Indians end waiting game for Spartan

UT closer Jonathan Holt avoids Day 2 jitters, going in the fifth round to Cleveland.

By Bryan Burns, Times Correspondent
Published June 8, 2007

TAMPA - University of Tampa pitcher Jonathan Holt expected to be picked within the first eight rounds of Major League Baseball's first-year player draft Thursday, though he hoped the selection would come sooner rather than later.

Holt, a 6-foot-2, 210-pound right-handed closer for the Spartans, just wanted to hear his name called to avoid having to wait around another day.

The Leesburg native got his wish when the Cleveland Indians picked him in the fifth round (No. 167 overall) just before the end of the draft's first day. The pick was the Indians' third of the day.

"I was just hoping to go in the first day so the process wouldn't drag on, " Holt said. "(The Indians) were in my top five of teams I thought were interested in me. They started talking to me more in May and a lot more in June.

Holt played just one season for the Spartans but made it count. As the team's designated closer, Holt made appearances in 31 games and registered 19 saves. He finished the season with a 4-2 record and 1.64 ERA and pitched a complete game in the Spartans' Division II national championship victory over Columbus State less than a week ago to earn the tournament's MVP honors.

"It's a pretty neat feeling, winning the championship and getting drafted all in the same week, " the 21-year-old said. "It hasn't sunk in yet - the national championship really hasn't sunk in yet either. It's been a really great experience."

Holt, who just completed his junior season with the Spartans after transferring from Seminole Community College, said he hasn't decided whether he will turn pro or return to Tampa for his senior season.

"I haven't talked to the Indians yet, " Holt said. "They said they would contact me after (today). Hopefully, things can work out with the Indians, but if not, I get to go back and play for another national championship."

No other UT players were taken in the draft's first five rounds. Day 2 of the draft resumes today with OF/3B Craig Corrado, 2B Ryan Kennedy and RHP Scott Leffler expected to be selected.

[Last modified June 7, 2007, 22:48:37]