Seneca's Comer signs with Blue Jays

Just minutes before Monday's midnight deadline, Seneca pitcher Kevin Comer agreed to contract terms with the Toronto Blue Jays.

"It was wild," Comer said. "I didn't think it was going to happen. We ended up meeting in the middle. I'm excited just to get started playing ball."

The 57th pick in the June draft, Comer agreed to a deal that includes a $1.65 signing bonus. Comer said the contract also includes a college provision that will allot $29,500 per semester toward his college education.

Comer said he expects to join the Blue Jays' single-A team in the Gulf Coast League. He doesn't expect to pitch much this season.

"I'll probably just get a few workouts in," Comer said.

Comer had seriously considered attending Vanderbilt University on a baseball scholarship.

"I thought it was going to go that way," Comer said of attending Vanderbilt. "Now I'm excited to get started and try to make my way through (the minor leagues) as fast as I can."

The 6-4, 225-pound Comer went 6-0 last season for Seneca, including A 5-0 mark in state tournament games. Comer struck out 63 with just 13 walks in 42 1/3 innings and led the Golden Eagles to the Group 3 state title.

-- Phil Anastasia