Hosting the MLB Draft would be a big deal for both Omaha and the leagueGETTY IMAGES
The office of MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred "inquired about the availability" of the Holland Center in Omaha next June for the "purpose of holding the draft," according to a source cited by Tom Shatel of the OMAHA WORLD-HERALD. Hosting the MLB Draft would be a "big deal for Omaha" and a "big deal" for the league. The point of "anchoring it in Omaha," close to the College World Series, is so that the spotlight would "shine prominently on college baseball, and fans coming to the CWS could check out the draft and follow their favorite players." ESPN college baseball analyst Kyle Peterson said, "I would love for the draft to be here in Omaha, would loved for it to have started today (Tuesday). It would be an incredible lead-in to the College World Series." He added, "There's more college kids being drafted now than ever. ... That MLB continues to see the development at the college level is outstanding." Shatel notes the NCAA has "not been a fan of bringing the draft to Omaha around the CWS." The NCAA is "very protective of this event and the college side," as it "doesn't want lines blurred." Shatel: "But let's face it, baseball is waging a war on many fronts." MLB and NCAA baseball "need to stick together on this" (OMAHA WORLD-HERALD, 6/13).
