Four Hilltoppers Taken in the First 10 Rounds of the MLB Draft



    The WKU Baseball program has made great strides over the past few years. These past two days could have been the two greatest strides for the program in its history. Kes Carter was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays with the 56th overall pick in the MLB Amateur Draft. Carter was picked on the first day of the draft in the second round while 3 more Hilltoppers were selected on the second day. Phil Wetherell was selected in the 8th round by the Yankees, Matt Rice was selected in 9th round by the Tampa Bay Rays, and Logan Robbins was taken by the Atlanta Braves in the 10th round. That makes 4 Hilltoppers selected within the first 10 rounds. An astonishing accomplishment for a program that is considered a "mid-major".

    Carter and Robbins now face the decision of whether to leave school or return for their senior season. I'd say that it's a safe bet that Carter will take this tremendous oppurtunity and run with it. Robbins however has a tougher decision to make. Both Carter and Robbins not only will receive tremendous financial compensation but also were selected by two very great organizations. As much as I'd love to see them in a WKU uniform next year, the odds are, they will both take the oppurtunity.
   
    The most interesting aspect of the draft was that Kes Carter and Matt Rice were both selected by the Tampa Bay Rays. Single-A is the level that both Carter and Rice will ultimately begin at after their short season in the rookie league. The Rays Single-A affiliate happens to reside in Bowling Green, KY. That's right...the Hot Rods. It would be so awesome for both of theses guys to come right back to Bowling Green and start their Pro Careers in front of the fans that watched them grow as college players. I know that if one or both of these guys end up on the Hot Rods next season, I'll be at alot of games.
  
    The third day of the draft could have a few more Hilltoppers hearing their names called. Thirdbasemen Casey Dykes and Pitcher Rye Davis are two prospects. Davis just finished his season and hopes to get a call to continue his baseball career. Dykes is a junior and one has to think that at this point, regardless of where he gets drafted, he'll return to the hill next year.


WESTERN KENTUCKY DAWG!