(Photo Credit: JASON BEHNKEN)
Following the first round selection of outfielder Nick Plummer as the 23rd overall pick, the St. Louis Cardinals selected right-handed pitcher Jake Woodford out of Henry B. Plant High School in Tampa, Fla., with the 39th overall selection in the competitive balance round following round one. In the second round, at pick number 66, the club selected third baseman Bryce Denton out of Ravenwood High School in Brentwood, Tenn.
Woodford, 18, who stands 6-4 and was dominant on the mound this season, posted a 7-0 record and 0.67 ERA in 10 games, nine starts. He struck out 57 batters in 52.0 innings pitched, walking only 10 as opponents hit just .200 against him. During his junior year at Plant High School, Woodford fanned 73 batters over 13 games, 11 starts and 65.1 innings, posting a 10-1 record with a 0.43 ERA. He was named 2015 Perfect Game 3rd Team All-American and Florida All-Region 1st Team. Woodford is a teammate of the #5 overall pick by Houston, Kyle Tucker, both committing to the University of Florida.
“Jacob Woodford is a starting pitcher prospect with advanced control of a sinking fastball, breaking ball and change-up,” St. Louis Scouting Director, Chris Correa said. “I think he will thrive working alongside our talented pitching
coaches.”
Denton, 17, was drafted as a third baseman by St. Louis, and also pitched for his high school team. An All-District 11-AAA and All-Region 6-AAA selection prior to his senior year, he earned All-State honors from the Tennessee Baseball Coaches Association and the Tennessee Sports Writers Association as well. Denton, a Vanderbilt commit, recorded a .476 average with 14 doubles and just 10 strikeouts during his senior season. At 6-2, 195 pounds, Denton was the top prep position player in Tennessee.
“We are excited for the opportunity to select Bryce Denton; he’s an advanced hitter with excellent power potential,” Correa said.
Rounds 3-10 of the 2015 draft will be held Tuesday, beginning at 11:30 a.m. CT.
