UF signees go high in draft

Only a few minutes after being selected in the first round of the Major League Baseball Draft by the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday night, Buchholz star LeVon Washington had already made up his mind. A decision was made.

He’s going to pursue a professional career instead of going to the University of Florida.

Washington informed UF coach Kevin O’Sullivan of his decision Tuesday night.

“I just spoke with (O’Sullivan),” Washington said. “I thanked him for everything he did for me. He improved me. I’m pretty much going to go to the Rays. He’s fine with that. He knows that if you go in the first round, you’re pretty much going to sign. I’ll be assigned to a minor league club this summer. I’m really excited.”

Washington said what really excites him is the team that picked him. Tampa Bay was the only team that worked out Washington before the draft. The workout took place last week in St. Petersburg.

“I did my thing,” Washington said. “I hit a few balls out of the stadium.”

Washington said he had a chance to meet one of his favorite big-league players at the workout.

“I like certain players. I’m not a team fan,” he said. “I’m a (Evan) Longoria fan. I actually had a chance to talk to him when he was in the training room. He was cool.”

The Rays selected Washington with the 30th pick in the first round. He was projected to be taken late in the first round or early in the second.

Washington said the Rays worked him out at shortstop last week, but the position could change once he starts developing in the team’s minor-league system.

“I could end up in the outfield, they said,” Washington said. “I’m just going to develop and see what happens. There is no timetable (for reaching the Major Leagues).”

Washington has blazing speed and was ranked the fastest prospect in the 2009 draft.

He’s not the only Florida signee who likely will never make it to campus.

Fort Myers Bishop Verot third baseman Bobby Borchering was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first round with the 16th pick, and likely will have big-time bonus money thrown his way.

Borchering’s place in the draft certainly wasn’t a surprise to O’Sullivan and the Gators. He was projected by all the draft analysts to be a top 20 pick.

The 6-4, 195-pound Borchering is a power-hitting switch hitter who was rated the No. 1 high school hitter in the 2009 draft. The only potential knock on Borchering is his reputation for being a little shaky defensively at third, which means the Diamondbacks could be looking to develop him at another position, likely first base, if he signs.

A third UF signee, Port Charlotte pitcher David Holmberg, was selected in the second round by the Chicago White Sox with the 71st overall pick.

The Gators also likely will need to find a replacement for junior closer Billy Bullock after the first day of the draft. Bullock was drafted in the second round by the Minnesota Twins with the 70th overall selection. Bullock was considered a potential first-round pick going into the draft. He became the Gators’ bullpen ace after converting from a starting pitcher.

This past season, the 6-6, 225-pound Bullock was 3-3 with an earned-run average of 2.64. He struck out 50 batters in 47 2/3 innings.

This draft also could impact some other UF signees and other UF juniors, including outfielder Matt den Dekker and outfielder Jonathan Pigott, who came on strong late in the season.

Sante Fe Community College third baseman Keon Broxton went to Arizona in third round with the 95th overall pick.

The draft continues today and concludes Thursday.