D-backs Select Aaron Blair & Justin Williams with 2nd & 3rd Picks in 2013 Draft
(PHOENIX) - The Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) selected right-handed pitcher Aaron Blair (@A_Blair19) from Marshall University with the 36th selection in the Competitive Balance Round A and outfielder Justin Williams out of Terrebonne High School (Houma, La.) with the 52nd selection in the Second Round in today's Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, according to D-backs' Director, Scouting Ray Montgomery.
Blair, 21, went 5-5 with a 2.85 ERA (26 ER in 82.0 IP) with 84 strikeouts and 36 walks in 2013. He was named to the USA Baseball preseason and midseason Golden Spikes Award Watch List and garnered All-Conference USA First-Team accolades after tossing 10 quality starts this season. Blair earned NCBWA & Louisville Slugger National Pitcher of the Week honors after tossing an 8.0 innings while allowing only 2 hits against No. 19 Houston on April 6 and was named C-USA Pitcher of the Week honors twice (March 25 & April 8). Ranked by Baseball America as the 11th-best college pitcher, Blair was previously drafted by the Astros in the 21st round of the 2010 draft but did not sign.
Williams, 17, batted .333 (22-for-66) with 7 doubles, 4 home runs, 13 RBI, 18 runs scored and 8 stolen bases this season. He earned Louisville Slugger and Collegiate Baseball preseason All-American accolades and was recently named to the Louisiana Sports Writers Associated 5A All-State Team. Williams participated in the 2012 Perfect Game All-American Classic at PETCO Park and the Under Armour All-American Game at Wrigley Field, winning each showcase's home run derby. He has committed to Louisiana State University.
Rounds 3-10 will take place on Friday starting at 10 a.m. PT and Rounds 11-40 on Saturday at 10 a.m. PT.