Angels select RHP Tyler Chatwood in 2008 MLB First-Year Player Draft

06/05/2008 7:44 PM ET

MLB.com

• 2008 DraftCentral

ANAHEIM -- The Angels selected right-handed pitcher Tyler Chatwood of Redlands East Valley High School in Redlands, CA as their first pick (2nd round, 74th overall) of the 2008 First-Year Player Draft conducted Thursday by Major League Baseball. This announcement was made by Angels' Director of Scouting Eddie Bane.

The Angels did not have a first-round selection, losing the 27th pick of the first round to the Minnesota Twins as compensation for signing OF Torii Hunter.

Chatwood, 18, was 9-1 with a 1.05 ERA (6 ER - 51.2 IP) and one complete game in 11 starts in his 2008 senior season at Redlands East Valley High School. He allowed 23 hits and 14 walks with 95 strikeouts in 51.2 innings. Opponents were limited to a .218 batting average.

Chatwood, who was named the 2008 Citrus Belt League MVP this season, has twice been selected as the San Bernardino County Player of the Year (in 2005 and 2007). In 2007, he was also named to the All-State and All-CIF teams. Chatwood did not play as a sophomore due to an elbow injury which required Tommy John surgery.

The 5-11, 185-pound Chatwood played shortstop for his high school team, batting .521 (49/94) with 34 runs scored, 13 doubles, six triples, one home run and 23 RBI in 30 games in 2008. A talented athlete, he has also played centerfield and catcher.

In the summer of 2005, he pitched for the USA Youth National team which participated in a tournament in Mexico. Chatwood's High School Coach is Steve Hernandez, who also serves as a part-time scout for the Angels.

"My family, friends and I all went crazy when I heard that the Angels were going to draft me," said Chatwood, who is a fan of the Angels' reliever Francisco Rodriguez. "It means so much to me. Growing up watching the Angels all the time, it was my dream to play professional baseball. Being given the opportunity to play for the Angels' organization is a real pleasure for me."

"We're pleased that we were able to draft Tyler with our first pick," said Bane. "I've seen him pitch frequently and his velocity was at times 97 mph and generally in the 94-95 range. Tyler also has what we consider to be an above average curve ball. His athletic ability shows that he is also a prospect as a shortstop."

Born Dec. 16, 1989, Chatwood's High School Coach is Steve Hernandez, who also serves as a part-time scout for the Angels.

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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