Krynzel chosen by Brewers at No. 11

Spencer Patterson

Tuesday, June 6, 2000 | 9:47 a.m.

Four years ago, Dan Krynzel moved his family from Dayton, Ohio, to Southern Nevada in large part so his sons could play baseball year-round.

The decision looked good from the start, as Dan II and David captured a state championship together in their second season at Green Valley High School.

On Monday, the Krynzels' exodus from the Midwest looked even better, as David was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers with the No. 11 overall pick in Major League Baseball's amateur draft.

"I knew Milwaukee liked me, but I didn't know it would come through," Krynzel said after receiving the news from a Brewers scout Monday morning. "In my head I figured I would go between 15 and 30, so I'm ecstatic."

Krynzel, a 6-foot-1, 180-pound center fielder, was considered one of the fastest baserunners and top defensive players in this year's draft. As a senior, the 18-year-old batted .438 with five home runs, six doubles and 31 RBIs. A member of the Sun's 2000 All-State first team, he also scored 33 runs and was successful on 14 of 17 stolen base attempts.

Krynzel signed a letter of intent with Louisiana State in November, but is almost certain to turn pro. His father said he has already reached an agreement in principle with the Brewers, who are expected to come to town to make it official sometime this week.

"He graduates on Thursday, and he leaves Friday or Saturday for (the Brewers' advanced rookie team in) Ogden, Utah," Dan Krynzel said. "We've already pretty much agreed on money."

Dan Krynzel declined to divulge the amount of his son's signing bonus, but it is reported to be in excess of $1.5 million.

Brewers representatives flew to Las Vegas last week to hold a personal workout with Krynzel. Florida, Minnesota, Philadelphia and the New York Mets were among many other teams interested in the center fielder.

"We knew he had a chance to be drafted by Milwaukee, but we'd heard they were interested in pitching," Dan Krynzel said. "I believe this is a nice fit. They need a center fielder, and they need speed. So if he does well in the minors, he'll have a chance to get up to the majors."

Offered David Krynzel, "What I like about them is they are really nice people in a good organization. Watching them on television, you can tell the GM and the players are good people."

Krynzel was the second outfielder taken in the draft, following Rhode Island prep star Rocco Baldelli, who went to Tampa Bay at No. 6.

He is the area's highest draft choice since 1996, when Green Valley graduate Chad Hermansen was selected No. 10 overall. Valley product Tyler Houston is Southern Nevada's all-time highest draft pick, going second overall in the 1989 draft.