Indians Take Taylor in 10th Round

June 8, 2007

NORMAN, Okla. -- Oklahoma left-handed pitcher Heath Taylor was selected in the 10th round of the 2007 MLB Draft on Friday by the Cleveland Indians (317th overall).

The junior hurler, who was drafted for the first time in his career on Friday, led OU with nine wins in 2007 and was the first Sooner taken on day two of the draft. Juniors Jackson Williams (first round supplemental) and Joe Dunigan (fifth round) were selected during day one on Thursday.

The last time Oklahoma had three players drafted in the first 10 rounds was in 2004 (David Purcey - 1st round, Jarod McAuliff - 7th round and Mark Roberts - 8th round).

Taylor joined OU for the 2007 season after pitching at Vernon Junior College for two seasons. He made 10 starts and was 9-3 overall in 20 appearances for the Sooners and emerged as the club's No. 2 starter after coming out of the bullpen for his first seven appearances. His 3.57 ERA was also tops among OU starters.

Taylor's Bio | 2007 Stats | Sooners in the Draft

The Bowie, Texas, native was named to the watch list for the 2007 Brooks Wallace Award, given to the sport's top collegiate player, on May 2. Following the regular season, Taylor was chosen as an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention by the league's coaches and was also tabbed a second team member by the Fort Worth Star Telegram.

In first start against Michigan State on March 17, Taylor recorded a career-high 11 strikeouts and would finish the season with four or more K's in 10 of his 20 appearances. He also lasted at least five innings in each of his 10 starts.

In addition to his nine wins, a total that ranked fifth in the conference, Taylor also led Oklahoma in Big 12 play with four victories, fueled by 44 strikeouts in 53 innings of work. Overall, Taylor registered 80 strikeouts over 90 2/3 innings, a mark that ranked third on the Sooners' staff and 10th in the conference.

OU signee P.J. Dean (RHP) from New Caney High School in New Caney, Texas was also drafted on Friday. Dean was selected in the seventh round (220 overall) by the Washington Nationals.

Click here to follow the 2007 MLB Draft live on draft tracker.

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