White Sox Tab Saladino in Seventh Round of MLB Draft

The 2010 Summit League Player and Newcomer of the Year, Saladino batted .379 with 18 home runs and 76 RBI in 63 games, helping ORU to its 13th straight Summit League title and NCAA Regional appearance. 

Saladino was the 218th overall selection. He is the first ORU player drafted by the White Sox since Dave Yobs in 1981.

A right-handed hitter, Saladino concluded his first season at ORU ranking among season record holders in at-bats (4th), runs (5th), hits (6th), home runs (8th), RBI (6th) and total bases (6th).

Four signees were also selected on Tuesday. Right-handed pitcher Aaron Kurcz (College of Southern Nevada) was taken in the 10th round by the Chicago Cubs, while right-handed pitcher Alex Gonzalez (Boca Raton (Fla.) Community HS) was plucked in the 11th round by Baltimore. Outfielder Brandon King (Fresno CC) went to Baltimore in the 16th round, and Toronto pegged RHP Art Charles (Bakersfield College) in the 20th round.

Saladino is the 30th player drafted by a Major League franchise in Rob Walton’s seven seasons as head coach.