College of Idaho senior Izaac Garsez said he felt “relieved and extremely excited and blessed” when he received a call from the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday, confirming that the organization had selected him in the 30th round of the MLB Draft.

The right fielder and Caldwell High graduate is expected to negotiate a contract in the next few days, after which he will head to the Cubs’ training facility in Mesa, Ariz., and later be assigned to one of their minor-league affiliates, possibly the short-season Boise Hawks.

“That would be really cool to get an opportunity to play here around town so my friends and family can see me play,” said Garsez, who could also land with the Mesa Cubs (Rookie) or Peoria Chiefs (Class A).

The Hawks open their season June 15; the home opener is scheduled for June 20.

This past season, the two-time NAIA All-American and two-time NAIA West Player of the Year hit .389 with eight home runs and 53 RBIs, leading the NAIA with a school-record 12 triples. Garsez added 20 doubles, 29 stolen bases and led the NAIA West with 93 hits and 75 runs scored.

He is the first College of Idaho player to be drafted since Jason Stefani was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 30th round in 2001, and the 10th player in program history.

LEWIS-CLARK STATE

Two pitchers were drafted Wednesday: Right-handed senior Austin Pentecost of Kennewick, Wash. (Cubs, 29th round) and left-handed junior Luke Goodgion of Kent, Wash. (Rays, 33rd round).

The Lewiston school has produced 121 draft picks since 1975, and has had at least one player selected in every draft since 1978.

NORTHWEST NAZARENE

Pitcher Zeb Sneed was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 11th round Tuesday.

The junior right-hander from Twin Falls posted a 7-4 record with a 5.00 ERA for the Crusaders this spring, leading the staff in wins, games started (12), innings pitched (66‚) and strikeouts (61).

He was the 2010 GNAC Freshman of the Year and was an Honorable Mention selection this spring.

“I’m extremely proud to get a chance to further my baseball career professionally,” Sneed said. “I am blessed to get this opportunity.”

DRAFT ENDS

The three-day draft ended Wednesday after 40 rounds and 1,200 picks. Teams selected 630 pitchers (461 right handers, 169 left handers) and 608 position players, according to MLB.com.

Forty-six states were represented, led by California (222), Florida (146) and Texas (141). Four states did not produce a draft pick: Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire and South Dakota.

Arizona State led all participating schools with 10 draftees, according to MLB.com, followed by Florida, Texas Tech and Kentucky with nine each.

Rice, Texas A&M and Arkansas each produced eight draft picks.