June 1, 2007 at 11:59 PM
Sox sign DFE's Blocker, New
This afternoon Baseball America reported that the Boston Red Sox have signed draft-and-follows Darren Blocker and Brantley New. Blocker (36th round) is a 20-year-old right handed power hitting third baseman out of Connor State JC (OK), and New (27th round) is a 23-year-old 5th year senior RHP out of Mercer University (GA). New's signing was confirmed by a press release from Mercer's athletic department. Named first team all-region (Region 2), Blocker batted .436 (51/117) in 34 games with eight HR and 10 doubles. Leading into the 2006 draft New was considered by some to have been a top-ten round talent, featuring a low-90s fastball which reportedly tops out at 93 MPH, supplemented by a curve ball and change up. He missed the 2003 season with Tommy John surgery. New went 6-3 with a 3.65 ERA with 91 Ks and 30 BB in 106.3 IP in 2007.