March 3, 2011 - 5:40pm
LaMarre chosen by Reds with 62nd pick in MLB draft
BY BEN ESTES
Michigan baseball coach Rich Maloney referred to junior leftfielder Ryan LaMarre as his team's best player throughout the 2010 season, and Tuesday brought news that only helped confirm that notion.
LaMarre was picked by the Cincinnati Reds in the second round of the Major League Baseball amateur draft, 62nd overall. He becomes Michigan's highest draft selection since catcher David Parrish was chosen in the first round, 28th overall, by the New York Yankees in 2000.
The Jackson native suffered a setback early this season when he broke his thumb against Texas Tech in just the Wolverines' third game of the year. LaMarre was out for five weeks before returning to play in the field at Indiana, and broke back into the everyday lineup five days later against Central Michigan. Despite the long layoff, LaMarre was still able to lead Michigan in batting (.419) and slugging (.649), hitting five home runs and notching 40 RBI. He was named First Team All-Big Ten, the only Wolverine to receive the honor, and was also named to the Big Ten All-Tournament Team.
All indications are that LaMarre will sign with the Reds and forego his senior season at Michigan, leaving a gaping hole in the Wolverines' outfield and lineup. Other Michigan players expected to be drafted include junior right-hander and closer Tyler Burgoon, senior right-handed starter Alan Oaks, senior catcher Chris Berset, and senior first baseman Mike Dufek.
