Cole Tucker hopes to have the same success as the last Mountain Pointe baseball player selected in the first round of Major League Baseball's annual June Draft.

Tucker, a switch-hitting shortstop, was tabbed Thursday (June 5) by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first round with the 24th pick overall. CJ Cron, now playing for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, was taken 17th overall in the 2011 draft out of college (Utah).

Tucker rates higher with his defensive skills as a potential pro with development expected as a hitter. He brings speed and has left little doubt a postition switch would be necessary with his prowess defensively and tall frame (6-foot-3). Tucker has signed with the University of Arizona, but will be hard pressed to pass up going pro as a first-rounder. Tucker was rated by Baseball America at No. 83 in its top 500 list and was regarded as second or third-round pick. The Pirates thought otherwise.

Two more Arizona prep players were taken in the second round on the first day of the draf on Thursday.  Brophy right-handed pitcher Ryan Castellani was selected by Colorado with the 48th pick overall. Castellani was projected at No. 99 by Baseball America in its top 500. Castellani has signed with ASU. Verdugo was taken with the 62nd pick overall by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Verdugo was announced by the Dodgers as an outfielder. Verdugo batted over .500 this season and is a standout left-handed pitcher. Verdugo has signed with ASU. Verdugo was expected by most draft publications to be the first Arizona prep player taken. He was rated No. 55 by Baseball America in its top 500.