Kumar Ready To Rock Joe Bruno Stadium In Troy Again This Week

He was selected with the No. 10 overall pick in last summer's MLB amateur draft. However, the Vanderbilt star was unable to sign with the team that chose him, the New York Mets. The front office for the Mets allegedly saw something they didn't like in Rocker's physical and subsequently reduced their bonus offer. When your representative is Super Agent, Scott Boras, you don't sign reduced contracts.

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The Mets loss has been the Tri-City ValleyCats, and the Capital Region's, gain. The ValleyCats play in the independent Frontier League. That gave them the opportunity to sign Kumar Rocker while he waited to re-enter the MLB draft in July. The Cats give the right-hander the ability to face professional hitters, while showcasing his health, without being under contract by a Major League organization. So far, Kumar has been enjoying his time at Joe Bruno Stadium.

The former Vanderbilt star has been dazzling as he prepares for another MLB Draft that will begin on July 17th. In his last outing Rocker allowed 2 hits, 1 run, and struck 7 out in 4 innings of work, including 4 strikeouts in the second inning. Jason Agresti reached first on what was ruled a strike 3-wild pitch. Kumar's only blemish was a Trevor Abrams solo home run in the third.

Kumar Rocker will pitch on Friday night at Joe Bruno Stadium, as the ValleyCats will take on the Empire State Grays. As of today, you can sit right behind home plate Friday for $14. Chances are, this guy will be in the big leagues really soon. He is worth the price of admission. The ValleyCats have a seven game home stand starting on Friday. Their traditional July 4th celebration will be against the Ottawa Titans with first pitch at 6:30pm and awesome fireworks will follow. Click here for tickets for any of the ValleyCats games this season.