Pro material: Several of state's baseball stars hope for Big League call this week

When he worked out for the Chicago Cubs last week, former Judge Memorial outfielder Keenyn Walker got a sense of what it would be like to be a pro ball player.

While the Cubs got a glimpse of Walker's outstanding athleticism, speed and arm, the two-time all-state player faced pitching that at times felt overwhelming.

"We had to face pitchers that competition-wise, it was ridiculous," Walker said. "It was my first time seeing 94 (miles per hour). I was behind. Oh my gosh, it's ridiculous. Playing in 3A, I didn't see a touch over 84. It's a huge difference."

Walker knows he can adjust to the faster pitching — and he might do so sooner rather than later — if all goes well in the Major League Baseball first-year player draft. The draft begins today, as the first three rounds will be held with the first round televised by the MLB Network.

San Diego State phenom pitcher Stephen Strasburg is expected to be the first pick taken by the Nationals. There probably won't be any local players selected today, but more than a dozen high school, Utah, BYU, Utah Valley University and Southern Utah athletes are expected to be picked before the draft ends Thursday.

Walker heads the list of local high school players. He set himself apart as the state's top local prospect after he hit .517 and drove in 25 runs as the Bulldogs' lead-off hitter. What scouts really love about Walker though is his athleticism, as he stole 25 bases for Judge during his senior season. He also pitched regularly for the Bulldogs.

In addition to hitting in front of the Cubs' decision-makers last week, Walker also timed in the 60 and performed in outfield drills. He wasn't informed of his 60 time, but he said his best time on the track is 6.32 and on grass it's 6.5.

"I think I did pretty good," Walker said.

Walker has no idea which round he'll be picked, though draft experts seem to believe it will be in the first 10 rounds. He has signed with Central Arizona College, and will play there if he isn't offered a satisfactory financial contract.

Numerous players have passed up contracts out of high school, hoping to raise their stock higher in college only to never get drafted again. Walker isn't concerned about that at this point.

"I just want to keep playing ball no matter what until my body won't let me anymore," Walker said. "It doesn't matter what happens. If I play pro ball, that'll be great. And if, for whatever reason, I play at Central Arizona, I'll try to up my stock a little bit. Maybe down the road I'll play pro ball."