Former FAU catcher Albaladejo to sign with Nationals
By Chuck King
Former FAU catcher Mike Albaladejo didn't expect to wait this long to start his professional career, but that wait is finally over.
Undrafted a few weeks ago, Albaladejo has agreed to terms with the Washington Nationals.
"It was disappointment during the draft but I kept the faith," Albaladejo said.
A couple teams had shown interest in signing Albaladejo in the previous weeks but backed away. Albaladejo had been considering playing independent ball before getting a call from the Nationals on Saturday.
"It was almost surreal, the feeling I felt," Albaladejo said. "It was the shot that I wanted."
Albaladejo will undergo a physical at the Nationals spring training facility in Veira on Monday, then expects to sign his contract. Even though he primarily played second base as a senior, the Nationals want Albaladejo to return to the catching position.
He will be assigned to the Gulf Coast League Nationals which are based in Viera. The Nationals will play both of the GCL teams located in Jupiter this week, but unlike the Florida State League which plays in the spring training stadiums mostly during the night, the GCL games are on the back fields during the day.
If you are planning to go see Albaladejo play, bring plenty of water and sun screen. But the trip will likely be worthwhile.