Eades picked in second round by Twins
Ryan Eades has endured a somewhat inconsistent three-year career with LSU.
But, the junior pitcher's talent was always apparent. On Thursday night, Eades was chosen in the second round of major league baseball draft by the Minnesota Twins.
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Eades, who has an 8-1 record with a 2.81 earned run average this season, was just the sixth Tigers pitcher drafted in the first two rounds in the past 20 years. Two of those draftees were in the previous three years - Anthony Ranaudo in 2010 (compensatory round) and Kevin Gausman in 2012 (first round).
The other three LSU pitchers chosen before the end of the second round in the past 20 years were Randy Keisler in 1998 (second round), Kurt Ainsworth in 1999 (first round) and Brian Tallet in 2000 (second round).
Eades was knocked out by Jackson State in third inning of his start in the Baton Rouge Regional last Friday. LSU coach Paul Mainieri has not decided if Eades will start the second game of the super-regional series against Oklahoma on Saturday.
In his career, Eades has a 17-5 record with a 3.59 ERA. In 233 innings, Eades has walked 76 batters and has struck out 171 hitters. He has given up more than a hit per inning (254 hits).
Two former LSU pitchers are presently members of the Minnesota Twins organization - Blake Martin at Class AA New Britain and Tyler Jones at Class A Cedar Rapids.
LSU signee Justin Williams, an infielder from Terrebonne High School in Houma (La.), was picked in the second round by the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Tigers staff expected Williams to be a high draft choice and not come to school.
The draft will continue Friday afternoon with rounds three through ten being conducted. The final 30 rounds will be held Saturday.