Oregon State’s Ryan Ortiz was a sixth-round pick by the Athletics after hitting .352/.454/.509 with 17 doubles and five home runs. I caught up with Ortiz to get his thoughts on the big news.

"I was excited to go to a good organization," Ortiz said. "Oakland’s a great organization and it’s a good feeling to be drafted. The first time being drafted is a good feeling."

Ortiz said he knew the A’s might take him.

"They showed a lot of interest the few days before the draft, so I was looking at them selecting me," he said. "So, when they did it, it was kind of expected."

Growing up in California, he didn’t root for the A’s, but said it will be nice to play close to home.

"I was always a Padre fan and a Dodger fan, but I’m a fan of baseball and it’s going to be awesome playing in California," Ortiz said. "I have family in LA and San Diego. It’s close to home, so people can come see me play and I’m excited about that."

Ortiz said he’s ready to take his game to the next level.

"I’m leaning toward signing," he said. "I feel as though I’m ready and my three years at Oregon State have prepared me to play professional baseball and I’m excited to go. My freshman year, I got to play behind Mitch Canham, who’s one of the best catchers in the nation and a great leader. Playing for coach Casey has been great. He not only makes you a great baseball player, he teaches you how to be a man and puts you in the real world. Everything about Oregon State has prepared me for it."