Short & Sweet: 3 shortstops lead off MLB draft for 1st time

SECAUCUS, N.J. – Shortstops were a big hit leading off the Major League Baseball draft.

The Arizona Diamondbacks selected Vanderbilt slugger Dansby Swanson with the No. 1 pick Monday night, setting off a history-making run at the position.

With the second pick, Houston took LSU’s Alex Bregman – marking the first time since 1982 the first two players chosen were shortstops. That year it was Shawon Dunston (Cubs) and Augie Schmidt (Blue Jays).

Colorado made it 3 for 3 this time by taking Florida high schooler Brendan Rodgers at No. 3 overall.

Eight shortstops in all were selected in the first round.

Swanson, who helped lead the Commodores to the College World Series earlier in the day, was the first college shortstop to be the top pick since Bill Almon from Brown University in 1974.

Rounds 3-10 will be held today and rounds 11-40 on Wednesday.

Rangers take RHP Tate

The Spokane Indians hold out hope that the top pitcher selected in the MLB draft will spend his summer at Avista Stadium.

The Texas Rangers, Spokane’s parent club, chose right-hander Dillon Tate from UC Santa Barbara with the fourth overall pick.

The Indians play in the short-season Class A Northwest League, a typical destination for drafted college players but not high school draftees.

Tate, known for command of four pitches, finished the season with 111 strikeouts and an earned-run average of 2.26.

The Rangers’ second selection was outfielder Eric Jenkins of West Columbus (North Carolina) High School.

The Indians will begin a three-day minicamp on Monday and open the season June 18 at Avista against Hillsboro.