not so fast

Read with interest this comment from Madison Central High star Ryan Bolden after he was drafted Monday by the Los Angeles Angels: “I’d like to end up in the big leagues in three years.” If he signs, which he likely will, the young outfielder may be in for a reality check. Not many high school draft picks make it to the major leagues in three years. Jason Heyward, an exceptional talent, made it this year in his fourth pro season. More common might be the case of Justin Reed, a former Hillcrest Christian star who was considered more skilled than Bolden when he was drafted by Cincinnati in the fourth round in 2006. Today, Reed, 22, is still in A-ball. He is hitting .158 for high Class A Lynchburg. He has a .229 average over his five pro seasons. He’s a long way from The Show. The lesson here is, it’s hard enough just to get to Double-A. Bolden might want to lower his sights. Progress in pro baseball requires confidence but also great patience.
P.S. Drew Pomeranz went to Cleveland with the fifth pick, the highest any Ole Miss player has ever been drafted. What’s the highest any Mississippi-connected player has been plucked? Mississippi State’s Will Clark went No. 2 overall to San Francisco in 1985. … A little history note: On this date in 1940, Ellisville native Harry Craft hit for the cycle for Cincinnati in a 23-2 win over Brooklyn.