Local players scattered throughout pro baseball
Most of you know that former Evans star Todd Greene is playing with the Texas Rangers.
Currently, he is splitting time at catcher and should see some time at first base, designated hitter and outfield. Through the Rangers' first six games, Greene is off to a slow start batting .143 (one out of seven).
Last season, Greene averaged a home run every 11.2 at bats (10 homers in 112 at bats). That was one of the top averages in baseball. It's easy to keep up with Greene, but the county has four other players in pro baseball. Here is an update on each.
James Shanks, outfielder for the Kansas City Royals organization (from Greenbrier High School). The speedy Shanks is regarded as one of the premier prospects in the Royals organization. he will begin 2003 in high single-A with the Wilmington (Del.) Blue Rocks. Though their first two games, Shanks is batting .300 (three for 10).
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Tydus Meadows, outfielder for the Kansas City Royals organization (from Evans High School). The powerfully-built Meadows has had a solid pro career thus far, but he has not moved through the ranks as quickly as he should have. This season, he has been assigned to the double-A Wichita (Kan.) Wranglers. Through three games, Meadows is hitting just .182 (two for 11), but both hits have been for extra bases - one double and a homer. He also has two RBIs.
B.J. Hawes, outfielder for the Cincinnati Reds organization (from Augusta Christian Schools). Hawes has battled injuries throughout his career. He also has had to deal with three position changes. He has played shortstop, outfield and pitcher. The main thing for Hawes is to stay healthy. When Hawes is back on the field, he will join Cincinnati's single-A affiliate in Dayton, Ohio.
J.J. Johnson, outfielder for the Chicago Cubs organization (from Greenbrier High School). Like Shanks, Johnson is considered a big-time prospect. He had a bit of a down season in 2002, but the Cubs still love his bat and athleticism. In 2001, he started in the Northwest League All-Star game and he was also selected as the top prospect in the entire league. He was also named the Topps Northwest League Player of the Year. Johnson begins 2003 with the single-A Lansing (Mich.) Lugnuts.
Former Augusta Prep golfers compete in Augusta
The story if the 25th annul Cleveland Golf/ASU Invitational will be the thrilling and record-breaking victory for Augusta State. ASU star Oliver Wilson made a 14-foot eagle putt after driving the 290-yard, par-4 18th hole. The unbelievable eagle gave the Jags a two-shot win over Clemson at 44-under. Wilson also captured the individual crown by two strokes with an astonishing three-day total of 17-under.
Flying under the radar screen, a couple of county natives returned home as well. Augusta Prep grads Cortland Lowe and Sam Nicholson played in the event representing Wake Forest and Virginia Tech, respectively.
Lowe began the final round tied for 16th at 4-under, but Lowe could manage only a 1-over-par 73 on Sunday to finish at 3-under and tied for 37th. Nicholson is a freshman at Virginia Tech an after struggling with an 84 in round one, Nicholson battled back with rounds of 75 and 74. He finished 89th at 17-over.