Drafted in the 13th round (398th overall) by the Oakland Athletics in 2006.
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When the Reds set their 40-man roster for the offseason, they knew there was a decent chance they could lose someone in the major league Rule 5 draft. Cincinnati added seven minor leaguers to its roster but couldn't find room for Jukich, a lefty with average stuff. The Reds weren't shocked to see him picked after he had shown a solid feel for pitching in Triple-A. The first player ever drafted out of Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.), he led the NAIA in strikeouts (144) and strikeouts per nine innings (13.7) before the Athletics selected him in the 13th round in 2006. A year later, Oakland traded him and Marcus McBeth to Cincinnati for Chris Denorfia. Though Jukich has pitched primarily as a starter in pro ball, the Cardinals will use him as a lefty reliever. He doesn't have a plus pitch, but he has very good command of an average three-quarters breaking ball, an 87-90 mph fastball and a fringy changeup. He hides the ball well in his delivery and gets good downward plane on his pitches. If the Cardinals are looking for a lefty specialist, Jukich may not be able to stick, but if they employ him as a long reliever, he might be useful. Rule 5 guidelines dictate that he stay on the big league roster for a year, or else he has to be placed on waivers and offered back to the Reds for half of the $50,000 draft price.
Jukich's upside appears to be that of a lefthanded reliever, but with what he has accomplished already, perhaps expectations should be higher. Jukich graduated from a Minnesota high school in 2001 and flunked out of junior college the next year. He was close to joining the Army when one of his former teammates recommended him to Jeremy Jorgensen, the baseball coach at McCook (Neb.) Community College. Jukich made the most of his second chance, building up arm strength and staying eligible to pitch. He transferred after two seasons to Dakota Wesleyan in South Dakota, where he led the NAIA in strikeouts (144) and strikeouts per nine innings (13.7). The first player in school and Great Plains Athletic Conference history to be drafted, he signed for $20,000. Despite his inexperience, Jukich has a natural feel for pitching. He throws strikes with an active upper 80s fastball and a plus breaking ball. It's not a true 12-to-6 curve because of his lower arm angle, but it has depth and he can bury it or throw it for strikes. Jukich needs refinement with his changeup and is older than the typical draftee, but the A's intend to move him quickly. His success at Kane County likely means he's headed for high Class A to start 2007.
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Rated Best Curveball in the Oakland Athletics in 2007
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