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Six Cougars taken in draft

By Barrett Goldsmith
The Daily Cougar

The Cougars didn't have a marquee name or a can't-miss pick in the 2004 Major League Baseball First-Year Player draft but the handful of former UH players who heard their names called June 7-8 will not go unmissed.

During the two-day selection period, six Cougars were selected by MLB teams and will now have a shot at the big-time. Of those six, three heard their names on the first day, including two in the first four rounds.

In the third round with the 86th selection overall, the Arizona Diamondbacks selected pitcher Garrett Mock, who coming into last season was tagged as Houston's replacement for the departed Brad Sullivan. Mock never quite lived up to that label, but came on strong down the stretch, winning his last four decisions of the season.

The 6-4, 215-pound right-hander struggled last season, but scouts are impressed with his large frame and powerful legs, which give him a great deal of velocity without putting undue stress on his arm. He throws a heavy fastball and a 91 to 93 mph sinker, both of which lead to groundball outs and broken bats.

One round later, catcher Rob Johnson became a member of the Seattle Mariners' organization, and Johnson might have a better chance of being a major league player than any other UH selection this year. Last season, Johnson led the Cougars with 46 RBIs and ranked second with seven home runs. He also enjoyed a 17-game hitting streak late in the season.

Scouts describe the 6-1, 200-pound right-hander as mature and disciplined at the plate, but they say he is even better behind it. He handles pitchers well and has a strong, accurate arm that doesn't often "sail."

The final first-day pick from UH was reliever Matt Varner, who in the 11th round began his journey to San Diego. Varner was perhaps the most effective pitcher for Houston this season, starting a team-high 13 games in addition to his relief appearances.

Cougars who were taken on the second day may have a steeper climb to the MLB.

Right-hander Ricky Putnam was also taken by the Padres' organization, this time in the 20th round. The Tampa Bay Devil Rays selected outfielder Patrick Breen in the next round, and pitcher/designated hitter Brett Cooley became a member of the St. Louis Cardinals system in the 36th round.

The loss of Cooley will hurt the Cougars, as the senior's skills both on the mound and at the plate kept Houston in quite a few games this season. But the loss of all the players shouldn't damage the team as much as last season's departures, which included two players already in the majors.
 
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