June 8, 2007

Five more Highlanders chosen in baseball draft
DAY 2: USC's Duda, from Arlington High, goes in the 7th round; Cajon High has 2 players taken.

By KEVIN PEARSON and MARK THOMA

UC Riverside followed its first Big West Conference championship with an impressive showing in the Major League Baseball first-year player draft.

The Highlanders had five players selected on Friday, adding to the two -- including pitcher James Simmons, who went in the first round -- who were selected Thursday.

Pitcher Daniel Runzler and shortstop Jaime Pedroza were both ninth-round selections Friday, while catcher Jeff Dunbar and pitcher Adam Reifer were 11th-round selections. Pitcher Stephen Penney went in the 20th round.

Runzler was 4-6 with a 5.06 ERA, while Reifer posted a 2.45 ERA in only five games. Dunbar started 55 games and batted .203, but caught 22 of 42 would-be base-stealers.

Pedroza batted .325 with 13 home runs and 55 RBI in 59 games, while Penney was 5-2 with a 5.40 ERA.

USC junior outfielder-first baseman Lucas Duda, a Riverside Arlington High graduate, was taken in the seventh round by the New York Mets.

The state-champion Riverside Community College baseball team was also well represented in the draft. The Tigers had four current players and one former player drafted.

Eight Inland high school players were selected Friday, including a pair of high school teammates.

San Bernardino Cajon's Chris Shafer was the first Inland high school player selected on the second day. He was selected by the Florida Marlins in the 13th round (406th overall).

Shafer was 7-0 with a 1.83 ERA for the Cowboys. He also played first base and batted .457 with seven home runs, but Florida will use him as a pitcher. He throws his fastball 88-93 mph and has good movement on his pitches.

"I'm feeling pretty good right now," Shafer said. "I do expect to sign with them."

Cajon catcher Bryson Rahier was selected by the Braves in the 42nd round (1,257th overall).

Riverside Poly ace Kyle Ocampo was also drafted in the 13th round, 410th overall, by the Texas Rangers. Ocampo easily reaches 94 mph with his fastball and has a solid slider. He was 8-1 with a 2.01 ERA for the Bears this year.

"Bryson's my best friend and there's nothing more exciting than both of us having our dreams come true," Shafer said. "I hope I make it to the big leagues, and I hope he's up there with me."

Riverside Poly ace Kyle Ocampo was also drafted in the 13th round, 410th overall, by the Texas Rangers. Ocampo easily reaches 94 mph with his fastball and has a solid slider. He was 8-1 with a 2.01 ERA for the Bears this year.

Ocampo, who has signed a letter of intent with Cal State Fullerton, was considered by many scouts to be a first-day talent. The Rangers have been following Ocampo for years and like his makeup.

"They knew what my (signing bonus) range was and they took a chance today," Ocampo said. "I'm ready to go play pro baseball, so hopefully it works out. I've really been looking forward to it and it's exciting to know I've got the chance."