Strong signs with Rangers

Recent Marina High graduate Paul Strong, a left-handed pitcher, has signed with the Texas Rangers.

Strong, who was drafted in the 17th round by the Rangers (514th overall), said he signed Monday night shortly before the deadline to sign 2009 draftees. He will receive a $300,000 signing bonus.

“It just came down to the money,” said Strong, who was originally planning to play for UC Irvine after being drafted. “I had assumed in the 17th round it wouldn’t be there, but the Rangers were able to meet my money. We got it done.”

Strong said he was headed to Arlington, Texas Wednesday for a physical, then to Arizona for the Rangers’ instructional league.

Strong, who was 7-2 with a 1.58 earned-run average for the Vikings his senior year, had hoped to be picked higher than the 17th round. But he said he made it clear to the Rangers that he had his number he wanted to sign for, and was ready to become an Anteater if necessary.

“I wanted to get my pro career going and I thought I was ready for it,” Strong said. “It’s been my dream forever, and it’s finally coming true. It’s nice to know all the hard work paid off; [I’ve] just got to keep it up.”

Marina baseball coach Paul Renfrow said he was happy for Strong, who helped guide the Vikings to the CIF Southern Section Division I quarterfinals this year before losing to eventual champion Capistrano Valley.

“I think that was a smart thing for him to do, hold his ground,” Renfrow said. “[The Rangers] know that if he can consistently be in the high 80s [miles per hour] right now, then in two or three years, he can throw in the 90s. He knows how to pitch.

“It’s just nice when you’ve got a kid who is a nice kind and works hard ... I don’t care what economy you’re in; $300,000 is a lot of money. I’m excited for him.”