After a couple of surprising high school picks earlier in the day, the Reds went with all college players for their 6-10 picks.
Round 6 (167th overall) - Tyler Buffett, RHP (Oklahoma State)
After a successful junior year that saw him dominate in the bullpen and as a starter, Buffett surprisingly went back for his senior year to try to win a College World Series. He managed to move his draft position up one round, as the Astros took him in the 7th round last year. He posted a 5.23 ERA in 97 innings in his senior year, and improved his K/BB rate and his BB/9. The Reds should give him a chance to start, but his strong slider and closing experience should make him a solid bullpen arm if that falls through.
Also, he’s related to Warren Buffett somehow. Despite turning down a chance to go pro with the ‘Stros last year, you will not see him in the College World Series, as his Cowboys were eliminated by Oral Roberts in the regional round.
Round 7 (197th overall) - Mark Kolozsvary, C (Florida)
Kolozsvary is a junior who actually came into this season as the 3rd string catcher for the Gators, but managed to get some playing time due to injuries and took full advantage. He hit .274/.378/.442 over last year, and ended up being the first Florida catcher drafted out of the trio they had last year. There’s a chance he goes back, but 7th round slot money may be hard to pass up.
High OBP and a reputation for good defense? Sounds awfully Barnharty to me.
Round 8 (227th overall) - Connor Ryan, RHP (U Illinois Chicago)
With a solid season in the NY Collegiate League, Ryan put himself on the map and got enough attention to get drafted. He had 5 starts in that competition, going 3-1 with a 3.38 ERA in 37 1⁄3 innings. He spent most of his time with the Flames serving in the bullpen, striking out 30 in 29 innings with only 5 walks on the season.
Round 9 (257th overall) - Packy Naughton, LHP (Virginia Tech)
Here’s another guy who had a summer ball resume that got him drafted. Despite struggling in his junior season at VT, Naughton went 3-0 with a 1.69 ERA in the Cape Cod league over 7 starts last year. He’s probably a reliever at the next level, but the Reds have plenty of use for bullpen arms.
Round 10 (287th overall) - Robby Howell, RHP (Central Florida)
Howell was an All-American at UCF, and had a stellar senior season that put him where he is today. He went 10-1 with a 3.50 ERA, and led the Knights to an AAC championship, as well as taking home honors for the AAC Pitcher of the Year. Howell should continue to start as he begins his Reds career.