Garrett Whitley Makes Pro Debut

Yesterday, with little to no fanfare, on a field in Port Charlotte, Fla., Niskayuna graduate Garrett Whitley made his professional baseball debut.

Whitley got his first game action for the Gulf Coast Rays, who were defeated by the Gulf Coast Twins, 5-3.

Whitley started in CF and went 0-3 at the plate. He was lifted for a replacement later in the game.

Whitley, the No. 13 overall pick in this year's MLB draft, passed up a career at Wake Forest University to sign with the Rays. He signed for nearly $3 million.

The Gulf Coast League is a league predicated on player development and not winning. Whitley will get an opportunity to improve his skill at the lowest rung of the professional ladder. The GCL has no concession stands and does not charge admission for fans.

We've spoken to a number of experts on Whitley, but most recently, we spoke to Steve Carney of WDAE 620 in Tampa about Whitley's overall timeline and what he can expect in the GCL.