MARSHALL, Minn. - Southwest Minnesota State baseball players Adam Schrader and Andrew Kinney will continue their athletic careers in professional baseball.

Schrader, a senior right-handed pitcher was selected by the San Diego Padres in the 39th round (1,174th overall) of the 2010 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft on Wednesday, while Kinney, a senior first baseman, on Wednesday night agreed to a free agent contract with the Cleveland Indians.

Both players are expected to begin their professional careers at short-season Class A or Rookie Level.  Schrader is expected to join either the Eugene Emeralds in Eugene, Ore., of the Northwest League or the Padres' rookie level team in the Arizona Summer League, while Kinney is expected to join the Mahoning Valley Scrappers in Niles, Ohio, of the New York-Penn League.  Short season Class A begins play on June 18, while Rookie League starts June 21.

Schrader becomes the third Mustang in school history to be drafted by an MLB team.  The Chicago Cubs drafted Steve Burton in the 20th round in 1982, while the Tampa Bay Rays selected Ryan Morse in the 13th round in 2005.  

 
Schrader, a native of Easton, Minn., finished his senior season this past spring with a 5-4 record, including a team-low 3.28 ERA in a team-leading 74 innings pitched.  Named SMSU's Pitcher of the Year, Schrader led the team with 12 starts, while recording a team-high 62 strikeouts and tossing three complete games, including two shutouts.  He earned first team All-NSIC honors and was also a second team all-region honoree by Daktronics, the ABCA and the NCBWA.  Schrader ended his career as the program's all-time leader in strikeouts (244) and games started (48), while finishing second in innings pitched (262.2).

Kinney, a native of Coon Rapids, Minn., batted .349 this past spring and led the team in home runs (17), RBIs (48) and runs scored (49).  His 17 home runs tied his own record for home runs in a single-season in school history.  He was a two-time All-NSIC honoree and was named all-region and honorable mention All-America as a junior.  Kinney finished his career setting school records for career home runs (50), RBIs (181), total bases (390) and second in slugging percentage (.721). 

Southwest Minnesota State University is a member of NCAA Division II and is located in Marshall, Minn.  SMSU finished the 2010 season 29-18 overall, including 22-10 in the NSIC, tying for fourth place in the standings.  The 29 victories is the fifth highest in school history.  The Mustangs advanced to the championship game of the NSIC tournament before losing to Minnesota State 6-5.

Southwest Minnesota State, located in Marshall, is a member of NCAA Division II and competes in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.