Four Pirates begin journey to the big leagues

Four ECU baseball players took a small step closer to the "big show" after being selected in last week's 2008 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft.

Justin Bristow (Chicago Cubs), Corey Kemp (Milwaukee Brewers), T.J. Hose (Arizona Diamondbacks) and Ryan Wood (Milwaukee Brewers) were each selected after solid 2008 seasons in Pirate uniforms.

Junior right-hander Bristow was the first Pirate taken in the draft and the only one to go on day one. Bristow was the 161st overall pick in the fifth round by the Chicago Cubs.

With his selection, Bristow became the eighth highest draft pick in ECU history. The ultimate distinction belongs to Pat Watkins, who was drafted in the first round by the Cincinnati Reds in 1993.

Current Diamondback Chad Tracy was drafted in the seventh round in 2001.

Bristow's honors include being named Conference USA Newcomer of the Year, Second-team All C-USA, a selection to the NCAA All-Regional Team and a candidate for the Roger Clemens Award.

The Richmond, VA native played on the mound and in the infield during his two-year stint at Auburn before nailing down the role of Sunday starter for ECU.

Senior catcher Kemp was the first Pirate selected on day two, going in the 14th round to the Brewers.

Kemp's achievements have been well documented. The 2008 season was a breakout one for the Tennessee native, one in which saw his batting average jump nearly 100 points from last season.

Kemp's amazing season led to being named C-USA Player of the Year and a semi-finalist for the Johnny Bench and Golden Spikes Awards.

Hose, a 36th round selection by the Diamondbacks, has struggled with consistency but has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career.

Hose threw a complete game shutout in his final collegiate appearance against Columbia in the NCAA tournament.

Wood was the last ECU player selected, joining teammate Kemp as a Brewers selection.

Wood started all 62 games and established career-highs in home runs, RBI, runs, doubles, total bases, walks and stolen bases in his junior season.

As juniors, Bristow and Wood have the option of returning for their senior seasons.

Justin Bristow

Class: Junior

Hometown: Richmond, VA

Last college: Auburn

Position: RHP

Team: Chicago Cubs (Round 5, pick 161)

Key 2008 stats: 9-2 overall record, 3.07 ERA, 8.07 strikeout average (per nine innings)

Corey Kemp

Class: Senior

Hometown: Franklin, TN

Last college: Young Harris (JUCO)

Position: Catcher

Team: Milwaukee Brewers (Round 14, pick 428)

Key stats: batting average (.341), home runs (18), RBI (72)

T.J. Hose

Class: Senior

Hometown: Hagerstown, MD

High school: North Hagerstown

Position: RHP

Team: Arizona Diamondbacks (Round 36, Pick 1098)

Key stats: 7-4 overall record, 4.46 ERA, 23-17 career record with two saves

Ryan Wood

Class: Junior

Hometown: Woodbridge, VA

High school: C.D. Hylton

Position: Infielder

Team: Milwaukee Brewers (Round 42, pick 1268)

Key stats: batting average (.306), home runs (13), RBI (51)

This writer can be contacted at sports@theeastcarolinian.com.