Nunez, Linehan Selected In MLB Draft

A pair of Elk Grove-area baseball players were selected in day two of Major League Baseball's Amateur Draft Friday. Elk Grove catcher Dom Nunez was taken in the sixth round by the Colorado Rockies. He was the 169th overall selection.

Former Sheldon and current Fresno State pitcher Tyler Linehan was drafted in the ninth round by the Milwaukee Brewers.

Former Sheldon Huskie Tyler
Linehan

What is surprising is that after being so highly rated by several media sources prior to the draft, Elk Grove slugger Rowdy Tellez is still on the board. Also, going undrafted to this point is former Herd infielder Jake Rodriguez, now the Oregon State University catcher.

Following his high school days at Elk Grove Rodriguez was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels, but turned down the offer to go to college.

Here's what MLB.com had to write about Nunez:

Nunez played for the national team in 2011 and '12 as a shortstop, helping Team USA to gold medals each time. But he moved behind the plate this spring at Elk Grove and has become one of the Draft's most intriguing catching prospects. He isn't especially toolsy, but Nunez plays above his talent level, thanks to his feel for the game. He has a good approach as a hitter and provides gap power but probably won't ever be much of a power hitter. He is still learning behind the plate, but is eager to improve.

Nunez batted .390 for the Sac-Joaquin Section champion Herd in 2013. He had four homers, five triples, seven doubles and drove in 37 runs. He started all four years at Elk Grove, this past season he played most of his games at catcher.

Elk Grove's Dom Nunez, taken by the Rockies Friday
in the sixth round of the MLB Amateur Draft

He is committed to play college baseball for UCLA next season. The draft selection, particularly one as high as the sixth round, may change those plans.

The Rockies drafted Nunez as a third baseman.

Here's what MLB.Com wrote about Linehan:  

Linehan had a disappointing season at Fresno St. after moving between the rotation and the bullpen and struggling to find any consistency. He still has good potential, however, because of two good pitches in his fastball and curveball. His fastball sits in the low 90s and has good cutting action to it while his curveball has late, sharp downward action. If Linehan can become more consistent and add a third pitch, he could become a solid value for whatever team drafts him.

Linehan was 3-7 with a 5.90 ERA this year for Bulldogs.

His Bulldog teammate, Aaron Judge, was taken in the first round Thursday by the New York Yankees. 

The MLB Draft each June selects players who have graduated from high school or collegiate players who have completed three years of play.