Lala, Schebler play waiting game

Right now, Patrick Lala is a Madison Mallard and Scott Schebler a Green Bay Bullfrog. Who knows what they'll be a month from now.

The former Metro prep duo was taken last week in the 2010 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft: Schebler in the 26th round by the Los Angeles Dodgers and Lala in the 29th round by the Philadelphia Phillies.

They are playing in the collegiate Northwoods League, waiting to see what kind of offer, if any, they get to begin a professional career.

"Getting drafted was just an unbelievable feeling," said Schebler. "That's all I can say."

"I was actually predicted to go a little higher, actually," Lala said. "But it's great."

Schebler is a former Prairie prep who hit .446 with 20 home runs this season as a freshman for Des Moines Area Community College. He has committed to play outfield next season for perennial powerhouse Wichita State.

He said the Dodgers will continue to follow his progress at Green Bay, then decide whether or not to offer a contract.  The deadline to sign draft picks is Aug. 15.

"I'm staying pretty open minded about everything," Schebler said. "But unless something big happens, I'm going to Wichita State ... That's kind of how I feel."

Lala prepped at Marion and pitched two years at Kirkwood Community College. He said the Phillies have seen him pitch once at Madison and are expected to watch him again next week and offer a contract.

A right-hander with normal velocity in the low to mid-90s, he has a scholarship to Iowa awaiting him if he wants it.

"There are lots of things going into (his decision)," Lala said. "If the offer is (acceptable), it'll be hard to let down Iowa, but I'm going pro."

He was asked to peak into his crystal ball and predict where he'll be a month from now.

"Oh, boy," Lala said, hesitating. "I have no idea. I really don't know. The only thing I know for sure right now is I'm an Iowa Hawkeye."

Former

Hawkeye pitcher

Patrick Schatz has signed a pro contract with the

Chicago White Sox and has been assigned to the Rookie-level

Bristol White Sox of the Appalchian League. Schatz was a 49th-round pick of the Sox.