Prep Baseball Report

2018 MLB Draft - Michigan Recap


Bruce Hefflinger
PBR Michigan Senior Writer

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2018 MLB Draft - Michigan Recap

The 2018 Major League Baseball Draft featured 16 players being selected from Michigan, including three that just graduated from high school.

William English was the highest draft pick from the state, with the 2018 Western International High School graduate being selected in the third round by the Los Angeles Angels with the 151st pick. The Tennessee commit has signed to play professionally.

Draft Talk

WILLIAM ENGLISH
Western International 2018, Tennessee commit, Los Angeles Angels, Round 3, Pick 151

Where were you when you heard about being drafted and what were your immediate thoughts?
The day of the draft I was home surrounded by a vast amount of family and friends. My advisor kept in touch with me once the draft commenced that afternoon.  He called and informed me in the third round that the Los Angeles Angels were going to take me in the 5th round as long as I was available.  My immediate thoughts were that I was ecstatic.  I immediately reflected on my workout with the Angels and my initial interview and meeting with them.  I could not have been going to a better team and organization.  Such a class organization in which I hoped wanted to draft me.  I was truly overwhelmed!!  I Could not have been happier.

What expectations did you have prior to the draft?
My expectations were very high on the draft. I hoped and prayed that I was drafted by a team that would allow me to be a two way player. A team that would help to develop my talent and skills. 

What teams had been in contact with you before the draft?
There were 8 teams that really liked me and were interested in me.  I remained prayerful that I would be drafted in the early rounds. 

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GRANT WOLFRAM
Hamilton 2015, Davenport University, Texas Rangers, Round 18, Pick 359

Where were you when you heard about being drafted and what were your immediate thoughts?
I was with my Family when I saw my name on the Draft Tracker. It was a amazing moment me and my Dad hugged and I won’t ever forget that. It was cool being with them all my mom and sisters.

What expectations did you have prior to the draft?
My expectations for the draft weren’t high because if you set your expectations on a round or a day then you are just setting yourself up to be upset and not enjoy that moment when you get drafted.

What teams had been in contact with you before the draft?
I was in contact with Cubs, Red Sox, Tigers, Reds, Braves, Dodgers, Rangers, Royals.

What are your plans now and what all will weigh into the decision of turning pro or not?
I’m in discussions right now

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SPENCER SCHWELLENBACH
Saginaw Heritage 2018, Nebraska commit, Cleveland Indians. Round 34, Pick 1033

Where were you when you heard about being drafted and what were your immediate thoughts?
My brother told me I was drafted in the 34th round when I was playing in a high school baseball game.

What expectations did you have prior to the draft?
My expectations were to be drafted in the 4-6 rounds and after day 2 there was a possibility I could go in the 11th round but that didn't happen.

What teams had been in contact with you before the draft?
I had been in contact with the Tigers, Pirates, Royals, Angels, Indians, Dodgers, Red Sox, Reds, Rangers.

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DAZON COLE
West Bloomfield 2014, Central Michigan, Los Angeles Angeles, Round 25, Pick 751

Where were you when you heard about being drafted and what were your immediate thoughts?
When I heard about me being drafted I was at school in my apartment getting ready to head to the CMU field to watch four of my teammates play summer ball against each other. My uncle called and and said “the Angles are about to draft you and I’m waiting for your name to be called and come on the screen.” He then said “there you go, you went in the 25th round! Now it’s time for you to go out and show them what you’re really about!” My first thought was “wow this is actually happening.” I was shocked, based on not having the best season last year and this season not playing a lot, I didn’t really know how to cope with it. But after a few hours it set in and thoughts just went crazy.

What expectations did you have prior to the draft?
My expectations before the draft were to be in the 15th-20th range but the draft being the draft, I didn’t really expect to go any higher than the 30th round. I knew whenever my name was called I would just have to go out to pro ball and make a name for myself.

What teams had been in contact with you before the draft?
Before the draft I talked to a few teams, but that came in the fall.

What are your plans now and what all will weigh into the decision of turning pro or not?
I signed a few days ago and have been in Arizona about a week now. My first game was Monday.

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DRAFT PICKS

WILLIAM ENGLISH
Western International High School 2018, Tennessee commit
Round 5, Pick 151, Los Angeles Angels
Status: Signed

WILL TRIBUCHER
San Clemente, Calif., 2015,  Michigan
Round 14, Pick 426, Colorado Rockies
Status: Signed

RILEY MCCAULEY
Sterling Heights Stevenson 2015, Michigan State
Round 14, Pick 4286, Chicago Cubs
Status: Unsigned

GRANT WOLFRAM
Hamilton 2015, Davenport
Round 18, Pick 539, Texas Rangers
Status: Unsigned

MAX SCHUEMANN
Portage Northern 2015, Eastern Michigan
Round 20, Pick 593, Oakland A’s
Status: Signed

NIC LAIO
Downers Grove North, Ill., 2015, Western Michigan
Round 20, Pick 599, Texas Rangers
Status: Unsigned

JOSH SMITH
Marysville 2014, Grand Valley State
Round 25, Pick 749, Texas Rangers
Status: Unsigned

DAZON COLE
West Bloomfield 2014, Central Michigan
Round 25, Pick 751, Los Angeles Angels
Status: Signed

DANIEL ROBINSON
Grosse Pointe North 2015, Central Michigan
Round 29, Pick 884, Los Angeles Dodgers
Status: Signed

JARED TOBEY
St. Clair 2014, Wayne State
Round 30, Pick 885, Detroit Tigers
Status: Signed

CONNOR SMITH
HH Dow 2015, Western Michigan
Round 30, Pick 913, Cleveland Indians
Status: Signed

JONATHAN ENGELMANN
Burlingame, Calif., 2015, Michigan
Round 31, Pick 943, Cleveland Indians
Status: Signed

BRYCE BUSH
De La Salle Collegiate High School 2018
Round 33, Pick 978, Chicago White Sox
Status: Unsigned

SPENCER SCHWELLENBACH
Saginaw Heritage High School 2018, Nebraska commit
Round 34, Pick 1033, Cleveland Indians
Status: Headed to Nebraska

SHEA PATTERSON
IMG Academy 2015, Michigan
Round 39, Pick 1169, Texas Rangers
Status: Unsigned