Arizona’s JC Cloney gets Selected by the Kansas City Royals

With the 270th overall selection in the 2017 MLB Draft, Arizona’s ace pitcher, JC Cloney, was picked by the Kansas City Royals.

Always an exciting time of year for any aspiring Major League Baseball player, and fans, as the MLB Draft is underway. One of this aspiring player’s is JC Cloney of Arizona, who was selected in the ninth round by the KC Royals.

Having spent just the past two seasons with the Wildcats, Cloney surely impressed enough scouts while here, to be drafted on Tuesday.

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Hailing originally from The College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita, CA, Cloney originally committed to Andy Lopez. After his subsequent retirement, newly hired head coach Jay Johnson identified Cloney as a key piece to his recruiting class and kept Cloney to his commitment.

Two seasons later, Johnson was proven correct. Cloney has had a remarkable career, punctuated by his star performance in the College World Series last season.

With the Wildcats, JC was 15-6 overall, with a 2.75 ERA, surrendering just 61 runs and striking out 132 batters.

According to one MLB scout, this is what he had to say about Cloney:

"“He’s not the type of pitcher who will overpower you with his fastball, but he doesn’t need the velocity of other hurlers to be successful. The left-hander has a fastball that can reach the upper 80s with solid run and sink, working the corners of the plate well. His command and overall feel for pitching are evident with his slider and changeup, too.”"

Regardless, KC should have a good, reliable pitcher in Cloney! We will certain miss his pitching, and his dad tossing Tootsie Rolls!

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Congratulations JC on being selected by Kansas City, we wish you the best in your baseball career! Bear Down, Arizona!