Caiazzo leans toward Bears over Rangers

ORONO – He is still contemplating his future, but Deering High School right fielder-pitcher Nick Caiazzo said, “I am leaning towards coming to Maine.”

Caiazzo has signed a letter of intent to play at the University of Maine, but has also been drafted and offered a nice deal by the Texas Rangers

Caiazzo was drafted in the 27th round by the Rangers and is reportedly being offered a $50,000 signing bonus and money for his education.

“I still have a decision to make, but I expect to know by Monday,” said Caiazzo after helping lead his Rams to the state Class A title, 6-4 in 11 innings, over Old Town.

He said he is leaning toward Maine “for the education and because I like the idea of playing college baseball.”

“I talked to my cousin, (San Francisco Giants righthander) Billy Swift, and he told me his four years at Maine were four of the best years of his life,” said Caiazzo. “I’m really looking forward to it.”

Like his cousin, Caiazzo is an exceptional athlete.

The 6-foot-3, 205-pound senior, a standout basketball and football player as well as baseball player, led the Rams in runs batted in with 38, including seven during the playoffs. He hit .500 in postseason play with two homers. He hit more than .350 during the regular season with three homers, 31 RBIs, and 28 runs. Caiazzo was 4-0 as a pitcher with a 1.02 ERA including his seven-inning stint against Old Town. He fanned 48 and walked eight in 41 innings and gave up 29 hits.

“I’m certainly counting on him to be an impact player,” said Maine Coach John Winkin. “In my judgment, he’s the best hitter in the state, particularly against good pitching. He’s also the best athlete. He can do anything on the field.”

The 18-year-old Caiazzo, who is a catcher in addition to being an outfielder and pitcher, would probably be the starting right fielder for Winkin next spring.

“He reminds me a lot of (former Bear) Kevin Buckley,” said Winkin. “He has the potential to be a gap hitter as well as a power hitter. He certainly has the potential to be a catalyst. He runs pretty decently, he’s got a strong arm, he is poised, and he’s a hell of a worker. He’s a great athlete.”