Small colleges, pro pipeline

By Joe Smith
Published June 17, 2007

When St. Petersburg College sophomore infielder Christopher Garcia agreed to terms with the Angels last week, he became the 53rd Titans player to sign a professional contract since 1998, when coach Dave Pano took over the program. The pipeline to the pros comes as no surprise to Angels scouting supervisor Tom Kotchman, who called SPC "one of the best junior college (programs) in the country." Times staff writer Joe Smith breaks down the Titans' tear over the past decade, including a look at the biggest surprises and success stories.

Currently in the major leagues (2)

Nick Masset, RHP

Chicago White Sox

The Pinellas Park grad took the road less traveled to the big leagues. The right-hander signed with Louisiana State, and at one time was considered by Baseball America as the 11th-best prospect in the country.

But his senior year at Pinellas Park, he tore a ligament in his right elbow. He had Tommy John surgery and spent the rest of the year in rehabilitation.

The Rangers selected him in the eighth round in 2000 as a draft-and-follow, and after a strong season at SPC, Masset signed with Texas. He spent five years climbing the organizational ladder before getting traded to the White Sox in December; now the 25-year-old is 2-2 with a 6.30 ERA.

Alfredo Amezaga, CF

Florida Marlins

Pano said the Obregon, Mexico, native "came from next to nothing" to become the best player in SPC history. Amezaga attended Miami High and was drafted three straight seasons (twice by the Rockies) before the Angels picked him in 1999. By then, the extremely athletic Amezaga had set 10 SPC school records.

The 29-year-old is the Marlins' starting centerfielder, hitting .250 with 14 RBIs.

Biggest class, 2003: Nine Titans signed

Highlighted by Bryan LaHair (now a 1B with Seattle's Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers), nearly the entire SPC starting lineup signed deals with pro teams. Nineteen of the 24 players were drafted that year.

"It was the best club I ever had, " Pano said. "By far."

Local flavor: C Bobby Wilson, a Seminole grad, is with the Angels' Double-A Arkansas Travelers. He was one of three members of the Warhawks 2001 national title team that joined SPC (John Riggleman and T.J. Large were the others).

Twist: C Diego Guadagnino signed with a pro team in Italy, where he played several years.

First signee

Andrew Beattie (1998). Pano's first player to sign a pro deal was Beattie, a Clearwater grad who spent a year at Pasco-Hernando CC and a semester at Florida State before joining SPC mid-year. Beattie, a middle infielder, spent several seasons in the minors with the Reds, as well as a couple short stints with the Phillies, Yankees and A's.

MLB club with most SPC signees: Angels (6)

Kotchman, a long-time area scout who lives in Seminole, is one reason many Titans have flocked to the Southern California club. The next closest team is Toronto (4).

Did you know?: Pano, 47, a former Eckerd infielder, has worked for the Blue Jays for the past six seasons as a minor league hitting instructor or manager.

Highest pick

Pedro Beato (2006)

The 6-5 RHP was a sandwich pick (32nd overall) in the first round by the Orioles. The Brooklyn native was one of three SPC pitchers - and seven players overall - selected in that draft. Beato pitches for the Aberdeen Ironbirds, Baltimore's Class-A affiliate co-owned by brothers Cal Ripkin Jr. and Bill Ripkin.

Did you know?: Beato is a former high school teammate of Garcia.

Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@sptimes.com or at (727) 893-8129.

[Last modified June 16, 2007, 23:14:47]