After taking college pitchers with their first two picks in the 2014 draft, the Washington Nationals turned their focus toward position players on Day 2.
Five of their eight picks Friday were offensive players, starting with Nebraska high school catcher Jakson Reetz in the third round. After taking three consecutive college right-handers, the Nats then closed out the day by taking three outfielders and a first baseman, all college players.
Leading that pack was University of Miami center fielder Dale Carey (seventh round), a senior who led the Hurricanes with a .305 average and 16 doubles and is known for his defense. The Nats picked his college teammate Andrew Suarez on Thursday in the second round.
Eighth-round pick Jeff Gardner has been one of the leaders all season for fourth-ranked Louisville, which opened NCAA super regional play Friday night against Kennesaw State. The second-team All-America outfielder had hit .326 with nine homers through the NCAA regional round.
Ninth-round pick Austin Byler out of Nevada led the Mountain West and ranked seventh nationally with 14 home runs this season and hit .326 along the way.
Among the pitchers the Nats picked up Friday, Drew Van Orden might be the most notable. The right-hander posted a 3.19 ERA and struck out 91 in 87 1/3 innings for Duke this season.
SEE ALSO: Erick Fedde, Nationals’ top draft pick, used to play T-ball with Bryce Harper
The draft concludes Saturday with rounds 11-40.
Nationals’ top 10 picks
1. (18) Erick Fedde, rhp, UNLV.
2. (57) Andrew Suarez, lhp, Miami.
3. (93) Jakson Reetz, c, Norris HS,Hickman, Neb.
4. (124) Robbie Dickey, rhp, Blinn College.
5. (154) Drew Van Orden, rhp, Duke.
6. (184) Austen Williams, rhp, Texas State.
7. (214) Dale “D.K.” Carey, cf, Miami.
8. (244) Jeff Gardner, lf, Louisville.
9. (274) Austin Byler, 1b, Nevada.
10. (304) Matthew Page, rf, Oklahoma Baptist.
• Marc Lancaster can be reached at mlancaster@washingtontimes.com.
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