Pride of '96
This week's GBL column is up on the Enterprise-Record site. Just to add a little more perspective on the comeback of Shane Cronin, this week's subject, look at the big names from the first round the year he was drafted by the San Diego Padres with the 15th pick of the 32nd round. Cronin took that five-year break and is now back with the Outlaws during a time many of the prominent names from the first round in his draft class went through the ringer and/or are still flourishing in the bigs...
1. Kris Benson, Pitcher (Pittsburgh Pirates)
3. Braden Looper, Pitcher (St. Louis Cardinals)
4. Billy Koch, Pitcher (Toronto Blue Jays)
9. Mark Kotsay, Outfielder (Florida Marlins)
10. Eric Chavez, Infielder (Oakland Athletics)
11. Adam Eaton, Pitcher (Philadelphia Phillies)
22. Gil Meche, Pitcher (Seattle Mariners)
35. Jason Marquis, Pitcher (Atlanta Braves)
Another interesting name of note: Long Beach Armada pitcher Nick Bierbrodt, who was picked up at No. 30 by the Arizona Diamondbacks