Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, June 7, 1995 TAG: 9506070045
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-6 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: CHRIS KING
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
"I guess they didn't know me very well," said Filchner, who was first-team All-Big South selection three times. "It made sense for them to ask me, but I just wanted a chance to keep playing.''
The call Filchner had been waiting for came Friday, and it wasn't to ask questions about his desire to continue playing. It was the Oakland Athletics, telling Filchner that they had selected him in the 23rd round.
Things fell into place quickly. Filchner agreed to terms with the club on Monday and leaves for Medford, Ore., and rookie league ball today.
"I don't know what to expect,'' said Filchner of the beginning of his pro career. "I just want a chance to play every day.''
The position Filchner will play is one question that hasn't been resolved. He played left field for four years at RU, but the A's have told him that he may play some first base. Regardless of what position he plays Filchner will have to improve his defense if he wants to move up the organizational ladder.
"Duane is going to hit no matter what level he is at,'' said RU coach Lew Kent. "In the outfield he needs to improve.''
To the best of Filchner's knowledge Oakland only scouted him one time this season - against Richmond.
Facing the Spiders - who advanced to the NCAA tournament - and their best pitcher, Bobby St. Pierre, with the A's scout in attendence, Filchner had his most prolific game of the year going 3-4 with three home runs and five runs batted in.
Despite that performance, the Northampton, Pa., native did not expect to get drafted by the A's. The Chicago White Sox and the Colorado Rockies had shown the most interest. A Rockies scout called Filchner on the draft's first night and told him that they were going to select him.
With the waiting and wondering over, what matters most to the holder of nine RU career records is playing and producing. "The biggest thing is that baseball is a job now,'' said Filchner. "If you don't perform they will tell you to hit the road.''
One factor that should work in Filchner's favor is his experience with a wooden bat. The past three summers he has played in leagues that use bats made out of timber, as opposed to the aluminum ones used in college.
Filchner is the fourth RU player to be drafted. Phil Leftwich pitched for the California Angels last season but is currently on the disabled list after having shoulder surgery. Chris Connolly is playing Single A ball in the Kansas City Royals organization, and Denny Van Pelt, who was drafted last year, has left the Angels organization and is no longer playing.
by CNB