The Johnsonburg, Pa., native was chosen as the 162nd overall
pick, and is Minnesota’s sixth pick in the Draft.
“I’m really excited to have the opportunity to join the
Twins organization,” Streich said. “They are one of the Major League
organizations that does a great job of developing players.”
Streich, a 21-year old catcher who recently completed his
sophomore season, batted .322 with six home runs, 57 RBIs, 16 doubles
and 38 runs scored in 2009. The Johnny Bench Award Watch List member
also totaled 66 hits and led the Mountaineers with 15 sacrifice bunts.
Streich ended the 2009 season as an all-Big East First Team
selection. He started 53 of WVU’s 55 games behind the plate, and
managed to strike out just 23 times in 239 plate appearances.
Entering Morgantown in 2008 as one of the top recruits in the
eastern region, Streich gained noteworthy attention by several Division
I schools because of his accurate arm. In his two seasons at WVU, the
former Johnsonburg High standout has thrown out nearly 40 percent
(33-of-86) of players caught stealing.
The standout catcher becomes the second Mountaineer to be
drafted by the Twins. Former WVU outfielder Joseph Honce was the
selected as the 12th overall pick in the first round of the 1973 MLB
Amateur Draft. Streich now owns the highest draft pick in school history
by a catcher, formally held by 11th round selection Charles Boggs in
1967.
He is also WVU’s highest draft selection since former pitcher
Chris Enochs was drafted 11th overall in the first round by the Oakland
Athletics in 1997. Streich was also drafted by the A’s out of high
school in the 26th round.
“I really did not expect to go this high,” Streich added.
“I happened to be sitting at my computer and all the sudden my name
was called. I talked to the Twins a little bit during the process, and
I’m very happy with the selection.”
According to Major League Baseball rules, a player selected by
his respective team may sign with the Club that selected him from the
time of the selection until 12:01 a.m. (EDT) on August 16th, or until
the player enters or returns to, a four-year college or junior college
for the fall semester.