Wildcat drafted by Pirates
By TODD HVEEM
CHRONICLE CORRESPONDENT
There aren't too many two-way players left in the world of baseball.
But, then again, there aren't many Jared Lakinds roaming around the diamond, either.
Talent-wise, he ranks right up there at the top as far as players who I have coached,'' said Cy Woods head baseball coach Thomas Loria. I don't see a ceiling for him. He is a very, very talented player.''
Lakind, who was an all-district and all-Greater Houston selection, was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 23rd round of the 2010 Major League Baseball amateur draft.
He also has signed a baseball scholarship with the University of Arkansas.
Lakind is a left-handed pitcher who features a low-90s fastball and a nasty curveball. He also can play first base, right field and left field.
I love to play so I would prefer any position on the field. But, being left-handed, the positions are limited. I've been told that I am able to play the corner positions (first, right or left) so I guess wherever the team needs me to play I'm eager to play.''
First, Lakind, who was a four-year starter at Cy Woods, has to decide whether he will forego his college career and sign with the Pirates, or head off to the University of Arkansas.
Just because he was taken in the 23rd round doesn't mean he is not going to get the money he wants,'' Loria said. The Major League Baseball draft is different than football or basketball. There are a lot of variables how they draft.''
Loria said he is sitting in a good position either way.
He has a great opportunity at Arkansas. He knows that,'' Loria said. But he has nice options to weigh.''
Lakind chose Arkansas over Rice, Texas A&M and Tulane.
I chose Arkansas because of multiple reasons,'' he said. One of course was the baseball program and the competition Arkansas plays against. Another reason was the way the coaches treated me while I was there. Last but not least was the environment of Fayetteville. Everyone was nice and helpful.''
Lakind has been a New York Yankees fan his entire life.
Most of my family lives in New Jersey so I've grown up watching the pinstripes and disliking those guys with the red socks in Boston,'' he said.
That could change if he becomes a member of the Pirates.
Whatever he decides to do, we will be behind him no matter what,'' Loria said. I think he is sitting in a good position with the Pirates.''
