Pedro Alvarez

The MLB draft starts in less than twelve hours. For Vandy fans, the televised draft has been wonderful. Last year we cheered for David Price, Casey Weathers and other great Vandy players as they were selected. This year we'll cheer equally hard for the pack of Vandy players that Pedro Alvarez will lead in the Draft.

As a Vandy fan and alumni, it has been difficult during the past many years as I have often taken heat from my Alabama, Auburn, Duke, Carolina and UConn friends. I would explain (consistent with Chancellor Gee's philosophy of course) that Vandy's focus is on academics, but in my heart I would say, "hmmm, what about Duke, Stanford, or ....." (what is Nick's (Chancellor Zeppos) philosophy? We are spending some much needed money for athletic improvements).

Over the past few years, football, basketball, baseball and numerous other Vandy teams have been competitive and exciting to watch. By chance last year, I even saw the first Vandy team to ever win a National Championship (Vanderbilt's Women's Bowling). I didn't even know we had a bowling team, but I was proud, especially after learning of the team's 3.49 grade point average to go along with their athletic skills.

Well, back to baseball. My family and I were fortunate to watch some of Vandy's games in person this year and last year. The level of play was excellent, the work ethic tremendous, the team camaraderie exceptional and fan relations warm and open. After talking to some parents and grandparents of the players, it is clear the Coach Corbin is the commodore and catalyst and that the Coach's love, skills, knowledge and professionalism go into everything from playing the game to properly standing when the Star Spangled Banner is played. Go Coach Corbin!

Finally, lets look at some of the team this year as the draft nears. Pedro Alvarez is a great hitter and is expected to go number one or number two in the first round. He is a National and SEC Player of the Year Candidate and First Team Preseason All-American. He has great stats and his leadership and character skills are tremendous. Look elsewhere for all of the possible twists and projections discussing everything from Scott Boras to amount per slot to economics to....

Next, Ryan Flaherty at shortstop. He is a First Team Preseason All-American, A Golden Spikes Semifianlist, Student Athelete of the month, and the list goes on. He has great stats and is consistent with good leadership ability. In his spare time this year (right) he even wrote a journal and spent many hours communicating with fans. (See it at Vandy's baseball website).

Pitcher Brett Jacobson should also go fairly high in the draft. Finally, outfielders David Macias, Dominic de la Osa, and Jonathan White are hopeful of going high in the draft. Last year Dominic was drafted in the 10th round, but came back to play for Vandy. Catcher Shea Robin has also been coming on strong this year. His bat has been hot and he was selected as one of 12 semifinalists for the Johnny Bench Award as the nation's top collegiate catcher. Alvarez and Macias won First Team All-SEC Honors this year and Flaherty, De la Osa and Alex Feinberg won second team honors.

Wow, have I missed anybody. If so, go to Vandy's baseball website, http://vucommodores.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/vand-m-basebl-body.html and find out more.

Good Luck to all Vandy's eligible players in the draft!