Watkins Shocked When Cubs Trumped Wichita State
By: Kurt Pegler - WMBD/WYZZ-TV
Updated: June 29, 2010
WMBD/WYZZ-TV - PEORIA, Ill. -- A star quarterback in high school, Logan Watkins initially thought his sports future was in football.
"Football was my most natural sport but most of my friends were baseball players," said Watkins. "They were going to WSU and I wanted to play with them, stay at home and be a Shocker. We have nothing else to do in Wichita
but to be a Shocker and play Wichita State baseball."
The Wichita native was content to pass up Big 12 football offers, stay close to home and play baseball for Missouri Valley power Wichita State. Then the Cubs made him a 21st round draft pick two years ago.
"When the Cubs called and they gave me my offer, I was hesitant about signing. I didn't want to, I wanted to be a Shocker," said Watkins. "Ultimately, it came down to too much to pass up. I'm here now and I'm absolutely happy with my decision."
Watkins is a natural shortstop but is playing second base with the class A Peoria Chiefs in the Midwest League. In a pinch this year he's had to play some games in centerfield.
His manager says that versatility could help him someday get to the big
leagues.
"The more positions you can play, the more at-bats you're gonna get. That's the bottom line," said Chiefs manager Casey Kopitzke. "You need your at-bats to produce, put up numbers and get youself on your way."
Watykins represented Peoria in the Midwest League All-Star game last week but admits he's still on a learning curve. What he really wants to learn about this summer is playoff baseball.
"Obviously you want to compete for a championship right away. It's a full season. You might start slow then get hot or vice versa," said Watkins. "There's a lot of teams in this leaguye, we have to see tht everyone has.
But I'm confortable with our team."
