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Abbl drafted by Diamondbacks
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| A Diamondback fan since '07(when this photo was taken), Frank Abbl of Willcox was drafted by the Phoenix organization on June 10. (DAVE BROWN / ARN) |
By Steve Reno/ARIZONA RANGE NEWS
Frank Abbl of Willcox is still mulling over an offer from the Arizona Diamondbacks to go pro with that major league organization after being drafted two weeks ago.
"It's an honor, getting picked by a major league team," Abbl told the Range News. "It's something to be told you're good enough in their eyes to be a part of their (professional organization)."
Abbl, a 2006 graduate of Willcox High School, just completed a 2-year stint at Mesa Community College, where he led the team this year with a 2.40 earned run average and notched an impressive 56 strikeouts in 47 innings of work.
"I learned a few things with pitching coach Tom Novak, including making me a better control pitcher," said Abbl.
Abbl already exhibited natural ability, including a fastball clocked between 92-94 miles per hour. The pitch also had what scouts like to call good movement, and they liked Abbl's command of his off-speed pitches.
Scouts from the Angels, Cardinals, Cubs and Phillies had talked to him, said Abbl, and told him he had the potential to be drafted high. Instead, he went in the 50th and final round, as pick number 1506 out of 1521 drafted.
"It was exciting and disappointing at the same time," Abbl said. "I was told by people some things that didn't go as planned."
Now Abbl must choose between a minor-league assignment next spring, or choosing to honor a scholarship offer to attend a four-year college at Northwood University in Cedar Hill, Texas to improve his draft stock.
Ryan Bethel, Willcox Class of 2001, attended Grand Canyon University in Phoenix for four years to improve his draft prospects, and was chosen in the 32nd round by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2005.
Bethel ended up leaving, dissatisfied with that organization within two years when they shuffled him from middle infield to a corner spot to make room for higher draft picks. He tried independent league baseball before jumping at a college coaching position with Grand Canyon last year.
"I know the Diamondbacks work well with pitchers and I wouldn't mind working close to home," said Abbl, "but I'm not sure what I'm doing yet."
He hasn't signed with Arizona yet and doesn't know where he would be assigned next spring until he signs. Abbl is currently back home in Willcox with his parents, taking time to consider his future options.
"It's an honor, getting picked by a major league team," Abbl told the Range News. "It's something to be told you're good enough in their eyes to be a part of their (professional organization)."
Abbl, a 2006 graduate of Willcox High School, just completed a 2-year stint at Mesa Community College, where he led the team this year with a 2.40 earned run average and notched an impressive 56 strikeouts in 47 innings of work.
"I learned a few things with pitching coach Tom Novak, including making me a better control pitcher," said Abbl.
Abbl already exhibited natural ability, including a fastball clocked between 92-94 miles per hour. The pitch also had what scouts like to call good movement, and they liked Abbl's command of his off-speed pitches.
Scouts from the Angels, Cardinals, Cubs and Phillies had talked to him, said Abbl, and told him he had the potential to be drafted high. Instead, he went in the 50th and final round, as pick number 1506 out of 1521 drafted.
"It was exciting and disappointing at the same time," Abbl said. "I was told by people some things that didn't go as planned."
Now Abbl must choose between a minor-league assignment next spring, or choosing to honor a scholarship offer to attend a four-year college at Northwood University in Cedar Hill, Texas to improve his draft stock.
Ryan Bethel, Willcox Class of 2001, attended Grand Canyon University in Phoenix for four years to improve his draft prospects, and was chosen in the 32nd round by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2005.
Bethel ended up leaving, dissatisfied with that organization within two years when they shuffled him from middle infield to a corner spot to make room for higher draft picks. He tried independent league baseball before jumping at a college coaching position with Grand Canyon last year.
"I know the Diamondbacks work well with pitchers and I wouldn't mind working close to home," said Abbl, "but I'm not sure what I'm doing yet."
He hasn't signed with Arizona yet and doesn't know where he would be assigned next spring until he signs. Abbl is currently back home in Willcox with his parents, taking time to consider his future options.
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