Spring Sports : BASEBALL

The amateur draft left a few Southland players with big decisions. Kris Stevens at Fontana and Milton Bradley at Long Beach Poly are weighing pro contracts against college scholarships. Stevens committed to San Diego State, but after being selected in the third round by Philadelphia, he’s weighing both offers. Facing similar decisions are Riverside Arlington pitcher Julian Leyva (picked by Oakland in the fifth round) and Bradley, who was selected 40th overall by the Montreal Expos. Both are considering Long Beach State. Some appear certain to sign pro contracts. Long Beach Millikan’s Nick Bierbrodt, selected 30th overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks, had committed to play at Arizona State. But after Bierbrodt was selected in the first round, Sun Devil Coach Pat Murphy said: “I think Nick should run to the table and take the money.” Bierbrodt had a mediocre senior season, in part because of a foot injury suffered during basketball season. Before the injury, he was projected to go even higher. Also, Baldwin Park pitcher Jose Garcia, picked in the second round by Milwaukee, indicated earlier that he would sign if he was drafted in the early rounds.