"I think after one more year [in college], he could probably elevate his stock exponentially and get drafted in the top 15 rounds. We don't want to see him leave, but if he has that opportunity, we'll be the first ones to shake his hand, congratulate him and send him on his way."
In their inaugural 2011 season, the Angelenos, an independent summer collegiate team, had six of their players selected in the draft. The numbers don't figure to be as high this season, but Coach Tony Riviera expects there to be some activity over the coming days.
"We had quite a few guys get drafted last year," Riviera said. "This year I think Sean Wardour has a very good chance of being drafted. I think Chad Nacapoy has a chance of being drafted, he's been working out for a few Major League clubs."
Wardour, a right-handed pitcher, posted a 2-5 record with a 5.43 ERA as a senior for Cal State Dominguez Hills this past season, while Nacapoy, a Crescenta Valley graduate, batted . 361 with two home runs and right runs batted in in 24 games as a senior at Cal State L.A.
Hoover High graduate and GCC alum Sako Chapjian, who was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the 45th round last season, is looking to get drafted higher the second time around. The third baseman/left fielder has used his junior season at Cal State Dominguez Hills to ripen as a prospect, while taking up the position of catcher to further enhance his appeal.
He led the Toros this season in RBI with 32 and walks with 22, while batting .288 with seven home runs, 14 doubles and 38 runs scored.
"I think Sako has a very good chance of being drafted," Riviera said. "He's been working out for some clubs and he put up some really good numbers again [at Dominguez Hills]."
Riviera is also of the opinion that Angelenos shortstop Matt McCalister, who drove in 19 runs and stole 11 bases for GCC this season, may go in the later rounds.
"I wouldn't be surprised if Matt McCalister was drafted," Riviera said. "I think he's got as good a chance as anybody else."
Crescenta Valley standouts Elliot Surrey, a left-handed pitcher, and Kyle Murray, a right-hander, may draw a late look, but Falcons Coach Phil Torres thinks they are both a couple years away from being drafted. Surrey is committed to UC Irvine, while Murray will attend Cal State Fullerton.
"Kyle Murray has thrown hard enough at times to be drafted, I just don't know if he's won enough games," Torres said. "Elliot, I'm sure, will be drafted at the end of three years of college. There's no reason to draft Elliot now because they know he's a college guy and that's where he's headed."
