Baseball Team Signs Three Prep Standouts
November 19, 2007 | Baseball
Nov. 19, 2007
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Mike Nastold, a right-handed pitcher from Cincinnati (OH) Elder, considered to be the top prospect in the state of Ohio and Jake Odorizzi, a two-way player from Highland, Illinois who is rated as the top prep baseball player in Illinois have joined Cave City, Kentucky's Derek Self in signing national letters of intent to play for the Cardinals.
The three signees are part of the 2008-09 early signing period and will be on campus next fall and eligible to compete in the spring of 2009.
Mike Nastold
RHP
Cincinnati, Ohio/Elder HS
Nastold, a 6'4" righty is rated the No. 1 prospect in Ohio and No. 92 nationally by Perfect Game, the largest amateur baseball scouting service in the nation. He was 7-4 on the mound with a 1.20 ERA least season, leading Elder to the final four. He struck out 94 in just 67 innings. During his sophomore season he posted an 8-0 record with a 0.30 ERA. Played for the state champion Panthers his freshman season. Was a member of the 2007 Connie Mack World Series Champion Midland Redskins. Chose Louisville over Arizona State, Ole Miss, Penn State, Mississippi State and North Carolina.
Jake Odorizzi
RHP/INF
Highland, Illinois/Highland HS
Odorizzi, a 6'2" right-handed pitcher who also plays shortstop, is rated as the top prep baseball player in the state of Illinois by Prep Baseball Report. Baseball America ranks him as the 66th best high school prospect in the nation. An excellent student who many regard as one of the top two-way players in the nation, Odorizzi hit .435 with 15 doubles, 13 home runs, 42 RBI and 23 steals while compiling an 11-0 record on the mound with an 0.70 ERA and 109 K's for the Bulldogs as a junior last season. His 13 home runs and 11 wins were both school records. He is 21-7 during his prep career with 200 strikeouts in 181 innings. He is also a two-time All-Conference WR on the football team and has lettered three seasons in basketball. He choose Louisville over offers from Clemson, North Carolina, Missouri State, Missouri, Arkansas and Nebraska.
Derek Self
RHP
Cave City, Kentucky/Caverna HS
The 6'2" righty posted a 6-6 record and a 2.91 ERA as a junior. He struck out 86 and walked just 16 in 77 innings of work, while picking up four saves. An All-District and All-Region selection in baseball. Went 5-4 with a 2.17 ERA his sophomore season with the Colonels. Also earned letters in basketball, making the All-District team, as well as golf. Chose U of L over Kentucky and Middle Tennessee.
