and the Indians Prospect Insider on Twitter @TonyIPI. Also, his latest book the 2011 Cleveland Indians Top 100 Prospects & More is available for purchase for $20.95 to customers in the US (shipping and handling extra).

Posted in: 2011 Draft News,Blaine O'Brien,John Barr,Jordan Smith,Zack MacPhee