Dodgers choose DeWitt in first round

Blake DeWitt didn't have to wait long to hear his name called in the Major League Baseball 2004 First-Year Player Draft.

With the 28th pick in the first round the Los Angeles Dodgers selected DeWitt, the Sikeston High School All-American who helped lead the Bulldogs to three final fours in his four years.

The Dodgers, who also had the 17th pick in the first round, were awarded the 28th pick as compensation for losing pitcher Paul Quantrill to the New York Yankees via free agency. DeWitt, 18, hit .544 with 11 homers, 33 RBIs and 11 stolen bases during his senior year.

He played shortstop, third base and pitched in high school, compiling a 27-1 career record on the mound. He has signed a letter of intent to play baseball at Georgia Tech, but he said Monday he plans to sign with the Dodgers.

The Dodgers used their other first-round pick on another Missouri prep player in left-handed pitcher Scott Elbert of Seneca High School.-- From wire, staff reports