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Jake Brentz Picked By Blue Jays In MLB Draft

Jake Brentz now has to decide between going to the University of Missouri or signing with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Jake Brentz, the Parkway South High School pitcher who was pegged by some as a possible first or second round Major League Baseball draft pick, before apparently scaring some teams off with his pricetag for giving up a college scholarship to the University of Missouri, was selected Saturday in the 11th round, the 325th pick overall by the Toronto Blue Jays.

"I was holding firm to my number," Brentz told Patch shortly after being picked Saturday, adding that turning down "quite a bit of money" yesterday "was the hardest decision of my life." After not being taken after the first two days of rounds were done late Friday afternoon, Brentz said "I thought I'd be going to school."

Saturday that changed when the Blue Jays, who he said have been one of the top teams talking to him throughout the process, called.

"Hopefully we can make a deal," Brentz said, adding that he expected talks to pick up in the next few days. He has until July 12 to agree to terms with Toronto. He previously said that Missouri, which had recruited him as a position player, will allow him to pitch as well if he ends up going to Columbia.

If no deal is reached by July 12, Brentz would not be eligible for the draft again until after his junior season.


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