a name to remember

High school players from Mississippi who go directly to pro ball tend to have a tough time with the transition. (Yes, Billy Hamilton looks like an exception to that rule.) But don’t be surprised if a major league club rolls the dice come draft time on Ti’Quan Forbes, the standout shortstop from Columbia High. Forbes, a 6-foot-4, 175-pound right-handed hitter, could be a first-round pick in June, quite possibly the first Mississippian (prep or college) to be selected. Forbes is showing up on a number of draft prospect lists; Baseball America has him at No. 39 on its most recent Top 50. Forbes batted .391 with six home runs, 39 RBIs and 10 steals in 2013. His is a name to remember.