February 4, 2012

No. 2 overall draft pick Danny Hultzen was on UVa grounds Saturday working out with teammates John Hicks and Will Roberts at Davenport Field. They are three of eight Virginia players selected in the 2011 draft and are preparing for their first spring training.

"I'm just trying to get physically and mentally prepared, said Hultzen. "Once we get out there, that's when the specific baseball stuff happens. Right now is the time to get your body ready and be mentally prepared because it's a really long year."

Hultzen is the third best prospect in the Seattle Mariners organization and earned an invitation to major league spring training. Now, it's an opportunity to compete for a spot in the big leagues.

"That's absolutely insane to think about," said Hultzen. "I think it's everyone's hope that they get to the big leagues as soon as possible, that's what we're all trying to do. If it happens, it happens, if it doesn't I'm going to help whatever team I'm playing for win."

Hultzen signed a five-year major-league deal that will guarantee him $8.5 million. He pitched in six games for the Peoria Javelinas in the Arizona Fall League (1-0, 1.40 ERA, 19.1 IP, 16 hits, 18 strikeouts), but has not yet competed in the regular minor league season.

"I didn't get a chance to play over the summer at all in the minor leagues," Hultzen said of his AFL experience. "So it gave me a taste of what professional baseball is like, the demands. It's very different than a regular season but it gave me an idea of what's to come."

Catcher John Hicks was a fourth round selection by the Mariners a and will join the team at mini camp on February 15. RHP Will Roberts, Cleveland's fifth round pick, will wait until the end of the month to head west.

"It's by far the longest off season I've ever had, but I'm ready to go," said Roberts. "It's really exciting, I don't really know too much to expect but it's going to be an adventure. Anywhere they put me, I'm just gonna go out there and play my best."

"Its been a great experience having some of the guys who I played with, and who have also been drafted, having them here to work out with," said Hicks. "It's been great to have this facility to hit and throw and the weight room to work out in."

Hicks signed with the club in time to play part of the season with one of Seattle's full-season minor league affiliates, the Clinton Lumberkings (Class A). He also took part in the instructional league and has used the off season to concentrate on the little things.

"They gave me some things to work on, mostly catching things and a little bit of hitting. I've been working on those everyday, just trying to fix the problem areas."

Roberts pitched for the Mahoning Valley Scrappers, the Indians' Class A short season affiliate, last summer. He threw 41.1 innings in nine games, striking out 29 batters and finishing with a 3.27 ERA and 1-3 mark. Roberts said when he left for the off season, the team didn't give him any specific feedback, but left him motivated to get better.

"They said make sure you're ready when you come to spring training, because once you get there, there's no turning back."

Hultzen, Hicks, and Roberts all agree it's a surreal feeling knowing this is the very start of their professional careers.

"Actually...that hit me right there," Hultzen said. "This week is the beginning of our careers I guess. Hopefully it's a long career, it's kind of weird to think this is the very beginning of it. But it's a good place to start, back here at UVa."