DiFazio, Howell, Hyatt Taken in MLB Draft
6/10/2009 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
June 10, 2009
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Alabama catcher Vin DiFazio has always left a lasting impression.
The fifth-year senior's hard work and upbeat personality paid off today as he was taken by the Texas Rangers in the 12th round of the 2009 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.
"I'm ecstatic," DiFazio said from his home in Hampton, N.J. "I did not get my hopes up too high, because you never know what might happen. I am a senior, so I was not expecting much. I felt like I had a good year and had a shot. I heard my name and my Mom and I went wild. My dad came home from work and being the large Italian family that we are, I looked out the window and there are 15 cars in the driveway. It has been fun."
DiFazio was taken by the Rangers as the 467th overall pick of the draft at the recommendation of former Tide first-rounder Tommy Hunter, who spent one season with DiFazio at UA in 2007.
"The Rangers told me they were glad to have me and that I had a good shot to make it," DiFazio said. "The Rangers also told me that I got a great recommendation from Tommy Hunter. They said he talked to the front office folks and told them about me and my abilities as a player. I knew my people skills would pay off. Tommy is a great guy and he is a big-time pitcher. I am thankful for his input."
DiFazio also made his mark on the field with his toughness and leadership ability. After missing the better part of two years with a viral nerve infection, he became the Tide's starting catcher this season and had a breakout year.
He hit .329 (46-for-140) in 44 games this season with seven home runs and 24 RBI for the Tide. He recorded nine multi-hit games and two multi-RBI games. In SEC play, he batted .329 (28-for-85) with five home runs and 14 RBI in 25 games.
He opened the season with two hits, including a triple and home run, and three RBI in the Tide's opening day win over Southeast Missouri State. He was named to the 2009 Clemson (S.C.) Regional All-Tournament Team, after leading UA with a .571 (4-for-7) average with two doubles and two RBI. He closed the year by reaching base safely in 22 straight games.
Junior left-hander Del Howell and senior right-hander Austin Hyatt were taken with back-to-back picks in the 15th round. Howell was the 466th overall pick by the Milwaukee Brewers, while Hyatt was the 467th selection by the defending World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies.
"I'm happy to be drafted, but I had hoped for a little better," Howell said. "It's an honor to be drafted by the Brewers. They have a good organization. I will sit down with everyone and look at things and see what happens as the summer progresses."
Howell went 5-3 with a 6.53 ERA in 11 starts this season for the Tide. He opened the season with 13 consecutive scoreless innings in wins over Alabama A&M and Mississippi. He set the Alabama single-game record with 14 strikeouts (7-inning game) against Alabama A&M on March 17. He recorded the only complete game of his career in a series-clinching win at No. 28 Vanderbilt on April 18.
"I'm very excited to have the opportunity to play pro ball," Hyatt said. "I've heard a lot of good things about the Phillies and their minor league organization. I am looking forward to pitching for them in the future."
Hyatt posted an 8-3 record and 3.76 ERA en route to being named First-Team All-SEC and Third-Team All-America this season. He started 15 games and ranked among the SEC leaders in starts, innings pitched (103), ERA (3.76), wins (8), opponents batting average (.230), strikeouts (88) and fewest walks (15). He was named SEC Pitcher of the Week after leading the Tide to a win over No. 11 Arkansas on May 8.
Hyatt's brother, Jared, is currently in the Texas Rangers farm system with the Frisco (Texas) Rough Riders in the Texas League. Hyatt said he has spoken with his brother and would seek advice from him during the signing process.
"He called this afternoon and we talked about a lot of things," Hyatt added. "He will definitely guide me through this and tell me what to expect. I am anxious to get started with the Phillies as soon as I can."
The draft will conclude with rounds 31-50 on Thursday, June 11, beginning at 10:30 a.m. (CDT).
