Wild Things Make Two First-Round Selections at 2018 Frontier League Draft
FLORENCE, Ky. (April 24) - Today the Washington Wild Things rounded out their spring-training roster by making two first-round selections in the 2018 Frontier League Draft, which followed the league's tryout at UC Health Stadium in Florence. The team made picks at No. 2 and No. 10, after acquiring the second-overall pick in a trade with Traverse City that sent Kenny Peoples-Walls to the Beach Bums.
With the second pick, the Wild Things selected former University of San Diego left-handed pitcher Jacob Hill. Jacob is the younger brother of Wild Things' third baseman Mike Hill, who is set to play his second season with the Wild Things in 2018. Jacob played two seasons of junior-college ball at Orange Coast College before playing two more at the University of San Diego.
At Orange Coast College, Jacob Hill enjoyed successful campaigns in both 2013 and 2014, with his best season being 2014. He pitched 71 innings and allowed just 15 runs (10 earned) on 51 hits. He had an 11-0 record and a 1.27 earned run average to go along with 61 strikeouts. Before he went to San Diego, Jacob was drafted in the 40th round of the 2014 MLB Amateur Draft by the Washington Nationals, but opted to head to USD.
After his junior season at USD, Jacob was drafted again, this time in the 32nd round of the 2015 Draft by the Cleveland Indians. Again, Hill opted not to sign, and returned to USD, where he'd throw eight innings before suffering an injury.
Manager Gregg Langbehn had a chance to watch Hill at this week's tryout before the team opted to select him with the second pick.
“It was important that we saw Jacob compete live versus hitters. With his brother Mike on the roster, we were aware of his interest to play professionally but we felt the league tryout would give us a better platform to evaluate," said assistant general manager of team operations Tony Buccilli. "Despite some tough weather conditions, Jacob was pretty composed in his outings and showcased some quality off-speed pitches. We look forward to seeing him grow into a role here in Washington.”
The Wild Things then selected right-handed pitcher Griffin Krieg with the 10th pick in the first round.
Krieg played five seasons at East Tennessee State University and struck out 188 batters in 239.2 innings. Krieg, a native of Nashville, Tennessee, pitched in the rotation at ETSU as well as out of the bullpen.
“Griffin did a lot of off-season training with current Wild Thing Chase Cunningham," said Buccilli. "He played in a noted hitting conference with very small ballparks. At the tryout he showcased a great feel for his secondary stuff and we were pleased with his mechanics. His versatility should give us some depth going into spring.”
