MLB Signing Deadline Fast Approaching

In what has become an annual tradition for the Oregon State coaching staff, the MLB signing deadline is today-- which means a waiting game to see if current players and recruits decide to make the jump to the major leagues. 

The OSU pitching staff was hit hard by the draft-- six players with eligibility remaining went in the first ten rounds of the draft. Of those, Tanner Robles, Kraig Sitton, and Tyler Waldron have already signed. Greg Peavey, OSU's Friday night starter in 2010, as well as Kevin Rhoderick and Josh Osich are still unsigned. 

Peavey accumulated a 6-3 record and 3.64 ERA for the Beavers last season, pitching a team-high 99 innings. Greg was taken in the sixth round by the New York Mets. Rhoderick has saved 18 games in his three years at Oregon State, twelve of those coming during his freshman season. He has the option to return for his senior season as well, but was selected in the ninth round by the Chicago Cubs. Osich suffered a shoulder surgery that caused him to miss the entire 2010 season, but he was still taken in the seventh round by the Angels. He appeared in 17 games a sophomore, and 12 as a freshman. 

Tanner Robles is currently playing with the Billings Mustangs in the Cincinnati Reds' farm system. He has a 3-2 record in 10 starts with a 3.27 ERA. He has one complete game shutout, and opponents are hitting .196 against him. Kraig Sitton is playing in Tri-Cities in the Colorado System. He's come in as a relief pitcher in 14 games this season, pitching 18.2 innings. His ERA is at 2.89, and opponents are hitting .215 against him. Tyler Waldron is in the New York-Penn League playing for the State College Spikes, a Class A affiliate of the Pirates. He's 3-5 in 11 starts with a 3.18 ERA. 

Three of Oregon State's prized recruits have still yet to sign pro contracts; pitcher Drew Vettleson, infielder Jake Rodriguez, and former Clackamas High star Ben Wetzler. 

The complete list: (UPDATED, TUESDAY MORNING...)

Collegiate Selections (in order of selection)
RHP Tyler Waldron, 5th round, 147th overall, Pittsburgh Pirates  (signed)
RHP Greg Peavey, 6th round, 182nd overall, New York Mets (signed)
LHP Kraig Sitton, 7th round, 230th overall, Colorado Rockies  (signed)
LHP Josh Osich, 7th round, 234th overall, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
LHP Tanner Robles, 9th round, 277th overall, Cincinnati Reds  (signed)
RHP Kevin Rhoderick, 9th round, 280th overall, Chicago Cubs (signed)
IF Stefen Romero, 12th round, 372nd overall, Seattle Mariners (signed)
OF Adalberto Santos, 22nd round, 657th overall, Pittsburgh Pirates (signed)

Oregon State Signee Selections (in order of selection)
OF/P Drew Vettleson (Kitsap, Wash.), 1st round supplemental, 42nd overall, Tampa Bay Rays (signed)
RHP Ian Kendall (Ashland, Ore.), 5th round, 161st overall, Tampa Bay Rays (signed)
IF Jake Rodriguez (Elk Grove, Calif.), 11th round, 354th overall, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
IF Brandon Drury (Grants Pass, Ore.), 13th round, 404th overall, Atlanta Braves (signed)
LHP Ben Wetzler (Clackamas, Ore.), 15th round, 450th overall, Cleveland Indians
RHP Adam Duke (Spanish Fork, Utah), 16th round, 503rd overall, Boston Red Sox
OF Brian Pointer (Reno, Nev.), 28th round, 861st overall, Philadelphia Phillies

The signing deadline hits at 9:00 p.m. on the West Coast. Keep your fingers crossed!

--Jake | (jake.buildingthedam@gmail.com)