THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, June 2, 1994 TAG: 9406020638
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY RICH RADFORD, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: 940602 LENGTH: Medium
Casey, who roamed rightfield for the Marlins this season, most likely will hear his name called within the first 10 rounds. Virginia Wesleyan coach Nick Boothe said scouts have indicated he could go as early as the fourth round.
{REST} ``He's had workouts with Cincinnati, Milwaukee, Florida and the Chicago Cubs,'' Boothe said. ``He's in a decent situation. He's only a sophomore, but he's eligible for the draft because he's already turned 21.''
Casey's strength is position flexibility. A capable outfielder with quality speed, he could play any of the three outfield positions. But if he's drafted early, it will likely be due to his lively arm.
A righthander who was used as a relief pitcher for the first time this season at Virginia Wesleyan, Casey has a 94-mph fastball.
``And since he hadn't pitched before this year, he has a fresh arm, which the scouts really like,'' Boothe said.
Old Dominion's Denis McLaughlin heads the remainder of area possibilities and is expected to go somewhere in the first 10 rounds. The 6-foot-5 junior righthander's value increased dramatically after he went to a sidearm delivery this season.
Another pitcher who should go early is Bethel High lefthander Chris Ochsenfeld, whose fastball has been clocked in the 90s.
The state's highest draft pick could come in the form of power-hitting outfielder Brian Buchanan of the University of Virginia, who is projected by scouts as a late first-round selection.
Leading second-day draft possibilities locally - the first day usually covers 15 rounds:
ODU senior lefthander John Smith, William and Mary shortstop Shawn Knight, ODU outfielder Maika Symmonds, Virginia Wesleyan outfielder Gary Sasser, Norfolk State third baseman Brian Edlow, Indian River first baseman Shawn O'Dell and Lake Taylor outfielder Derrick Daye. by CNB