Southeast's Borowiak goes to Red Sox in 14th round

Staying in school one more year was worth 35 rounds for Southeast Missouri State University shortstop Zach Borowiak.

Borowiak was selected in the 14th round of Tuesday's baseball draft by the Boston Red Sox. Last year, following his junior season at Southeast, he was taken in the 49th round by the San Francisco Giants.

"Last year, when I saw I went in the 49th round, it didn't take me long to decide to go back to SEMO," Borowiak said Tuesday from his family's home in Nashville, Ill. "I'm glad I did."

Borowiak is Southeast's highest-ever baseball draft choice, surpassing pitcher Brandon Smith, who went in the 18th round last year, also to the Red Sox. Borowiak was the 13th pick of the 14th round, overall selection No. 414.

"I'm very fired up. It's a great feeling," he said.

Borowiak hoped to be selected on the first day of the 50-round draft that concludes today with the final 30 rounds. But he said he wasn't taking things for granted.

"I was just hoping I'd go in the top 20, but I didn't really have a round where I thought I'd go," he said. "I heard a lot of stuff like that last year and it didn't happen, so I didn't want to get my hopes up this year."

Borowiak approached draft day a bit differently than he did last year: He followed the event via the Internet.

"I didn't just sit there and stare at the screen like last year," he said, laughing. "I did look at it some, but l also did some other things. When I saw it, the Red Sox scout called just a few minutes later."

Borowiak, after ironing out the financial details, was scheduled to learn late Tuesday night which minor league affiliate he will be assigned to. He'll likely start his first professional season with either a Rookie or Class A team.

"Wherever they want to start me is fine," Borowiak said.

Borowiak was a four-year starter for the Indians and ranks among the school's all-time leaders in several statistical categories. Although he opened the eyes of professional scouts primarily with his slick fielding and strong arm, he also made considerable improvements offensively during his Southeast career.

This year, Borowiak reached career highs in batting average (.372), home runs (15) and runs batted in (59). Prior to his senior season, his career highs were .319, four homers and 35 RBIs.

"The year I stayed in school really helped me improve a lot of things," he said. "Mostly my hitting, and I got bigger and stronger. But I still have some work to do at the plate, definitely."

Said Southeast coach Mark Hogan, "The scouts loved his glove and his arm, and he's not going to hurt you offensively. He's a super young man."

Several Southeast players are potential draft selections today, led by right-hander Bill Clayton. Left-hander Tim Alvarez also is a possibility.

mmishow@semissourian.com

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