Pitching became a central theme for the Sox as they drafted 16 pitchers with their next 29 picks Tuesday in the amateur draft after they took outfielder Keenyn Walker with the 47th overall pick.
Erik Johnson, their second pick, was one of three players selected from the University of California among their top 13 players drafted.
“There have been times in the past when I’ve been accused of having an East Coast bias,” scouting director Doug Laumann said. “We’ve changed up a little bit on that this year. I spent more time on the West Coast. You go where the players are.”
Johnson has struck out 96 batters in 96 innings and will lead the Golden Bears into this weekend’s NCAA Super Regional against Dallas Baptist.
Speed for success: Walker admitted he was “shocked” when he learned the Sox took him Monday.
But Jon Wente, Walker’s coach at Central Arizona Junior College, marveled at Walker’s dedication that transformed him from a reserve player to a top prospect.
“Most of his steals came on speed,” Wente said Tuesday of Walker, who stole 65 bases in 68 attempts. “But he has learned to work on reading pitchers and getting better leads. He showed a great effort to become a better player.”
Walker signed a letter of intent with Utah but wants to sign a contract and hopes to cut down on his strikeouts.
“I still have room for improvement,” said Walker, who said he’s a top-of-the-order hitter. “I can get better as time goes on.”
Extra innings: Triple-A Charlotte right fielder Dayan Viciedo was named the Topps’ International League player of the month for May. Viciedo batted .349 with 11 doubles, six home runs, 27 RBIs and 19 runs. … Reliever Tony Pena said his right elbow feels fine and he hopes to rejoin the team no later than the Diamondbacks series starting June 17, but he may require a minor league rehab assignment before he’s activated.
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