News

Shayne Willson (Surrey, B.C.) and Chase Larsson (Vancouver, B.C.) brought the count of Baseball Canada National Junior Team members selected on the first day of the Major League Baseball draft up to four, Tuesday.

Willson, a 6’3”, 192 pound outfielder was selected in the 16^th round (486^th overall) by the Minnesota Twins while Larsson, a 6’2”, 190 pound left-handed hitting outfielder was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 18^th round (527^th overall).

With plus-power, a compact swing and an above average arm, Willson projects well as a corner outfielder or corner infielder at the professional level.

Boasting an advanced hitting approach for a high school hitter, Larsson is capable of putting up good offensive numbers against both left-handed and right-handed pitchers. He is praised for his balance and discipline at the plate as well as his speed on the bases for his size.

In all, seven Canadians were selected on Day 1 of the Major League Baseball entry draft.

*Kyle Orr (Victoria, B.C.)  -  4th Round (113^th)  -  Los Angeles Dodgers
*Jonathan Waltenbury (Bowmanville, Ont.)  -  7^th Round (210^th)  -  Minnesota Twins
Jonathan Baksh (Mississauga, Ont.)  -  7^th Round (216^th)  -  Toronto Blue Jays
Jimmy Van Ostrand (Richmond, B.C.)  -  8^th Round (249^th)  -  Houston Astros
Chris Toneguzzi (Thunder Bay, Ont.)  -  13^th Round (392^nd)  -  Milwaukee Brewers
*Shayne Willson (Surrey, B.C.)  -  16^th Round (486^th)  -  Minnesota Twins
*Chase Larsson (Vancouver, B.C.)  -  18^th Round (527^th)  -  Kansas City Royals

The draft, which lasts 50 rounds, continues, Wednesday.

* Denotes Baseball Canada National Junior Team member.