Baseball: Villanova's Kyle McMyne Drafted by Reds in 4th Round
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Righthander Kyle McMyne spent much of this past season striking out a lot of batters for the Villanova Wildcats. In 77⅔ innings, he blew away 94 hitters. That ratio of 10.89 strikeouts per nine innings was the best in the Big East -- and 12th in the country.
McMyne's dominance caught the attention of a lot of pro scouts, but it was the Cincinnati Reds that were most impressed, as they picked McMyne in the fourth round of the draft (145th overall).
"It was really unbelievable," McMyne told KYW Newsradio today. "My family was around, so it was great experience, sharing it with my family and everything. Really, it hasn't even hit me yet how this is like a dream come true, you know?"
Hear Matt Leon's full interview with Kyle McMyne in this CBS Philly SportsPod…
Podcast
The Old Forge, Pa. native says he was actually a little surprised that it was the Reds that called his name:
"I went to a pre-draft workout with the Washington Nationals, and I was on the phone a lot with the Blue Jays. The Reds I talked to a few times in the early fall and I saw them at the games, but I really didn't expect the Reds. Didn't expect it. But it's a good surprise. I'm glad with everything that happened."
Overall in 2011, McMyne made 14 starts and led the Wildcats with four wins while putting together a 4.75 ERA. He started his collegiate career as a reliever before moving into the starting rotation.
So where does he see his pro career taking him?
"Everybody's telling me a back end (of the bullpen) guy, and I really enjoy that. But I feel I could do either (start or relieve). I like to be on the field, so I'll do whatever the teams wants me to do."
McMyne is the fifth Villanova player since 2000 to be drafted in the top five rounds (Aaron Krawlec, Brian Slocum, Kevin Mulvey, and Matt Szczur).
Reported by Matt Leon, KYW Newsradio 1060
