VERLANDER NO. 2 PICK IN MLB AMATEUR DRAFT

The Detroit Tigers Monday selected Old Dominion University pitcher Justin Verlander with the second pick in this year's amateur draft. He becomes ODU's highest draft pick, followed by former Monarch Wayne Gomes, who was picked fourth in 1993.

Arguably the best pure pitcher in draft, Verlander, a native of Goochland, Va., went 7-6 with 3.49 ERA this season, but had 151 strikeouts in 105 2/3 innings.

Matt Bush, a slick-fielding high school shortstop from California, was taken by the San Diego Padres with the No. 1 pick in Monday's draft.

This article was posted on: June 7, 2004