Rockies select Southeast Missouri State pitcher Mahon in baseball draft

~ The Redhawks' left-handed reliever was taken in the 22nd round

Logan Mahon received a pretty strong indication that he would be selected in the Major League Baseball amateur draft.

But Mahon was somewhat surprised -- albeit elated -- when he was taken in Tuesday's 22nd round by the Colorado Rockies.

"They called me this morning and I talked to the area scout [for the Rockies]," said Mahon, a left-handed pitcher who completed his eligibility at Southeast Missouri State this year. "He told me they were going to draft me before the 30th round but I was really unsure.

"I was hoping it would be today. Then when they called and said they had taken me in the 22nd round, I was ecstatic."

Mahon, the first Ohio Valley Conference player selected, was picked on day two of the three-day draft that concludes today with rounds 31 through 50. He was the 678th overall selection.

"It's really exciting," said Mahon, the fifth-highest draft pick in program history.

Mahon, a native of St. Elmo, Ill., was a solid starter last year during his first season at Southeast after transferring from junior college.

Mahon was moved to the bullpen this year and took off. The second-team all-OVC performer went 5-4 with eight saves and a 2.54 ERA. He struck out 53 and allowed 33 hits in 46 innings.

"It made a big difference I guess," said Mahon of his shift to relief.

Mahon said details were still being worked out Tuesday night but he expects to be assigned to one of the Rockies' minor league affiliates in the next few days.

"I'm just excited and ready to get started," he said of his professional career.

Three other OVC players were drafted Tuesday: Eastern Illinois outfielder Zach Borenstein (23rd round, Dodgers); Tennessee Tech outfielder Chad Oberacker (25th round, Athletics); and Austin Peay pitcher Jack Snodgrass (27th round, Giants).

Southeast junior third baseman Trenton Moses, an Advance High School graduate who was this season's OVC player of the year, is considered a potential selection when the draft concludes today.