Vargas Makes Right Call
By Mark Peinado, Antelope Valley Press
June 8, 2004 It seems that at every point in Jason Vargas' career, there have been questions of why.
Why did he transfer from Victor Valley to Apple Valley? Why did he choose to go to Louisiana State instead of the major leagues? Why did he leave LSU for a a junior college in Cypress? And why did Vargas decide to go to Long Beach State?
The answers can be pinpointed to one single day, the major league baseball amateur draft that took place on Monday.
Vargas, a junior pitcher/designated hitter for Long Beach State, was selected by the Florida Marlins with the 68th pick in the second round.
It's a far cry from the 43rd round, where he was picked out of high school by the Minnesota Twins.
"It's one of the best feelings I've ever had," Vargas said. "It's definitely the best decision I ever made (of going to college).
"The stars are starting to fall into place. I think everything is starting to work out for the best. Hopefully, it will keep going and good things will come."
The road has definitely been a long one for the former Apple Valley star, but his father, Victor Valley athletic director Joe Vargas, said it's been well worth it.
"If you would have told me that this would have happened five years ago, I would have said, 'Yeah right,' " Joe Vargas said. "Not that I didn't think he had the tools, it's just luck has to fit in there somewhere.
"The road has been somewhat unusual. All the moves certainly made him progress as a player."
Vargas and his Long Beach State teammates are currently preparing for the NCAA Division I super regional this weekend against the University of Arizona.
"Hopefully, we have a chance to go to Omaha," Vargas said. "That's a first priority right now — before the draft."
But Vargas said he's excited about going to an organization that won the World Series last year and gives its young players a chance to play.
"They like young players, it's a great organization and I can't wait to get started," Vargas said.
Also selected in Monday's draft was former Sultana High and Victor Valley College standout Jacob Mullinax. Mullinax, who was a two-year starter for the University of Nebrasksa, was chosen by the St. Louis Cardinals with the 420th pick in the 14th round.
Mullinax, who had a .320 average his senior year, was a second team all-Big 12 selection this past season. |
