Josh Sborz was Chosen as the Dodgers last Pick Yesterday - 74th Overall

The Dodgers last pick from the first day of the draft (yesterday) was right-handed college pitcher Josh Sborz.  He is the 74th overall pick and has a slot value of $827,000.00.  Currently, he is the primary closer for his college team - University of Virginia Cavaliers, but may be converted into a starter by the Dodgers.

"He's an accomplished right-hander," said Gasparino. "We think he can do both roles, but he has a 95-mph fastball, and he's added a slider, and we think he has a chance to start. So, we feel we got three starters, not just two."

Funny story, apparently he got busted easrlier this year for pitching in front of the rubber - about six inches.  You can follow him on twitter at: @JoshuaTree_27.

Blessed and very thankful to be picked by such a great organization and team! Excited to see what the future holds! @Dodgers #MLBDraft ⚾️

— Josh Sborz (@JoshuaTree_27) June 9, 2015

Per a Doders press release:

With their fourth pick of the night, Los Angeles drafted University of Virginia right-hander Josh Sborz, a 2015 Second-Team All-ACC selection. Sborz has gone 4-2 with an ACC-leading 14 saves (T-1st) and 1.95 ERA this season, while limiting opponents to a .164 batting average in 60.0 innings for Virginia, who advanced to the College World Series. In 187.0 career innings, the 21-year-old has allowed just 128 hits while striking out 171 and holding opponents to a .195 batting average. The 6-foot-3, 225-pound junior was scouted by Dodger scout Clair Rierson.

“He’s an accomplished right-hander, who started last year and transitioned to a closer role this year,” said Gasparino. “He has a plus fastball with a really good curveball and, this year, he added a slider to his mix.”

Per an MLB.com scouting report:

Scouting Grades: Fastball: 65 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 40 | Control: 45 | Overall: 45

Sborz, whose brother Jay spent eight seasons in pro ball, pitched in relief as a freshman at Virginia before moving into the rotation as a sophomore. He returned to the bullpen in 2015, serving as the Cavaliers' closer and thriving in the role.

Sborz's arm strength is what defines him as a prospect. He's shown a fastball that he can crank up to 98 mph on occasion, though it usually sits in the 93-95 mph range, with some sink. He has a slider that should be at least Major League average and while he doesn't need a changeup much in short relief, he will show occasional feel for the pitch. Scouts aren't in love with his funky arm action, but the stuff is hard to be denied.

Sborz didn't pitch badly as a sophomore starter, and it's possible a team taking him early could decide to send him out in a rotation. But he more than likely profiles as a hard-throwing short reliever at the Major League level.

Here are some links about the man.

• Here is his profile page at the Virginia Cavaliers website.
• Via David Hood at True Blue LA, "Josh Sborz profile: A closer look at Dodgers' No. 74 pick."
• Via Dustin Nosler at Dodgers Digest, "Dodgers select OF Mitchell Hansen and RHP Josh Sborz in second round."
• Per Norm Wood at the Daily Press, "U.Va. pitchers Kirby, Sborz selected on first night of MLB draft."

In celebration of Sborz being picked by the Dodgers I made the above fantasy card for him.  I used a photo from Andrew Shurtleff/Courtesy Virginia Athletics and the 1987 Topps Baseball card design.

Here is a video of him speaking about getting drafted.

Video Link:

Here, John Manuel of Baseball America talks about Sporz.

Video Link:

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