June 8, 2007

WACO, Texas -- Baylor senior right-handed pitcher Jeff Mandel was selected by the Washington Nationals in the 19^th round of the 2007 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, held Thursday and Friday. At least one Baylor player has been drafted each year since 1991. Mandel is the 10^th Baylor pitcher drafted in the last four years.

A product of Jersey Village [Texas] High School, Mandel was 7-8 with a 4.55 ERA in 17 appearances with 16 starts as Baylor's Friday night starter in 2007. One of the more versatile players in Baylor history, Mandel finished his career with a 14-11 record, eight saves and a 3.74 ERA in 231.0 career innings. He also collected 27 hits with two home runs, seeing action at first base and left field during his time with the Bears.

This is the second consecutive year Washington has drafted a Baylor pitcher; the Nationals selected former Baylor left-hander Cory VanAllen in the fifth round last year.

Baylor also saw two signees drafted. Midland [Texas] Christian High School right-handed pitcher Chris Withrow was taken in the first round by the Los Angeles Dodgers with the 20^th overall selection. Infielder Dan Evatt from Grapevine [Texas] High School was taken in the 45^th round by the Cleveland Indians.

Player, pos. Round Team Overall

*Chris Withrow 1^st Los Angeles Dodgers 20^th

Jeff Mandel 19^th Washington Nationals 580^th

*Dan Evatt 45^th Cleveland Indians 1334^th

*-signee