Spartans Look To Be Highly Represented In 2009 MLB Draft

TAMPA, Fla. - After having 14 players selected in the previous three years of the Major League Baseball Draft, The University of Tampa is looking to have a record number of players chosen in the 2009 MLB Draft.

The 2009 MLB Draft is scheduled to begin on Tuesday at 6 p.m., which will include the first three rounds. Rounds 4-30 are scheduled for Wednesday as rounds 31-50 will be on Thursday.

UT has produced at least one selection each of the past six years, with a record six players going in 2007. Last season, the Spartans had the names of three players called. In 2009, as many as 10 Spartans could be chosen.

Pitchers Alex Koronis and Danny Keefe expect to be the first Tampa players selected, as fellow hurlers Carmine Giardina and AJ Pinera also expect to be selected. Jose Jimenez, who was selected in last year's draft, also expects to go while catcher Garrett Maines should also be chosen.

Infielders Casey Albanese and Jesus Barroso will also join outfielders Steven Broschofsky and Nick Nordgren as potential draftees.

Koronis, a hard-throwing right-handed pitcher from Miami, led Tampa with an 8-2 record and a 3.48 ERA as a junior. The transfer from the University of Miami also led UT with 79 strikeouts and five saves.

Keefe was second on the team with 70 strikeouts while winning four games. Giardina was second on the squad with five victories as the left-handed pitcher struck out 54 batters in 45.1 innings.

Jimenez led all Spartans with a .390 batting average as the senior infielder/catcher finished his UT career with 52 home runs to rank second in school history behind Tino Martinez. Jimenez joined Broschofsky for second on the team with 11 home runs.

The 2009 MLB Draft may be followed live through www.mlb.com.