Morningside shortstop has an eye toward pro ball

Morningside College shortstop Juan Matta has been named the North Central Conference player of the year. The native of Puerto Rico batted four-19 in conference action with eight doubles and two home runs. Mustangs coach Jim Scholten says Matta combines good hitting with outstanding defense.Scholten feels Matta has a future in professional baseball. Two teams in the northern league have already contacted Matta, but Scholten says Matta wants to wait for the June major league draft before making a decision.Scholten says Matta is another example of how smaller colleges develop a number of players that go on to the pro ranks.