Locals continue to come off board in MLB draft

Several players with ties to local high schools were selected Tuesday on the second day of baseball's draft.

The Florida Marlins chose Cal State Bakersfield junior outfielder Ryan McIntyre in the 12th round.

McIntyre, a 2008 Coronado graduate, said he “definitely” wants to sign a professional contract.

“I still have to work out my contract and negotiate,” McIntyre said. “But I’m definitely leaning toward signing.”

McIntyre batted .309 with two homers and 25 RBIs this season, and led the Roadrunners with 14 stolen bases. He said Florida felt like a perfect fit as he heard his name called.

“I definitely wanted to be drafted by the Marlins,” McIntyre said. “They were the first team that contacted me. It was a surreal feeling, pretty exciting.”

Green Valley third baseman Brett Harrison went to the Detroit Tigers in the 18th round.

Harrison, who also has a scholarship to Hawaii on the table, could not be reached for comment. The deadline to sign a pro deal is Aug. 15.

Rancho left-hander Zak Qualls was taken by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 21st round.

Qualls, who has signed with UNLV, said he plans on fulfilling his commitment to the Rebels. He’s one of seven locals who have signed with UNLV, in addition to at least two others who have accepted walk-on invitations.

“To be on the field with eight of your best friends, that’s going to be great,” Qualls said. “People are starting to realize that UNLV is going to be a good program.”

Another UNLV signee, Las Vegas High right-hander Erick Fedde, went to the San Diego Padres in the 24th round.

Fedde said he has not yet decided on his future.

“I still have to talk with the Padres, but either way it’s going to be great,” he said. “It’s a win-win situation.”

The Dodgers tabbed UNLV junior right-hander Joe Robinson, a former Green Valley and College of Southern Nevada star, in the 29th round.

Brigham Young sophomore right-hander Taylor Cole, a Bishop Gorman and CSN product, went to the Toronto Blue Jays later in the 29th.

South Carolina junior lefty Bryan Harper, a former Las Vegas High and CSN standout, was picked by the Washington Nationals in the 30th round. He is the older brother of Bryce Harper, who went No. 1 overall to Washington in 2010.

The draft concludes Wednesday with rounds Nos. 31 to 50.