Nebraska struggled on the diamond this season but still participated in this weeks MLB Draft, as three former Huskers were selected.
Stepping Up
Scott Schreiber, an outfielder and power hitter, was selected in the ninth round by the Houston Astros. He was also selected last year, though in the 26th round by the Tampa Bay Rays. Schreiber graduated after this season and will join the Astros organization, where former teammate Jake Myers currently plays. He hit .416 with 30 RBIs and 11 home runs this year.
While Schreiber got a bump in his draft stock, his teammate Luis Alvarado saw himself dip four rounds. Last year, Alvarado, who played outfield and was a solid batter, was drafted as a pitcher by the Seattle Mariners in the 13th round. After a bumpy full season on the mound, Alvarado dropped to the 17th round, where he was picked by the Los Angeles Angels.
That is the same organization where current Huskers manager Darin Erstad was a star for so many years. Alvarado was also picked out of high school, though in the 33rd round. He went 2-3 on the year with a 2.67 ERA and 59 strikeouts.
Lastly, junior Jesse Wilkening was picked in the 14th round by the Philadelphia Phillies. The catcher will sign his contract and forego his final season of eligibility after he was a bright spot in a rough season of Husker baseball.
Wilkening hit .310 with 36 hits, 32 RBIs and four homers.
Heading to LNK
In other news, the Huskers baseball recruiting class will be boosted by Spencer Schwellenbach. The Missouri recruit was drafted in the 34th round by the Cleveland Indians but decided to come to Lincoln instead.