MLB Draft: Day 3 for the St. Louis Cardinals

Here’s a recap of what the St. Louis Cardinals did during Wednesday’s third day of the 2012 Major League Baseball Draft.

Round 16, Pick 510 RHP Joseph Sciano, Northwestern State

“We’re really excited for Joe,” former Northwestern State coach J.P. Davis said on the phone. “The guy’s got very good stuff. He’s got a chance to move in the Cardinals organization. He’s a big guy, strong, low 90’s fastball, consistently, good deception. He’s got a very good breaking ball. The guy’s a ground-ball, strikeout pitcher. He’s had a lot of success here, and I think the guy’s got a chance to move up in the organization and make the big league club someday.”

Round 17 RHP Christopher “Chris” Perry, Methodist U (NC)
“We are very excited for Chris,” Methodist head coach Tom Austin said. “He has a tremendous work ethic and it took him to a draftable level. Coach (Spencer) Martin did a great job and Chris deserves this honor.”

Round 18 1B Jeremy Schaffer, Tulane
“I am happy to see Jeremy get a chance at the next level,” said Tulane head coach Rick Jones. “I have heard that they are going to play him a little at first base, which he certainly can do, and he is offensive enough to be able to do that at the next level. He is an athletic player and he (played first base) for us some in the past. I am excited for him. He earned the opportunity (to play at the next level).”

Round 19 RHP Steven Gallardo, Long Beach CC (CA)
“I am very happy for Steven,” Long Beach coach Casey Crook said. “He has earned this opportunity and I think he will do well. The pitch that sets Steven apart is a hard, late breaking ball that he can use as a strike out pitch and as a first pitch. He is a good all around athlete (played SS in high school) and is one of the fiercest competitors I have been around. If he was over six feet tall he might have been drafted in the top ten rounds.”

Round 20 OF Matthew Young, Cal State-Dominguez Hills (CA)
“We are thrilled about Matthew Young’s selection by the St. Louis Cardinals,” said Murphy Su’a, head coach at Cal State-Dominguez Hills. “He is well deserving of this honor and I truly believe the Cardinals got a bargain with Matt Young still available in the 20th round. Matt has great work ethic and will not cheat himself or the organization. If he stays healthy, he could play this game at a very high level for a long time.”

Round 21 1B Joseph “Jacoby” Almarez, Angelina College, TX

Round 22 C Casey Schroeder, Ottawa-Glandorf HS, OH

Round 23 CF Tate Matheny, Westminster Christian Academy (MO)
“It is every player’s dream to get drafted by the home town team,” Westminster coach Rich Van Gilst said. “I know Tate is excited and feels honored to be selected by the Cardinals. Tate had an awesome high school career and has a promising future.”

Round 24 LHP Lee Stoppelman, Central Missouri
“Lee is a great person and we are thrilled for him and the opportunity that he is getting with a great organization like the Cardinals,” Central Missouri coach Tom Myers said. “He is a hard worker and has earned a lot in his career from high school up through college and we feel he’ll do great things for the Cardinals.”

Round 25 RHP Mariano “Dixon” Llorens, Miami Dade CC-South (FL)

Round 26 LHP Steven Sabatino, Notre Dame
“Steve is another example of player that earned his draft selection,” said second-year head coach Mik Aoki. “He missed an entire season with Tommy John, but worked his tail off to be ready this season. Steve struggled early with his command this year, but kept at it and really helped us down the stretch this season.”

Round 27 RHP Joseph “Joey” Cuda, Eckerd College (FL)
“Joey worked his tail off for four years and put himself in the position to get to the next level,” said a proud EC Head Coach Bill Mathews. “We just prodded him in the right direction. He’s so committed to what he does and I couldn’t be happier for this day. He’s very deserving and we’re excited to see him take this next step in his promising career.”

Round 28 OF Dodson McPherson, Wingate University (NC)
“This is an exciting time for Dodson, his family, and for Wingate University Baseball,” Wingate coach Jeff Gregory said. “I am extremely proud of Dodson for all of his accomplishments over his time at Wingate and being picked in the 2012 Major League Draft is another great accomplishment for Dodson. He is a tremendous player but an even better person and I am thrilled that he is getting an opportunity to further his baseball career with the St. Louis Cardinals organization. I wish him nothing but the best with his professional baseball career.”

Round 29 RHP Andy Hills, Lee University (TN)
“Andy has everything they are looking for in a pitcher,” Lee University coach Mark Brew said. “He has great size and is very projectable for the future. His fastball is in the low to mid 90’s and and his slider has shown steady improvement. He is not too far off Tommy John surgery and should continue to improve his velocity and command over the course of the summer. The Cardinals drafted Andy out of high school and remain intrigued by his ability. It is a great organization and would be a good fit for Andy.”

Round 30 LHP Kyle Helisek, Villanova
“This is an exciting day for Kyle and for the Wildcats program,” Villanova coach Joe Godri said. “Kyle was an integral player for us and I am thrilled that he will have the chance to begin his professional career with the Cardinals. Kyle pitched a number of big games for us and he is ready for this opportunity. Kyle has the pitches he needs to succeed at the next level. He is durable, consistent and for a left-handed pitcher like him the sky is the limit. I am very confident that if Kyle continues to build on his potential he will be around in the pro ranks for a long time.”

Round 31 RHP Joseph Donofrio, California
“Joey had a great year for us at Cal,” California coach David Echser said. “He throws 91-92 mph with a good slider. He has worked so hard to get this opportunity. I am so proud of him as a person and a baseball player. No one will work harder in the Cardinals organization. I am excited to see how his professional career develops.”

Round 32 SS Eduardo Oquendo, Olney Central College (IL)
“I would like to congratulate Eduardo on this opportunity to pursue his professional baseball dream,” said Olney Central coach Dennis Conley. “He will be a great representative of the Cardinal organization.”

Round 33 RHP Ronald Shaban, Virgina Tech
“The St. Louis Cardinals Organization will be getting one of the most productive and competitive baseball players in Virginia Techs history!” Virginia Tech coach Pete Hughes said. “Ronnie’s work ethic will surely benefit all of his future teammates.”

Round 34 LHP Mark Trentacosta, UC Irvine

Round 35 LHP Benjamin O’Shea, University of Tampa
“Ben is a strike-throwing machine who had a tremendous season for us,” Tampa coach Joe Urso said. “We knew that we could give him the ball at any time and get a quality start from him. He brings great size and has all the tools to have a successful career.”

Round 36 C Alexander Swim, Elon University (NC)
“I am happy for both Jim (Stokes) and Alex,” said Elon coach Mike Kennedy. “The two of them have put a lot of time and hard work into this game and to hear your name called in the Major League Draft is truly special! We are excited for both of these players and their families.”

Round 37 OF Derrick May, Tatnall School (DE)

Round 38 LHP Javier Machuca, Universidad del Turabo

Round 39 RHP Michael Aldrete, San Jose State
“Mike obviously has a relationship with the Cardinals,” said San Jose State baseball head coach Sam Piraro. “Certainly Mike is probably thrilled to death that he’d be selected by a team his father is associated with. Mike was a very valuable asset for us. Not only did he pitch for us, but we used him in the infield. He hit for us and he was a very versatile player. Mike was always a guy who was ready to go when called upon.”

Round 40 C Ian Rice, Madison Academy (AL)