D-Backs Complete Successful Draft, Sign 2 from Central Valley

VISALIA-The Arizona Diamondbacks finished signing their 2011 draft picks yesterday, as they inked 39 new players, including their top 7 picks.

Archie Bradley, a multi-sport star in high school and the sport's 7th overall pick in June, signed last night. He figures to feature in Visalia at some point in 2012 or 2013.

The D-backs had 2 of the top 7 picks; the other, Trevor Bauer, has already pitched for the Rawhide. Visalia has also already seen Arizona's 4th round selection, Evan Marshall, who has made 10 appearances for the Rawhide and posted an ERA of just over 1.

Independent baseball scouts and executives have quietly conceded that Arizona enjoyed a phenomenal draft. Jonathon Mayo, a lead writer for MLB.com, proclaimed the D-backs' crop as the best out of the 30 MLB teams.

Additionally, the D-backs signed two young stars with local ties. Jesse Darrah, a right-handed pitcher from Fresno Pacific University, was selected in the 8th round. Jonathan Griffin, an infielder from Fresno State, was drafted in the 22nd round. Both will likely see time in Visalia soon.

With a renovated ballpark and a parent ballclub on the rise, Visalia's future looks brighter than ever.