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Five Wolfpack Players Sign Contracts
NC State players begin professional careers.


June 19, 2003





Five of the seven NC State players taken in the Major League Baseball Draft earlier this month have now signed contracts. Outfielder Joe Gaetti (Rockies), third baseman Jeremy Dutton (Mariners), pitcher Brad Blackwell (Yankees), shortstop/pitcher Chad Orvella (Devil Rays) and catcher Justin Riley (Phillies) are in the process of beginning their professional careers at locations all across the country. Two other NC State draftees-catcher Colt Morton and pitcher Vern Sterry-have not yet signed.

Here's the latest update on NC State baseball players taken in the draft:

Catcher Colt Morton, 3rd round, San Diego Padres: Unsigned. The Padres have signed no one higher than their fourth-round pick at this time. Morton, a junior, led NC State in homers with 19.

Third baseman Jeremy Dutton, 7th round, Seattle Mariners: Signed. Has been assigned to the Everett Aquasox of the short-season Class A Northwest League, the same team former Pack star Jake Weber broke in with in 1998.

Pitcher Brad Blackwell, 12th round, New York Yankees: Signed. In his first and only appearance for the Staten Island Yankees of the short-season New York-Penn League, Blackwell worked 2/3 of a scoreless inning, allowing two hits, one walk and one strike out.

Outfielder Joe Gaetti, 12th round, Colorado Rockies: Signed. Assigned to the Tri-City Dust Devils of the Northwest League.

Pitcher Chad Orvella, 13th round, Tampa Bay Devil Rays: Signed. A full-time shortstop at NC State, Orvella was drafted as a pitcher by the Devil Rays. He is on the roster of the Hudson Valley Renegades in the New York-Penn League.

Pitcher Vern Sterry, 16th round, Oakland Athletics: Unsigned. Righthander set new school mark with 11-0 record this season. Is eligible to return for his senior season.

Justin Riley, 34th round, Philadelphia Phillies: Signed. Assigned to the Batavia Muckdogs. Started at catcher in his first and only game, and went 2-for-4 with a pair of singles.