Virginia hears six names taken in 2007 MLB First Year Player Draft
Cubs, Rockies grab two Hoos apiece

The Oakland A’s organization, whose minor league teams and draft strategies were made famous by Michael Lewis’ book Moneyball, came away from the first round of the 2007 MLB Draft looking happy and confused. Why? Virginia’s prized southpaw pitcher and first baseman, projected by some to go third or eleventh overall, fell to the supplemental first round where Oakland gladly grabbed him at No. 41 overall. Of course we’re talking about junior Sean Doolittle, who finished the 2007 college season with a .301 batting average, seven homers and a team-high 53 RBIs. Doolittle also posted an 8-3 record as a starting pitcher, with a 2.40 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP. Solid numbers, considering the quality ACC opponents Doolittle faced from the hill AND the batters box.

The next two Wahoos to be drafted were taken in consecutive rounds by the Chicago Cubs, at Nos. 157 and 187 overall. Junior outfielder Brandon Guyer was taken in the 5th round, and senior pitcher Casey Lambert was chosen in the 6th, being the third player taken on Day Two of the draft. Guyer hit .370 with eight homers and 50 RBIs, and Lambert went 3-3 with a 2.06 ERA and 11 saves, becoming the ACC’s all-time saves leader with a career total of 43.

Not to be outdone by the Cubs, the Colorado Rockies also selected two Cavaliers, in catcher Beau Seabury and outfielder Mike Mitchell, both seniors. Seabury went No. 402 overall, after throwing out 21 of 39 attempted base stealers while batting .269. Mitchell was picked at No. 762, with the Rockies looking at his 19-for-21 stolen bases and .299 average.

Lastly, the Pittsburgh Pirates selected pitcher Pat McAnaney with pick No. 1139, showing respect for the 6’3” lefty who went 2-0 while pitching only 35 innings. Only a junior, McAnaney might choose to stay in college and get drafted again next year. If he does, he will enjoy another season under head coach Brian O’Connor, who – after seeing six of his players drafted, the highest total in Virginia baseball history – signed a three year contract extension through 2012.

41 Doolittle, Sean    Oakland A's    Lefty    Junior    6'2''     1st round

157 Guyer, Brandon    Chicago Cubs        junior    6’1”    5th rd

187 Lambert, Casey    Chicago Cubs    lefty     senior    5’10”    6th rd

402 Seabury, Beau    Colorado Rockies        senior    6’1”    13th rd

762 Mitchell, Mike    Colorado Rockies        senior    6’1”    25th rd1

139 McAnaney, Pat    Pittsburgh Pirates    lefty     junior 6’3”    38th rd 

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