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MLB Draft: Evan Kravetz selected by Reds in Fifth Round

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Evan Kravetz is the second Rice baseball product selected in the 2019 MLB Draft, coming off the board as a Fifth Round selection by the Cincinnati Reds.

Six months ago Evan Kravetz wasn’t expected to be a collegiate starting pitcher. The senior southpaw had made four starts in his career entering the 2019 season, appearing primarily out of the bullpen. He was effective there, but injuries opened the door for him to become a weekend starter in his final season.

Fast forward six months. Kravetz was a second-team All-Conference USA selection who claimed College Baseball National Pitcher of the Week and Conference USA Pitcher of the week this season. His 3.24 ERA and 1.12 WHIP were second on the team, trailing only 2019 second round pick Matt Canterino.

By most every measure, Kravetz had pitched like an MLB Draft-worthy pitcher. On Tuesday those inklings became reality when the Cincinnati Reds selected Evan Kravetz with the 144th pick of the 2019 MLB Draft.

Being selected never seemed too farfetched — Kravetz was a solid pitcher before his senior campaign. But the effectiveness and poise displayed on the mound in 2019 had a demonstrable effect on the round Kravetz was selected in. He wasn’t a late round flier for his new team. He was valuable enough to spend a day two selection on. He’s part of their future.

It also shouldn’t come as a surprise the first two Rice Owls off the board came from their weekend rotation. The offense made some progress in 2019 and the defense took a massive leap forward. It was the starting rotation which never waived. It seems having multiple Top 10 MLB Draft selections in the rotation might have had something to do with the level of consistency.

The draft started Monday night with Round 1 and Round 2 before continuing Tuesday with Round 3 through Round 10. The remaining picks, Round 11 through Round 40 will take place on Tuesday. A full schedule a results tracker are available here.

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MLB Draft: Matt Canterino selected by Minnesota Twins in Second Round

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Pitcher Matt Canterino is the first Rice baseball player selected in the 2019 MLB Draft, chosen by the Minnesota Twins in the second round.

Canterino entered the 2019 season with high expectations. After spending time with Team USA over the winter, the prospective early round pick put together an impressive spring campaign. Billed as the ace of a strong starting rotation, Canterino delivered in every way possible. Even his off days were strong starts. His best days, were MLB-caliber.

The Rice junior threw 99.1 innings with a 2.81 ERA and a stunning .970 WHIP. His 121 strikeouts were the most among Conference USA pitchers. He threw his first career complete game against FIU on April 5.

Those strong numbers did nothing but bolster his already potent MLB Draft stock. With Rice seeing their season end after a four-game conference tournament run, Canterino was able to turn his attention to the draft. And wait.

With the 54th selection of the second round, the Minnesota Twins selected Matt Canterino.

Several other Owls hope to hear their names called in the coming days. For now, Canterino becomes the most recent Rice player drafted since four Owls were selected in the 2018 MLB Draft.

Shortstop Ford Proctor was chosen by the Tampa Bay Rays in the third round. Pitcher Ricky Salinas went to the Cincinnati Reds in the 25th Round. Outfielder Cody Staab was picked by the Seattle Mariners in the 30th Round. 2019 Signee Antonio Cruz was a 40th Round selection by the Houston Astros before opting to go to school.

2019 MLB Draft schedule

The 2019 MLB Draft runs from June 3 to June 5. Rounds 1 and 2 will take place Monday (June 3), televised on the MLB Network. The final two days will available to watch on MLB.com Round 3 through Round 10 will take place Tuesday (June 4) with the remaining Rounds 11-40 on Wednesday (June 5).

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Rice Football: Owls extend four offers at 3-Stripe Camp

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Rice football had the opportunity to host the Adidas 3 Stripe Camp over the weekend, bringing top coaches and players to Houston on Saturday.

It was a big weekend at South Main. More than 500 recruits arrived on campus to participate in the Adidas 3 Stripe camp. After evaluating the talent at hand, Rice handed out four new offers: athlete Trey Johnson (Cy Falls), wide receiver Devin Gunter (Ridge Point), wide receiver Kade Renfrow (Stephenville) and linebacker Kenneth Phillips III (Fort Bend Bush).

If there was a common theme with the offers that went out this weekend, it was speed. Gunter turned heads with a blazing 40-yard dash during drills and Phillips and Johnson weren’t far behind. Getting speed at the skill positions is an area Rice needs to improve on. Several of these guys are built in that mold and there could be others from the weekend who get their names added to the list down the road.

Rice Football, Rice Football RecruitingThe Owls have been hard at work on a few targets who weren’t able to make it to campus this weekend as well. Shreveport, LA linebacker Geron Hargon and Mission Viejo, CA defensive end Lance Kenely like what they’re hearing from the Owls.

After picking up offers from Rice in the spring, both guys have stayed in contact with the staff. In that short time, Hargon went so far as to say “Rice has made a big jump recently on my list”, citing the genuine nature of the staff and their clear commitment to creating a stronger future. Keneley is working to finish up his school year in California but plans to do everything he can to get to campus at some point this summer.

June will be a busy one for Rice. They’ll bring more recruits to campus for visits as they continue to build on CUSA’s No. 1 class.

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Rice Football Stat Pack: Solving third down a key for 2019

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Rice Football wasn’t able to convert third downs last season, but the root of the problem began before the Owls ever reached a third down situation.

The Owls had some learning to do last season as they adjusted to life under the direction of head coach Mike Bloomgren. The refound dedication to process and execution were refreshing, but there was one important problem they were never able to solve: third down.

Rice converted on 28.7 percent of their third downs in 2018, the 129th best rank in the nation among 130 FBS teams. It’s not that they were unable to pick up important yardage — their 62.1 percent fourth down conversion rate was the 25th best mark nationally. The problem is they attempted 195 third down conversions and 30 fourth down conversions.

Unless the Owls intend to scrap punting altogether, as tempting as that might be without Jack Fox waiting in the wings, they’re going to have to figure out ways to stay on the field. No penalties is a great starting point, but staying ahead of the chains will be the true measuring stick.

Rice ranked was 129th in success rate, a measure defined by a team’s ability to gain “50 percent of necessary yardage on first down, 70 percent on second down, and 100 percent on third and fourth down.” To that end, the Owls’ third down problem wasn’t as much a third down problem as it was a first and second down problem.

Building a more effective offense has been on the brains of the coaching staff lately. The defense had the better showing this spring, but there’s still plenty of time before this team takes the field in a game which counts. Reinforcements are still on their way in the form of grad transfers and talented 2019 recruits. They’ll all be tasked with creating positive plays on first down. If the Owls find success their, third downs and eventually touchdowns, will follow.

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Rice Baseball: Jon Duplantier makes first MLB Start

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Former Rice baseball pitcher Jon Duplantier made his first MLB start, the latest in several big moments for Owls in the MLB this season.

Several Owls have made their marks in the major leagues this season. Anthony Rendon and Brock Holt have overcome midseason injuries, returning to their respective lineups with renewed vigor. Those still in Triple AAA have played well, waiting for their next show, which could come later this season.

Jon Duplantier

Duplantier made his MLB Debut on April 1, picking up his first career save against the Padres. He’s appeared in five games since, with his most recent appearance coming on May 31, his first career start. Taking the rubber against the New York Mets, Duplantier allowed three runs in five innings. He struck out four and walked two before being pinch hit for in the fifth inning. Arizona would take the lead in the next half inning while Duplantier received a no-decision.

Anthony Rendon

Since the last update, Rendon has continued to tear through the National League. The Washington Nationals’ All-Star candidate has a .320/.423/.660 slash line. All three of those marks are career bests for Rendon, who has more RBI this season (34) than he has strikeouts (30).

Brock Holt

Holt made his return from an extended stint on the injured list against the Indians on May 27. He’s hit safely in all three games of that series with a double in the finale, scoring three runs with two RBI.

JT Chargois

Chargois has made two appearances this season, throwing 1.2 innings in April. While he waits for his next call up, he’s maintained a 1.35 ERA with the Dodgers’ AAA affiliate in Oklahoma City through 16 appearances.

Tony Cingrani

Placed on the injured list with soreness in his throwing shoulder in late May, Dodgers’ pitcher Cingrani has yet to make his 2019 debut.

Tyler Duffey

After appearing with the Twins in four games in April, Duffey returned to the minor leagues. In seven appearances he’s allowed eight hits in 13.2 innings with a dazzling 1.32 ERA.

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