Pirates Draft Burner In Benson; M’S Select Right-Hander

Wed., June 5, 1996

From Staff And Wire Reports

Clemson right-hander Kris Benson was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates today as the top pick in baseball’s amateur draft.

Benson, 21, is 14-1 this season for Clemson with a 1.57 earned run average, 193 strikeouts and 26 walks in 149 innings. Benson, who is 6-foot-4, has a live fastball and outstanding control, making him one of the most highly rated college pitchers ever. He struck out 15 in 7-1/3 innings Friday during a 7-3 loss to Miami at the College World Series.

“He is a talented, well-rounded pitching prospect,” said Paul Tinnell, the Pirates’ director of scouting.

The Seattle Mariners selected 17-year-old right-hander Gilbert Meche with their first pick - the 22nd overall selection.

“He has the potential to be a No. 1 or 2 starter in the big leagues,” said Roger Jongewaard, the Mariners vice president of player development.

Meche, a 6-3, 185-pounder, had a 6-4 record with a 2.30 ERA in 10 games for Acadiana High in Lafayette, La., striking out 50 in 42 innings.

Seventeen pitchers were taken on the first round but just three left-handers. Just 11 of the 30 picks were from colleges.

Kansas City, parent club of the Spokane Indians, used the 14th selection on outfielder Dermal Brown of Marlboro (N.Y.) Central High. Indians general manager Andy Billig said there was no indication yet whether Brown would be assigned to Spokane.

Only the first round is released immediately. The draft concludes Thursday and the remaining players selected will be released in about 10 days.

Three Cougars chosen

Three Washington State University baseball players were taken in the draft.

Shortstop Mike Wetmore was chosen in the seventh round by Milwaukee.

Left-hander Robert Ramsay was also taken in the seventh round by Cincinnati.

Left-hander Mark Hendrickson, who is expected to go in either the first or second round of the NBA draft, was chosen by the Texas Rangers in the 19th round.

Also, WSU recruit Adam Eaton of Snohomish, a right-handed pitcher, was the 11th player taken in the draft, by Philadelphia.

, DataTimes

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Pirates Draft Burner In Benson; M’S Select Right-Hander

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