Sulphur native Chargois drafted by Twins
Last Modified: Tuesday, June 05, 2012 8:18 PM
By Warren Arceneaux / American Press
Sulphur native J.T. Chargois will no longer be pulling double duty after being drafted as a pitcher by the Minnesota Twins.
Chargois, a junior at Rice University, was selected in the second round, with the 72nd overall pick.
“It is awesome, a dream come true,” said Chargois. “I couldn’t really tell which teams were really interested in me during the season. It did not matter to me, wherever I fell, I fell.
“I think it will be good to be able to concentrate all my efforts on pitching. I think my demeanor is going to be a good thing. I like to go right at guys, that is our mentality at Rice.”
Chargois played first base and served as the closer at Rice but will only pitch professionally. Chargois was 4-1 with eight saves in 25 games this season. In 372⁄3 innings, Chargois allowed 28 hits, 12 walks and struck out 38. In his three-year career, Chargois went 7-5 with 10 saves.
At the plate, Chargois hit .308 with two home runs and 62 RBIs over his three-year career, with a career-best .323 average this season.
Last summer, Chargois pitched in the Cape Cod League, earning an all-star appearance after recording seven saves in 17 games with a 0.43 ERA. In 21 innings pitched, Chargois allowed 16 hits and four walks while striking out 20.
Chargois was Minnesota’s second pick in the round. The first choice also has a Louisiana connection, as the Twins took Northwestern State reliever Mason Melotakis with the 63rd pick.
The Twins took another Rice pitcher, Tyler Duffy, in the fifth round.
Chargois said he expects to sign even though he could return for another season at Rice.
“I think based on where I was drafted, it shows that they have a lot of interest,” Chargois said. “This is an exciting opportunity, and to have a friend coming along for the ride makes it even better.”
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