Marlins get high-caliber lefty in Krook

SECAUCUS, N.J. -- After selecting arguably the top college hitter in the 2013 First-Year Player Draft in Colin Moran, the Marlins went with a first-round-caliber lefty who'd dropped to the supplemental round.

Thursday started off with a pleasant surprise, when University of North Carolina third baseman Moran slipped to the No. 6 overall pick.

With four picks on the first day, the Marlins cashed in by selecting Matt Krook, a 6-foot-4 left-hander from St. Ignatius High School in San Francisco, with the 35th pick.

"Right now I'm so excited, and I can't wait to start playing ball," Krook said. "I landed right around where I thought I would go. Perfect fit for me."

Krook, a 6-foot-4, 210-pounder, has a commitment to attend the University of Oregon, but he is interested in starting his professional career. The slot allotment for the No. 35 pick is $1,587,700.

"I love Oregon, I love the coaches up there," he said. "But I think at this point I'm ready to play pro ball. I just want to get my career started."

Krook is represented by Matt Sosnick, who also represents right-hander Ricky Nolasco.

"Both me and [Sosnick], we both knew what it would take for me to sign in the long range," Krook said.

No. 35 is a Competitive Balance Round A pick in the supplemental first round. The Marlins obtained the pick, along with outfielder Gorkys Hernandez, from the Pirates last July in exchange for Gaby Sanchez.

In Krook the club is getting a prep standout who will have time to develop. The southpaw has received first-rate instruction, and has worked with former big league pitcher Jesse Foppert.

Krock throws a fastball, clocked as high as 95 mph. He also throws a curveball, slider and changeup.

Though he was considered first-round worthy, he slipped to the supplemental round, falling into the mix of high-end left-handed arms.

A year ago, lefty Andrew Heaney was selected with the ninth overall pick. He is now at Class A Advanced Jupiter.

Krook is likely to start in the New York Penn League, where he can work his way through the system.

Krook also made an impact in high school with his bat, also serving as a left-handed-hitting first baseman.

"I hit pretty well the last few years of high school," he said, "but definitely my focus the last few years has been more on the mound than with the bat."