2013 MLB Draft: Alberta Preview

The MLB draft is coming up the next three days. Here's a preview on some Albertans to keep an eye on.  Last year four players from our province were drafted and all of them signed and are now playing professional ball.  This year once again there are several local players on the Canadian Baseball Network's draft list including the top Canadian who was born in Edmonton.

Here is a rundown on some of the players expected to be drafted:


Rob Zastryzny - Projected to be the first Canadian taken this year, Zastryzny is a left-handed pitcher who is the staff ace of the University of Missouri Tigers. He grew up in Texas, playing for the Callalen High School Wildcats, although he was born in Edmonton. He is a consesus (Baseball America and Perfect Game) top 100 pick and should be taken by the 3rd round.

Adam Nelubowich - This 3rd baseman from Stony Plain was drafted out of Vauxhall in 2009 by the Mariners, but did not sign.  He is playing for the Washington State Cougars, and has spent last summer playing for the Cotuit Kettleers in the Cape Code League.  He also appears in BA and PGs top 500 lists.

Jake Hansen - Another left handed pitcher, Fort MacLeod's Jake Hansen was previously taken by the Mets in the 2011 draft.  Locally, he played for the Spitz Canadians in Lethbridge, as well as the Prairie Baseball Academy's Junior Dawgs, and led his FP Walshe High School to a Provincial Championship.  He is currently pitching for Penascola State College in Florida.

Jordan Procyshen - Calgary's Jordan Procyshen is a power-hitting catcher for the Northeastern Junior College in Colorado, who has slugged 15 homeruns leading all JUCO players.

Chayse Marion - This big first baseman from Red Deer is another Vauxhall grad.  He played two seasons for the Trinidad State Junior College Trojans and is now at McNeese State University playing for the Cowboys.

Ryan Thompson - Thompson is a pitcher at Franklin Pierce, who I've written about before and was previously drafted by the Yankees in 2011.

Good luck to these and all other players in the upcoming draft.  I will post updates once some local players have been drafted.

And anyone who thinks baseball is only an American game, should watch this.