UH's Omura to sign with A's
By Stacy Kaneshiro
Advertiser Staff Writer
University of Hawai'i junior second baseman Isaac Omura said yesterday he will sign with the Oakland Athletics tomorrow.
"I'm excited," said Omura, who will forgo his senior season. "Where I got picked, it was a good opportunity to (sign)."
Omura
The 2002 Mid-Pacific Institute graduate was selected in the 17th round in last week's draft. He said he will probably leave Friday to join UH teammate Stephen Bryant at Vancouver (Canada), where he will play for the Athletics' short-season Single-A club in the Northwest League. Bryant, a right-handed pitcher who was done with his eligibility with UH, was picked in the 20th round and agreed to terms last week.
"I'm happy for him," UH coach Mike Trapasso said of Omura. "It was enough (money) where he needed to take it."
Omura declined to disclose the bonus amount, except to say, "It was something more than I was looking for."
Omura, who entered the season with a career batting average of .307, batted .369 with 19 doubles, six home runs and 47 RBIs to lead the 'Bows in those categories. In the Alaska League last summer, he batted .345 with 15 doubles, two home runs and 29 RBIs.
"He proved he could hit throughout his college career," Athletics scouting director Eric Kubota said. "He also proved he could hit in the Alaska summer league. We just think Isaac can hit."
Omura also led UH with 37 walks while striking out 26 times. Baseball America's preseason preview listed Omura as having the "best strike zone discipline" in the Western Athletic Conference.
"It's a well-known fact that we value (walks) highly, but he also hit in the high 300s," Kubota said. "He hit a lot of doubles at Hawai'i and Alaska last summer.
"He's not the most gifted, as far as foot speed, but we think his instincts make up for some of that. We feel that if he hits the way he can hit, that will make up for some of the shortcomings that he may have."
The Rainbows also lost two Mainland recruits who were drafted. Trapasso said pitcher/infielder Cody Allen has signed with the Florida Marlins, who took him in the 10th round. Also, infielder Ryan Selden, who was picked in the 41st round by the Philadelphia Phillies, will attend a junior college and be a "draft-and-follow," Trapasso said.
Reach Stacy Kaneshiro at skaneshiro@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8042.
