Islanders Get Chance to Impress at MLB Scout Day

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – In the midst of fall practice for Texas A&M-Corpus Christi baseball, the Islanders stepped away from Chapman Field and headed downtown to Whataburger Field for their annual MLB Scout Day Thursday afternoon.
 
"This is always one of the highlights of the Fall for our players," said head coach Scott Malone. "We had another great turnout from the MLB scouts. We're lucky to run a good program that consistently develops MLB caliber players and combine that with the fact we live in a gorgeous destination city, we're lucky to see 20-25 scouts each year."
 
The 2017 Islanders had their chance to impress Thursday and did not disappoint. Five Islanders pitchers touched 90-plus mph on the gun with another handful sitting just below 90.
 
A&M-Corpus Christi has developed a history of producing major league talent with 11 draft picks in the past 11 years. Another handful of Islanders have gone on to sign free-agent deals, including relievers Jacob Dorris and Garrett Harris in the past two seasons.
 
In 2016, a pair of Islanders were selected in the draft as left-hander Chris Falwell went to San Francisco in the 16th round and shortstop Casey Thomas was selected in the 34th round by the Oakland A's.
 
Falwell ended the year 3-1 with a 2.86 ERA split between the rookie league and class-A short season. Thomas meanwhile hit .258 with 18 RBI in rookie ball for the A's.  Other active Islanders include Trevor Belicek in high-A for the Orioles, Trevor Foss in single-A with the Indians, Jacob Dorris with the Corpus Christi Hooks and Garrett Harris in rookie ball for the Royals.