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Sections Home Page Local News AP News Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Since We Asked Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Readers Choice 2006 Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Our Valley Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend June 9, 2006 Braves draft Rohrbough By KEVIN GOFF Mail Tribune Cole Rohrbough had an inkling his baseball fortunes would take a turn one way or another when Day 2 of the Major League Baseball draft rolled around. The North Medford graduate had drawn interest from several teams after a successful freshman campaign as a starting pitcher with Western Nevada Community College. On Wednesday, the Atlanta Braves affirmed those suspicions by choosing the left-handed Rohrbough with the 670th overall pick in the 22nd round of the 50-round draft. "It’s really exciting to get drafted," says Rohrbough, 19, who was one of 24 players from Oregon chosen in the draft. "I’m not satisfied by any means, but it feels like I’ve accomplished something and my hard work has paid off." Rohrbough will continue pitching for the Medford Mustangs American Legion team this summer and plans on returning to Western Nevada for his sophomore season. Advertisement The Braves own the rights to Rohrbough and have until the week before next year’s draft to offer him a contract. At that time, Rohrbough can either sign with Atlanta and enter the Braves’ minor league system or turn down the offer and re-enter his name in next year’s draft. It’s a win-win situation, Rohrbough feels. "If I could choose, the Braves would have been in my top two," says Rohrbough, whose No. 1 choice would have been the Boston Red Sox. "Every single year the Braves, more than anyone, have more of their minor league players making it to the bigs. Plus, they’re definitely well known for developing pitchers. "It’ll just depend on what happens. I’m still developing as a pitcher." Rohrbough, at 6-foot-3, 210 pounds, has all the attributes that attract the attention of professional scouts. Besides being a left-hander with a sturdy frame, Rohrbough’s fastball has been clocked in the low 90s and his once looping curveball has been refined into more of a sharp-breaking slider. Rohrbough also added a change-up to his repertoire, although he admits to needing more time to perfect the pitch. But it wasn’t until a preseason tournament held in January in Las Vegas that Rohrbough started to get noticed. "It was just about the only baseball being played in the country because it was so early," Rohrbough says. "I had a pretty good tournament. After that (the scouts) starting following me around at games and came to a couple of my practices." Rohrbough completed the year with a 5-3 record and 3.23 ERA in 561/3 innings. He struck out 52 batters — second-best on the team — and walked 25 for the Wildcats, who finished 37-18 and won the Scenic West Athletic Conference regular season title. "I had a pretty good season," Rohrbough says. "I worked my way into the rotation, and I helped the team win a lot of games." "I can get better. I’m looking forward to next season." For now, Rohrbough will enjoy the summer season with the Mustangs. "It’s something I really look forward to," he says. "I want to stay home and play for the Mustangs. Not a lot of people get a chance to do that." Reach reporter Kevin Goff at 776-4483 or e-mail Braves draft Rohrbough ">[email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems California Casinos Men's Clothing Southern Oregon Loans --> GMAT Prep Fundraisers Send Flowers Texas Electric Choice Entertainment Guide --> Casinos Canada Trunks, Footlocker Online Casino Reviews Advertisement s