Jimmy Key, What’s He Like 45?

Jason Budden: Un-Common Sense?

Remember that ESPN commercial? The one where ESPN drafted a sports anchor out of high school. The scouting reports were off the charts, but the kid just wasn’t emotionally ready. One of my favorites, and they’ve had some good ones, including the spelling bee, Ozzie Guillen call to the bullpen, and cannon fodder.

Anyway, back on topic…I started thinking about this commercial because I was noticing how many players drafted straight out of high school are off to a great start in 2008.

David Wright, 3B, New York Mets
.343, 12 runs, 4 homeruns, 19 RBI, 3 stolen bases, 1.165 OPS

Justin Upton, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks
.384, 11 runs, 5 homeruns, 13 RBI, 1.091 OPS

B.J. Upton, OF, Tampa Bay Rays
.338, 14 runs, 2 homeruns, 16 RBI, 4 stolen bases

Nate McLouth, OF, Pittsburgh Pirates
.375, 16 runs, 3 homeruns, 16 RBI, 2 stolen bases, 1.082 OPS

Josh Hamilton, OF, Texas Rangers
.305, 11 runs, 4 homeruns, 19 RBI, .923 OPS

All Baseball Factory/Team One alumni, by the way. There are many more young players lighting up the box scores and making a serious impact on their teams.

These players are all under 27 years old, but are quickly becoming the future of their respective ball clubs. At the same time, players like Mike Mussina (39 years old, 5.75 ERA and potentially out of the Yankees starting rotation), Frank Thomas (39 years old, released on Sunday by the Blue Jays) and Pedro Martinez (36 years old, on the DL with a 10.80 ERA) are taking a back seat as their careers wind down.

Keep an eye on the next batch of young stars drafted straight out of high school including Jay Bruce (21 years old), Cameron Maybin (21), Colby Rasmus (21) and Homer Bailey (21). You may see them this year in a starting lineup near you. In addition, check out the Sports Illustrated/TAKKLE Top 100 players, powered by Baseball Factory. Many of these top high school players will be first round selections in this year’s amateur draft.