Mark Trau signs with the Twins

Mark Trau, the six foot five inch hurler from NSW has agreed to terms with the Minnesota Twins. Mark agreed on a six-figure deal that will see him report to spring training with the Twins in 2010.

Minnesota Twins scout Howie Norsetter made contact with Mark's manager Craig Stoves of Platinum Player Management a few weeks prior to the start of the MLB Australian Academy. At this time an offer was put forward with the objective of securing the services of the towering right handed pitcher.

There was considerable interest in Mark heading into the MLB Australian Academy and this culminated in a secondary offer from another MLB organization. Interest continued to increase while Mark was at the MLB Australian Academy where he frequently and consistently topped 90mph with his fast ball during a number of starts.

Ultimately, the Minnesota Twins delivered the most attractive offer in which Mark was comfortable in agreeing to terms.

After Mark signed his contract at the MLB Australian Academy on Queensland's Gold Coast, the always active Twins scout Howie Norsetter was quick to share some thoughts on his most recent signing saying, "Mark has the qualities that we look for in a young pitching prospect. He is a very good athlete, he has a loose, free and easy arm, and he has the frame to add considerable strength. Most importantly he has quality makeup and work habits. He is just starting to throw harder, and can currently touch 90mph - he has a chance to throw extremely hard someday. We are looking forward to him joining the Gulf Coast League Twins next year."

Mark, whilst always humble was bristling with excitement knowing that he was now a Minnesota Twin with a great opportunity in front of him. Mark commented after the signing by saying "I am really excited to go over to Florida and start training with the Twins; they are a great organization with a large list of Australian players. I never thought I would be able to take my baseball to a professional level before I met Craig Stoves; Craig believed in me and encouraged me, and encouraged me to work hard and to believe in myself. The opportunity that lies ahead is amazing; there is nothing else I would rather be doing with my life."

Mark has always been close to baseball, even as a young boy he was at the field watching his older brother and father play. This exposure generated a strong desire within Mark to begin playing baseball. He had to wait until finally at the age of five he played his first year of baseball with North Ryde RSL.

Even at this young age Mark showed a natural ability to play baseball. Over the next 10 years Mark played with Carlingford Baseball Club where he regularly won awards for batting, gold glove and MVP.

Mark represented the Hills Association from Under-12's to Under-16's where he was a valuable contributor with his batting and speed around the bases and also the occasional outing on the mound. He gained selection in the NSW Under-13 team that toured Japan and was then selected to the NSW State team in the Under-14 age group.

Throughout his junior years Mark showed equal passion for two sports. During the winter season he played AFL, he regularly won AFL, MVP awards and was selected in representative teams from the age of 13.

It was at the age of 16 that Mark finally decided to devote all his skill and effort to baseball. His brief outings on the mound sparked in him a yearning to do more. There was reluctance from some coaches in accommodating Mark on the mound; however in 2007 in his first year at the Under-18 level for Baulkham Hills he met Craig Stoves. When Mark told Craig that he was very keen to focus on pitching Craig encouraged him. This is the first time anyone had done so.

Craig Stoves, a former baseball scout and now a player manager, is extremely happy in knowing his client is now on his way into professional baseball. Craig commented recently saying, "I am very excited for Mark and for the Minnesota Twins. It is an amazing opportunity to be given the chance to play professional baseball in the USA. I know that Mark has worked very hard for this opportunity and he understands that ahead lays a challenging yet exciting road. With good understanding, I know that Mark looks forward to this challenging and exciting road ahead with much desire, passion and with a burning hunger to succeed."

Selection to the NSW under-18 State team in 2008 brought Mark under the watchful eye of NSW pitching Coach Barry Holland who was able to fine tune Mark's pitching technique. Barry's coaching continued throughout this winter when Mark was invited to join the NSW High Performance Elite squad headed by former Major Leaguer Glenn Williams who is now the NSW Manager of High Performance and Baseball Operations.

Upon hearing the news of Mark's signing, Glenn Williams stated, "Everyone involved with the Baseball NSW High Performance program, including myself, is wrapped about Mark getting an opportunity to sign with the Twins. He has worked really hard with Barry Holland and the other coaches to develop his game and prepare himself for the MLB Australian Academy, and his signing is just reward for his effort. The Twins are a great organization for Mark and I am sure with his work ethic he will continue to develop and work hard to become a Major Leaguer. The Twins have developed several Australian pitchers into Major Leaguers and hopefully one day Mark will be added to that list."

Now known as a pitcher, this year Mark was selected in the NSW Schoolboys team which competed in Canberra and from this opportunity he earned a place in the Australian Schoolboys team that will be touring the USA in September/October. Mark will be returning home just in time to sit for his Higher School Certificate.

Another milestone for Mark this year was receiving notification of his inclusion as a participant in the prestigious MLB Australian Academy. Whilst Mark is there his confidence and ability continues to expand.

Although Mark is concentrating hard on further developing his baseball he understands that he has to make time in his busy schedule for his school work.

Once Mark has finished his schooling there is no doubt his entire focus will be on baseball and ultimately the Major Leagues.