Zimmerman, meanwhile, was merely rated "the "Dick Case" Athlete of the Year by USA Baseball". Zimmerman's impressive baseball biography is available on the UVA Athletics website
A bit off topic from the usual political fare around these parts, but I've always been a baseball fan, and the Major League Baseball draft starts today. Even better, according to Washington Post, it looks like two local boys -- Great Bridge High School (Chesapeake, VA) shortstop/outfielder Justin Upton and UVA third baseman Ryan Zimmerman -- will go #1 and #4. It is highly likely that the Washington Nationals likely to pick Zimmerman, who hails from Virginia Beach. Baseball Digest Daily describes Upton as possessing "he physique of a body builder with the agility of a gymnast." Not a bad combination, and one that has scouts drooling ("In my 40 years (scouting), he's the best I've ever seen," according to Jerry Ford, the president of Perfect Game USA. ).
Zimmerman, meanwhile, was merely rated "the "Dick Case" Athlete of the Year by USA Baseball". Zimmerman's impressive baseball biography is available on the UVA Athletics website
Congratulations to both Virginians -- Justin Upton and Ryan Zimmerman. Oh, and did you know that in years where two of the top four baseball draft picks were Virginians, the Democrats won the governor's mansion? Well, I'm not sure if that's been true in the past, but what the heck, this year's as good a time as any to start!
UPDATE (5:39 PM): Upton was picked #1 by the Arizona Diamondbacks, and Zimmerman #4 by the Washington Nationals. Reportedly, the Nats have already agreed to terms with Zimmerman, who will start in AA Harrisburg, PA -- not too far for a nice weekend road trip?
UPDATE (6/8/05): Whoops, I forgot to mention that the Orioles drafted Westfield High School (Centreville) catcher Brandon Snyder #13 in the first round. Congratulations!