"It's like two dreams come true in one day," said Avila-Leeper, 19.
The left-hander sounded intent on seizing the opportunity to join the organization that captured his baseball imagination. Though Avila-Leeper has three years of college eligibility remaining, he indicated that signing a professional contract will be a mere formality. "I want to start now," he said.
Avila-Leeper's eagerness is justified. He thrived this season for San Joaquin Delta College, posting a 14-2 record and a 1.89 ERA in 16 starts. In 114 1/3 innings, Avila-Leeper surrendered just 64 hits while walking 40 and striking out 130.