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Drafted Bulls face decisions on whether to stay or go

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By BRETT McMURPHY | The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 10, 2009

TAMPA - University of South Florida junior right-handed pitcher Shawn Sanford said he can't go wrong. He'll either sign a professional contract with the San Francisco Giants or return to USF for his senior season.

While Sanford is confident he'll be happy with either choice, he knows it is not going to be an easy decision.

"I really don't know right now what I'll do," said Sanford, selected in the 13th round in Wednesday's Major League Baseball first-year player draft.

Sanford was one of five Bulls, including three incoming freshmen, selected on the second-day of baseball's draft along with Jesuit High shortstop Nick Lockwood (Twins, ninth round, 282nd selection), Jefferson High shortstop Chad Taylor (Cubs, 13th round, 410th selection), West Boca Raton Community College High outfielder Chase Greene (Mets, 16th round, 494th selection) and USF senior catcher Trey Manz (Reds, 26th round, 779th selection).

"I'm happy for every one of them," Bulls coach Lelo Prado said. "It's a great day for them and their family. I just hope they all come to USF and help us get to [the College World Series in] Omaha."

Sanford and his family planned to meet with Giants officials Wednesday night.

"I was under the impression I would go higher, I expected to be selected earlier," Sanford said. "It was kind of a bummer when I didn't go until 13. I still have to look at it that a number of kids don't get the chance to play professional baseball."

Sanford said he would take into consideration that the Giants drafted five right-handed pitchers before him – two high school seniors and three from the college ranks.

"I don't know what to think about that," said Sanford, 5-4 with a 4.68 ERA.

Sanford said USF's success this past season – finishing as the Big East regular season runner-up – and the outlook for next year's team makes turning pro even tougher.

"We're going to be unbelievable next year," Sanford said. "We have loads and loads of talent coming back. The reason I chose USF was to help building something.

"I knew I could be one of those guys that drive by the school 10 years from now and they'll have a huge stadium and [have won] two national titles and Big East title after Big East title. That's right in front of my face, so it will be hard to leave. If it wasn't for next year with the Bulls looking me in the face, it would be easier [to leave].

"We have the most unbelievable guys in the locker room. You mix winning in with that ... either way: if I sign I'm happy, if I stay I'm happy. Either way it's the right decision."

Lockwood, the younger brother of USF outfielder Ryan Lockwood, and Taylor both said they were unsure whether they would bypass USF to sign professionally.

"I'm just overwhelmed right now," said Lockwood, who was the second Hillsborough County high school senior selected. "It's amazing."

Batting leadoff for the Tigers, Lockwood hit .380 with five home runs with 26 RBIs.

"Wow," Taylor said about being drafted. "It feels great. It's always been my dream to play professional baseball, and to hear my name called is just amazing."

Taylor hit .342 last season for the Dragons with six home runs.

"Right now, it's up in the air where I'm going to go. It's all about the signability, the money issue," Taylor said. "For me to go professional, the money has to be right."

Reporter Adam Adkins contributed to this report. Brett McMurphy can be reached at (813) 259-7928

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