Appeal Staff Report
Three pitchers with Western Nevada College ties who were taken in this month's Major League Baseball draft have all signed and are beginning their professional careers.
Kyle Farrell, who pitched for WNC this past season, made it official when he signed with the Atlanta Braves for the agreed-upon $150,000 signing bonus after he was picked in the ninth round. The deal also calls for the Braves to pay for Farrell's final three years of college. Farrell said he expected to begin with the Braves Rookie League team in the Gulf Coast League.
Stephen Sauer, a former WNC standout who pitched this past season with Arizona State, signed for a $72,500 bonus after being taken in the 10th round by the Chicago White Sox. The deal also calls for the White Sox to pay for Sauer's final year of college. Sauer has already reported to the White Sox Rookie League affiliate in Great Falls, Mont., in the Pioneer League.
Sauer said he expects to make his debut either today or Friday and added he expects to be used mostly as a relief pitcher. "They know I can go long relief and come in and close, play any of those roles," Sauer said.
Sauer signed with the White Sox last Friday, just a few days after the Sun Devils were eliminated by Frenso State in the Super Regional. "It went really fast," Sauer said.
He said he knew all along he would sign and skip his senior year. "I knew I wanted to go out and play this year," he said.
He added he was happy with the deal he received. "I feel confident that's what was fair and that's what I was worth," Sauer said.
Jose Barajas, who pitched for WNC this past season, also signed with the Baltimore Orioles for a $20,000 signing bonus after being drafted in the 29th round. Barajas will begin in the rookie Appalachian League.