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| Jake Kelzer in action |
Indiana baseball team >> Kelzer, Chicago Cubs drafted Effross (eyebright) from Indiana in back-to-back rounds of the 2015 MLB Draft. On the final day of the MLB Amateur Draft, the Chicago Cubs displayed a fondness for Hoosier arms. In the 14th round, with the 413th pick, sophomore RHP Jake Kelzer was selected. One round later, with the 443rd pick, the Cubs took junior RHP Scott Effross. Bloomington native Jake Kelzer (pictured) has emerged as one of IndianaÕs most important relief pitchers this season, as the Hoosiers look to return to the College World Series. He began his college career as a swimmer as well, but he eventually chose baseball full-time.
The Cubs selected former Bloomington South standout Jake Kelzer in the 14th round before swinging back and taking Scott Effross in the 15th round. Both Kelzer and Effross can return to IU next season if they do not sign with Chicacgo. Kelzer was drafted the the New York Yankees in the 22nd round of last year's draft, but decided to return to Bloomington. He started 11 games for the Hoosiers this season, posting a 3.95 ERA and a 4-5 record.
Effross posted a 2.35 ERA and a 4-4 record this past season. Kelzer, who was selected by the New York Yankees in the 22nd round in 2014, worked to a 3.95 ERA over 17 appearances in 2015, including 11 starts. Over a team-high 73 innings, the 6-foot-8 right-hander allowed 65 hits, struck out 57 and walked 31. He held opposing batters to a .237 average while flashing a fastball in the low-to-mid 90s and a tough breaking ball. Kelzer earned his first save in the first game of a doublehealder with Ohio State on May 15, striking out a career-high seven batters in three innings.He was an All-Big Ten Freshman Team selection last season. Kelzer will be eligible for the draft as long as he remains at Indiana because he turned 21 years old during his draft month in 2014. He struck out 51 batters to just nine walks. Opposing hitters batted just .217 against him in 2015.
Of course, neither player is a sure thing to go pro. Effross could have been a candidate to be selected during the latter rounds on Day 2. The right-hander has pitched in every role during his three seasons at Indiana, working as a starter and middle-, late-inning reliever in 2015. Effross appeared in 21 games, starting seven, while posting a 2.35 ERA. He scattered 50 hits over 61 1/3 innings, while striking out 51 and walking only nine. Opposing batters hit only .217 against the Ohio native. Effross also has a fastball that sits in the low-to-mid 90s, along with a changeup and a slider. Effross was outstanding down the stretch. Out of the bullpen in IU’s NCAA Tournament loss to No.1 Vanderbilt, Effross retired 10 of his first 12 batters and 16 of 20 for the game. Both could come back for another year.
The Cubs selected former Bloomington South standout Jake Kelzer in the 14th round before swinging back and taking Scott Effross in the 15th round. Both Kelzer and Effross can return to IU next season if they do not sign with Chicacgo. Kelzer was drafted the the New York Yankees in the 22nd round of last year's draft, but decided to return to Bloomington. He started 11 games for the Hoosiers this season, posting a 3.95 ERA and a 4-5 record.
Effross posted a 2.35 ERA and a 4-4 record this past season. Kelzer, who was selected by the New York Yankees in the 22nd round in 2014, worked to a 3.95 ERA over 17 appearances in 2015, including 11 starts. Over a team-high 73 innings, the 6-foot-8 right-hander allowed 65 hits, struck out 57 and walked 31. He held opposing batters to a .237 average while flashing a fastball in the low-to-mid 90s and a tough breaking ball. Kelzer earned his first save in the first game of a doublehealder with Ohio State on May 15, striking out a career-high seven batters in three innings.He was an All-Big Ten Freshman Team selection last season. Kelzer will be eligible for the draft as long as he remains at Indiana because he turned 21 years old during his draft month in 2014. He struck out 51 batters to just nine walks. Opposing hitters batted just .217 against him in 2015.
Of course, neither player is a sure thing to go pro. Effross could have been a candidate to be selected during the latter rounds on Day 2. The right-hander has pitched in every role during his three seasons at Indiana, working as a starter and middle-, late-inning reliever in 2015. Effross appeared in 21 games, starting seven, while posting a 2.35 ERA. He scattered 50 hits over 61 1/3 innings, while striking out 51 and walking only nine. Opposing batters hit only .217 against the Ohio native. Effross also has a fastball that sits in the low-to-mid 90s, along with a changeup and a slider. Effross was outstanding down the stretch. Out of the bullpen in IU’s NCAA Tournament loss to No.1 Vanderbilt, Effross retired 10 of his first 12 batters and 16 of 20 for the game. Both could come back for another year.
