Former Greer High School baseball standout Daniel Palka, who was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks, has been assigned to the team’s rookie squad in Missoula, Mont.
The Missoula Osprey open their season Thursday in the Pioneer League and the left-handed first baseman Palka (6-foot-2, 225 pounds) is expected to be in the middle of the lineup.
According to MLB.com’s scouting report, he has “as much raw power as anyone in the class.”
Palka, a 21-year-old who played at Georgia Tech, was picked in the third round and received a signing bonus of $550,000. He was a first-team All-American who hit .342 this season with 17 home runs and 66 RBIs.
Perfect Game, a scouting service, listed Palka as the No. 2 prospect in South Carolina. He was a semifinalist for the Dick Howser Award given to the nation’s top player.
Palka was twice named all-state at Greer High School, where he hit .470 with 14 home runs as a senior. He was also a pitcher, throwing two no-hitters during his career. Palka also played for American Legion Post 115.
Two other draft picks from Greer and Taylors are yet to sign. Outfielder Taylor Johnson from Greer High and Furman University was selected in the 31st round by the Anaheim Angels. Middle infielder Will Callaway from Eastside High and Appalachian State was picked in the 37th round by the San Francisco Giants.
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