Gamecocks’ Grayson Greiner, Jordan Montgomery selected in 3rd, 4th round in MLB Draft

Catcher Grayson Greiner and left-handed pitcher Jordan Montgomery enjoyed solid seasons with the South Carolina Gamecocks, advancing to a Super Regional last year and coming in as national runners-up in 2012.

But given the choice to make a final run at a national title or turn pro, the duo decided on the latter. And it was Greiner who was called first (3rd round, 99th overall pick by the Detroit Tigers), followed by Montgomery (4th round, 122nd by the New York Yankees).

Here’s the scouts’ book on Greiner, which tells the country what Gamecocks fans already know about him:

"His defense actually rates better than his offense. Greiner has solid arm strength and a penchant for making accurate throws. He has good agility for his size and receives the ball well. Add in quality leadership skills, and it’s easy to understand why USA Baseball selected him for its collegiate national team each of the past two summers (though he missed out in 2012 because of a knee injury)."

What about Montgomery?

"His fastball is effective…because it has run and sink and he’s able to spot it where he wants. It sets up his best pitch, his changeup, and he also mixes in cutters and curveballs. Montgomery is a quality athlete for his size and has a fluid delivery, which allows him to fill the strike zone with ease. His ceiling is limited to a No. 4 or 5 starter, but he’s a good bet to reach it."

While the loss of Greiner and Montgomery will set the Gamecocks back talentwise in 2015 as they seek to get back to the College World Series, you can’t fault the two of them for making the jump (and it isn’t entirely surprising that either of them did). Carolina does have some good young pieces in place ready to take the mantle (i.e. Wil Crowe and hopefully Logan Koch) and the two of them should be all set to go next season.