Nick Tepesch drafted in 14th round by Texas Rangers

Mizzou junior pitcher Nick Tepesch was drafted by the Texas Rangers as the 436th overall pick in the 14th round of the MLB Amateur Draft.

Most observers had expected Tepesch to be drafted in a higher round, somewhere between the 5th and 10th rounds.

Matt Nestor of the Columbia Tribune reported on Sunday that Tepesch is rumored to be considering a return to the Tigers in 2001.

Though he’s thought to be a third- or fourth-rounder this year, that might not be enough to sate Tepesch. Word around Taylor Stadium this spring indicated that Tepesch has had thoughts about returning for his senior year.

When discussing the Tigers’ pitching situation for 2011 last week at the Big 12 Tournament in Oklahoma City, MU Coach Tim Jamieson hinted as much.

“Tepesch coming back, you don’t know what’s going to happen there,” the coach said.

Tepesch, who had a 6-6 record with a 4.20 ERA and 75 strikeouts this season, last week wouldn’t tip his hand.

“I’m just gonna see what happens and kind of decide from there,” said Tepesch, who has been ranked anywhere from 78th to 178th among overall prospects.

It's possible those rumors had the effect of lowering Tepesch's draft status, with clubs concerned about signability.

Last year Tepesch's teammate Aaron Senne was drafted in the 32nd round and chose to return for his senior season with the Tigers. Senne batted .400 on the year, was Big 12 Player of the Year, and was a 3rd Team All-American. As a result, he raised his draft level up to the 10th round for 2010.