Save Leader

Tyler Wagner, a closer who set the single-season record with 17 saves, was drafted in the fourth round by the Milwaukee Brewers. Parker Morin, whose 69 hits tied for a team-high, was picked 10 rounds later by the Kansas City Royals. New Ute Caleb Frare was also selected by the New York Yankees in the 11th round. James Brooks was drafted the following day, going to the Washington Nationals in the 20th round.

For more details see the article by Tony Jones in the Salt Lake Tribune.
For more on the development of 2011 first round pick C.J. Cron, see George Alfano's piece in the Deseret News.

Siliga Steps In

Sealver Siliga has stepped into an opening with Denver's defense, Brian McIntyre writes on NFL.com. Starter Ty Warren is skipping the OTAs and rookie Derek Wolfe hasn't finished the school year yet, so Siliga is getting extra reps in practice.

PAC-12 All-NFL Team

Four ProUtes made the first team of the PAC-12 Alumni All-NFL Team: Jordan Gross, Zane Beadles, Steve Smith, and Eric Weddle. Alex Smith got a second team nod from Pacific Takes, the website that created the team (also covered by ESPN's PAC-12 blog).

Remember Me?

Sione and Keite Pouha have donated $50,000 to the Invest in Excellence campaign, and the alumni locker room in the new football facility will be named for Pouha in gratitude. Memorial Day weekend is a fine time for an announcement like this! New OC Brian Johnson and his fiancée Ashley Chapman also donated $50,000 to the campaign earlier this month.

In free agent news, a Kemoeatu has re-signed with his former team. Remember Ma'ake? Apparently the Ravens do, as they have signed the defensive lineman who didn't play in 2011. Too bad he won't be able to line up against his brother Chris in the annual Ravens-Steelers grudge matches; Chris has not signed with another team since being released by the Steelers. Zane Taylor has signed with the Colts after being released by the Eagles.

Hunger Strike

After attending my first Utah baseball game - a thrilling 11 inning 4-3 victory over Oregon State - I realized it's time to post an update on players in the minors.

Stephen Fife was back in Salt Lake this weekend for a series with the Bees. He started for the Albuquerque Isotopes yesterday, giving up 2 earned runs in 7 innings. Fife is on the 40 man roster and could be called up by the LA Dodgers.

C.J. Cron hasn't made it up to the Bees yet - he's no longer with the Owls, either. He's slugging his way up with the Inland Empire 66ers of the Class A Advanced California League.

Brian Budrow played in that league last season, but was released by the Visalia Rawhide.

Ryan Khoury has gone the free agent route and is now plying his trade with the Wichita Wingnuts of the AAIPB (not affiliated with MLB).

Jordan Whatcott is pitching for the Reading Phillies, a team I got to see play some time ago.

Rick Anton played for the Ogden Raptors and the Great Lakes Loons last season; he isn't on any affiliate roster this spring, although he is still listed as active.

Jay Brossman has retired from the Angels organization due to injuries and is now a student coach for the University of Utah team I watched play this past weekend.

24 for 24

#24 led the Nuggets with 24 points last night, extending their first round series to game six. Miller shot 8-11 from the field, 2-2 from behind the arc, and 6-6 from the foul line in a highly efficient performance. #24 also scored 43 points for the Lakers, but took 32 shots to get there. In addition to making two clutch free throws at the end of the game Miller had 8 assists, including the requisite lob to Javale McGee. Still as precise as it was when he was throwing it to Keith Van Horn in the Huntsman Center!

Friday Night Lights

Tony Bergstrom was the final pick on Friday night, the second day of the NFL Draft. He was also the first pick of the Oakland Raiders, as they traded away their first three picks in 2012. They received a compensatory pick at #95, which they used to draft the tackle out of Utah. Bergstrom will attempt to become the next Barry Sims, a ProUte who played nine seasons in Oakland.

Also joining Bergstrom in Oakland will be Conroy Black, who will try to don the silver and black as an undrafted free agent. Other ProUtes going the undrafted route are John Cullen with the Jets, Derrick Shelby and Shawn Asiata with the Dolphins, and Tevita Finau with the Cardinals.