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The Washington Nationals drafted Cal-Berkeley second baseman Tony Renda with the 80th pick in the 2nd Round of this year's First-Year Player Draft. In his junior year, the 5'8'', 170+lb infielder had a .342/.436/.484 line, 16 doubles, 5 HR's, 29 BB and 18 K's in 54 games and 219 AB's after having posted a combined .351/.394/.485 line in his freshman and sophomore years at Cal. Renda apparently wasn't kidding when he told San Jose Mercury News writer Vytas Mazeika in an article after he was drafted entitled, "Draft calls local players", that he planned on signing ASAP. "Renda plans to sign as soon as possible to begin working his way up the organization," the Mercury News' reporter noted. The Nationals' scouting director Kris Kline told reporters this afternoon that the infielder had already signed:
#Nats have agreed to terms with 2B tony renda out of Cal accord to scouting dir kris Kline he was the 80th pick
— Byron Kerr (@bkerr32) June 7, 2012
Mr. Kline also told reporters that the team had agreed on a deal with 4th Round pick Brandon Miller, an outfielder out of Samford University who was selected with the 144th overall pick. Here's how the Nationals' Area Supervisor Eric Robinson described Miller on Twitter after he was drafted...
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Eric Robinson, Area Supervisor for the SE said this about Brandon Miller: "A redraft out of JUCO, he has middle of the lineup power." (more)
— Nationals PR (@NationalsPR) June 5, 2012
"Miller is a versatile catcher who profiles both at RF and C. Great makeup. His profile reminds me of our own Tyler Moore." - Eric Robinson
— Nationals PR (@NationalsPR) June 5, 2012
Miller led NCAA with 23 HR while being named 2nd team Louisville Slugger All-America. He leaves Samford as the career leader in HR with 39.
— Nationals PR (@NationalsPR) June 5, 2012
• Here's a quick look at Tony Renda: