In baseball, the pitcher orchestrates the rhythm of the game. Conversely, during the selection process the hurler loses control. Tennessee's southpaw, Steven Gruver, has been the maestro on the diamond from little league to his days at Fitch High School to Knoxville. Within the next forty-eight hours, Gruver will be at the mercy of thirty Major League ball clubs when the former Falcon discovers what team's farm system he will end up in.
Baseball America stated that the 6'1 lefty whipped up support from big league teams by tossing 93 mph during the fall practice. His velocity decreased to the mid-80s this past spring. The prestigious magazine anticipates Gruver to come off the board sometime on Tuesday between the 10th to the 15th round.
Steven first showed up on the major college radar playing for Wally Ford's Fitch Falcons and in summer leagues during his prep career. Gruver accumulated a record of 15-5 as a four-year starter at Fitch. He is also the school's all-time strikeout leader.
Gruver was used more as a reliever during his freshman year at the University of Tennessee in 2009. Number 30 worked his way into the rotation as he started all 12 of his pitching appearances as a sophomore. Steven enjoyed his best season in 2011 while playing for a disappointing Volunteer club which finished the year with a 25-29 record. He posted a career-best 3.95 ERA and his first two complete game outings. He showed good control as he registered 84 strikeouts in 95.2 innings of work and a mark of 5-7.
Now Gruver must wait as Major League team's will pick from baseball's best available amateurs.
