Two More Canes Finalize the 2011 MLB Draft for Miami

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Sam Robinson and David Villasuso went on the third and final day of the 2011 Major League Baseball Draft concluding Wednesday afternoon. In the process, two more signees for the incoming class of 2011 were taken.

Sam Robinson (Miami, Fla.) was the first Hurricanes player drafted today, coming off the board in the 32nd round (No. 984 overall) and going to the Texas Rangers. The junior left-hander was used primarily as a setup man for the Hurricanes in 2011, seeing action in a team-high 37 games out of the bullpen. On the year, he earned a record of 1-1 with six saves and an earned run average of 1.79 – using a team-low .127 average against. Against Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) competition, Robinson had an ERA of 0.69 in 16 1/3 innings tossed. One of his saves came against top-ranked Virginia (May 13) where he closed the contest, earning the final out with runners in scoring position for the 6-2 Miami win.

“It’s a blessing to be drafted by the Texas Rangers,” said Robinson, whose brother Zach also plays for the Hurricanes. “Playing professional baseball has been a dream of mine since I was a kid. I’m excited about the opportunity.”

The next player taken associated with the “U” was 2011 signee Jace Herrera, selected in the 36th round by the Boston Red Sox. Herrera is a 6-3, 205-pound right-hand pitcher from Apopka, Fla., who attended Wekiva High School. Scouts have him listed as a player with a solid athletic build and good present strength. Perfect Game USA says that he has all the tools to keep improving into a quality prospect, containing a fastball that steadily stays in the high-80s.

David Villasuso (Miami, Fla.) was taken by the Seattle Mariners in the 42nd round of the MLB Draft. As a junior, he started in 20 games at catcher and designated hitter (one game). Villasuso, a junior that shared time behind 2010 first round selection Yasmani Grandal a season ago, sat out the final month of the 2011 campaign with a hand injury. On the year, he batted .217 for the Canes, placing 15 hits and scoring eight times – including five doubles and a home run. Defensively, he threw out six runners trying to steal, while helping to turn one double play. He powered up for his only homer of the year with a shot against Barry (April 13).

The final person taken was 2011 signee Alex Fernandez, Jr. – son of former UMiami pitcher and major leaguer Alexander Fernandez. Alex Jr. was taken in the 46th round by the Detroit Tigers out of Archbishop McCarthy High School in Southwest Ranches, Fla. In 2010, Fernandez helped lead his team to a Class 4-A FHSAA title. His father now serves as director of baseball operations in charge of the freshmen, junior varsity and varsity programs at Archbishop McCarthy. He entered the 2011 season as the number two pitcher for the Mavericks’ team. Archbishop McCarthy won its second consecutive state title on May 24, with Alex Jr. joining his dad’s feat of acquiring two prep state titles – with Alex Sr. accomplishing the task with Pace in 1985 and ’88.

The draft concluded today. For a complete draft recap of all 50 rounds or for more information on the draft, visit MLB.com or click here.

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