Rafferty draws interest from MLB Scouts

PAXTON, Mass. – Those of you who have had the pleasure of watching Anna Maria College junior Zach Rafferty (Worcester, Mass.) pitch this season may have noticed some unfamiliar faces behind the backstop dressed in polo shirts and armed with radar guns. These mystery men were professional scouts, and they have been paying close attention to Rafferty's powerful right arm as the 2010 MLB Draft approaches. As of this week, Rafferty has been contacted by scouts from eight different Major League Baseball teams, including the Red Sox, Yankees, Brewers, Blue Jays, White Sox, Mets, Nationals, and Phillies. Since the completion of AMC's baseball season, these teams have continued their evaluation of the right-hander by scheduling private bullpen sessions. His fastball, which normally sits around 89-91 MPH, has been clocked as high as 94, and with a little work, the scouts believe he could throw even harder. "They've given me some tips on my mechanics, and say it will help my control and allow me to throw easier and with less stress", says Rafferty. Zach has received special interest from the New York Mets, and has been invited to the team's Pre-Draft Camp this Sunday. Rafferty and other Mets' prospects will throw bullpen sessions with members of the club's scouting department and front office in attendance.       Zach helped the AMCATS to a program-record 21 wins this season, as well as the team's first-ever ECAC Championship appearance. He led The Commonwealth Coast Conference in batting average against, holding his opponents to an AMC-record .165 average; more than 40 points lower than any other TCCC pitcher. He also set the program record for strikeouts in a single season, compiling 62 K's in just 47.0 innings of work. In his best performance of the year, Rafferty came within two outs of tossing a no-hitter, finishing with a one-hit complete-game shutout in a 1-0 victory versus New England College in which he racked up nine strikeouts. Although none of the teams have made Zach any promises, they've told him to be ready if and when he receives a call. The 2010 MLB First-Year Player Draft will be a three day event covering the dates of June 7-9. To follow the draft or to find more information, please visit http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/draft/y2010/.   Photo Courtesy of David Sheridan for AMC Sports Information