After selecting two high school players in the first round of the MLB First Year Player Draft, the New York Mets went the college route in the third round. With the 71st overall pick, the Mets chose RHP Cory Mazzoni from NC State.
The 6-1, 194 pound Mazzoni put up a record of 6-6 with a 3.30 ERA this season at NC State. In 114.2 innings, he struck out 137 batters.
There is a lot of talk surrounding players drafted out of high school deciding to sign a professional contract or head off to college. In Mazzoni's case, it has certainly paid off for him to become a member of the Wolfpack. He was drafted in the 26th round out of high school in 2008 by the Washington Nationals.
Mazzoni has carried NC State through the NCAA Regionals with a fastball reportedly touching 97 to go along with a good breaking ball.