Matt Wessinger beat out many highly-touted prospects when he was drafted in the 5th round.
The second day of the MLB Draft is in the books. With 15 rounds behind us, there have been several Alaska Baseball League alumni picked up; many of them were predestined for draft-day stardom while others seemingly snuck up to secure a high spot. Day one saw the selection of Mat-Su Miners product James Ramsey in the first round, followed by a pair of Oilers — Stephen Piscotty and Patrick Wisdom — taken in Compensation Round A. All three were drafted by the Cardinals.
Day two was much less predictable, with many draft sleepers getting into the mix early with some of the widely-suspected early picks. The listing below has the information on the former ABL players, chosen in rounds 2 through 15, who will now be tasked with negotiating a pro contract and climbing the long ladder to the show.
Round 2:
- J.T. Chargois (Goldpanners), Minnesota, #72 overall
It’s really cool to see Chargois go this high. I remember leading up to the 2010 season — I had just started blogging the winter prior — and Chargois was one of the guys I was most excited to see. Now he’s a second-round pick. Awesome.
Round 4:
- Chris Serritella (Bucs), Philadelphia, #158 overall
Glad to see Serritella drafted so high. I predicted him to go a little bit further back in the draft, but not because I have any doubts about his prospect status. I think this is a guy with a big-league swing that is sweet to watch and I’m sure Phillies fans will be glad to have him in their system.
Round 5:
- Matt Wessinger (Miners), Colorado, #168 overall
Here’s a guy that didn’t show up really high on my draft radar, because I had no indication that he was sought-after as a prospect. That being said, I should have known he’d go relatively early because he was a thrill to watch in Alaska. I’m almost kicking myself for not realizing he would be gone so soon. He’s a solid contact hitter; a tough out at the plate, with decent speed and glove work I once described as “graceful”. He’s got a bright future ahead of him.
Special congrats to Indians draft pick Dylan Baker, coming in at #173 overall in the 5th round. Baker did not play in the ABL, but he is an Alaskan high school product out of Juneau-Douglas High School.
Round 6:
- Justin Haley (Oilers), Boston, #211 overall#211 overall#211 overall#211 overall
Round 7:
- Kyle Barraclough (Oilers), St. Louis, #239 overall
Another ABLer taken by the Cardinals; this time a pitcher. - Cam Schiller (Bucs), Texas, #246 overall
- Taylor Garrison (Oilers), New York (AL), #247 overall
Round 8
- Cody Kendall (Oilers), Texas, #276 overall
Round 9
- D.J. Crumlich (Goldpanners), Pittsburgh, #286 overall
Crumlich was drafted late by the Pirates last year but went back to UC Irvine as a senior; that looks like the right move now! - Mike Miller (Oilers), Boston, #301 overall
Here’s a guy that I’m really glad got the call and got it relatively early. Between the 2010 and 2011 seasons he really developed into a serious prospect, but maybe more importantly, he’s a hardcore ballplayer who deserves it perhaps more than anyone I’ve seen. - Jake Stewart (Goldpanners), Detroit, #304 overall
I was wondering when this guy was gonna go! I ranked him in the top 10 of my draft prospects list. The Tigres are getting a steal in Stewart.
Round 10
- Joe Bircher (Miners), Houston, #309 overall
- Grady Wood (Goldpanners), Seattle, #311 overall
- Charlie Gillies (Fire), Detroit, #334 overall
- Brent Peterson (Oilers), Cincinnati, #382 overall
Round 13
- Tom Harlan (Glacier Pilots), Pittsburgh, #406 Overall
Jesse Jack is a life-long Alaskan (except for a stint in Montana) who studies Civil Engineering at the University of Alaska Anchorage from August through May, and lives at the ballpark during June and July. 
