Updated June 8, 9:15 p.m.
JONESBORO, Ark. (6-8-2007) ? Former Arkansas State pitchers T.J. Brewer and Tim Egart were chosen by the San Francisco Giants in the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft Friday. Brewer, a right-hander from Bloomington, Ind., was taken in the 35th round, and was the 1,060th overall pick, while Egart, a right-hander from St. Louis was drafted in the 39th round and was the 1,173rd player selected.
“I am extremely pleased that T.J. and Tim are going to get an opportunity to continue to pitch professionally,” said Kessinger. “They both did an outstanding job for us, and are very deserving.”
“The opportunity to keep playing means everything,” said Brewer. “It was all I wanted. The round that I got drafted in doesn't mean anything to me, I just wanted another chance to keep playing baseball, get my foot in there, and go as far as I can. When my name finally came up, it was a big load off of my shoulders and I could actually take a sigh of relief.”
“I think T.J. will prove to be a much better pitcher than a 35th round pick, and I was very surprised that he lasted that long,” said ASU head coach Keith Kessinger. “He is getting the opportunity that he wanted, which was a chance to continue his career after playing here at Arkansas State. I believe he has a chance to have a productive professional career.”
Brewer became a force on the mound in the Sun Belt Conference in 2007, and was named first-team all-conference following his senior season with the Indians. Twice selected as SBC Pitcher of the Week, Brewer finished the season with an ERA of 2.49 ? the lowest of any starting pitcher in the league. He finished third in the league with 98 strikeouts in 90.1 innings pitched, and gave up just 25 earned runs in 15 appearances. He threw four complete games, including two shutouts, and surrendered just 16 multiple-base hits on the season.
Egart finished his career tied for first place on the ASU all-time saves list with 11. He was solid on the mound in his two years at ASU, leading the Indians with 26 appearances during the 2006 season. Following his junior season, he took a 2.40 ERA in relief into the conference tournament.
“This is something I have dreamed about since I began playing baseball,” said Egart. “The Lord has truly blessed my baseball career, and it is through Him that this has happened. I'd also like to thank Coach Kessinger, (ASU pitching coach) Chris Berry, and (ASU assistant coach) Chris Cook for helping me get this far.”
ASU signee Drew Benes was also selected in Friday's draft, going in the 47th round to the Cincinnati Reds. Benes, a 6-2, 190 pound senior at Westminster Christian Academy in St. Louis, Mo., signed a National Letter of Intent with the Indians in November, and will be a freshman at ASU in the fall. He is the son of former Major Leaguer Andy Benes.
