Cardinals draft Durango shortstop

It all started last summer for Niko Vasquez, the Durango High School shortstop whose every move was studied by scouts.

He spent his senior year under close scrutiny, and he woke up Thursday morning anxiously hoping for a resolution to the mystery.

When and where would he go in the major league draft?

"You're waiting on that phone call, and you have no control over what's going to happen," he said. "It could go good, or it could go bad. The worst part is just waiting."

Vasquez did not have to wait long for his answer, as he was selected in the third round, 91st overall, by the St. Louis Cardinals.

"It has been a long process, but it's all worth it now," he said. "I'm extremely happy. It's definitely a great day."

Vasquez was one of three local players selected in the first six rounds of the draft, which concludes today with 44 more rounds.

College of Southern Nevada catcher Braeden Schlehuber went to the Atlanta Braves in the fourth round, 130th overall.

Colby Shreve, a CSN pitcher from Bonanza High, was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the sixth round, 196th overall.

Vasquez emerged as a top prospect last summer, and he batted .477 with nine home runs, 41 RBIs and 16 stolen bases as a senior.

"I think he has the tools and the talent to be a big league shortstop," Durango coach Sam Knapp said. "He's got great hands and great feet. He can swing it with some pop."

Vasquez committed to Oregon State in the fall but said he intends to start his pro career.

"I want to sign," Vasquez said. "I can't wait to play. It's just an honor to be mentioned in those top four rounds."

Schlehuber, from Bountiful, Utah, hit .332 with five homers as a sophomore for the Coyotes.

"With his athletic ability, Braeden can play pretty much anywhere on the field," CSN coach Tim Chambers said. "He's very athletic, and he can run. He's a really good prospect."

Shreve, a 6-foot-5-inch right-hander, went 5-1 with a 2.30 ERA as a sophomore. But he missed the final two months of the Coyotes' season with an elbow injury and had Tommy John surgery in May.

"It's way above my expectations," said Shreve, who was concerned he might slip in the draft. "I'm just relieved that all the second-guessing is over."

Shreve was an eighth-round pick by the Braves last year, but he returned to school and turned down a $125,000 signing bonus. He could get at least three times more in bonus money from the Phillies.

"I believe he'll pitch in the big leagues," Chambers said. "Colby certainly would have gone in the first two rounds if he didn't get hurt. His work ethic is as good as any player who's ever come through our program."

Arizona left-hander Daniel Schlereth was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks with the 26th pick of the first round. Schlereth, the son of former Denver Broncos offensive lineman Mark Schlereth, redshirted as a UNLV freshman in 2005 before transferring to play for the Wildcats.

Rebels junior first baseman Xavier Scruggs is among several local prospects expected to be drafted today.

Contact reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907.