Meet the forgotten Tiger

On a Middleton baseball team with shortstop Corey Thomas, a USF commit, and first baseman Jamie Mallard, a UCF commit, it's easy to overlook Jarryd Reid. But Tigers coach Vernon Slater says college coaches and professional scouts have taken notice of the senior outfielder, who is batting .304.

"The scouts really like him," Slater said. "A lot of them are helping him get into school. They like him that much. Colleges have respect for a scout's opinion, and that's helped him."

At last check, Florida A&M, Hillsborough Community College and Santa Fe Community College had shown the most interest. SFCC coach Johnny Wiggs, once a standout pitcher for the Florida Gators, was in Tampa this week to watch Reid play.

In Slater's opinion, Reid, who also was a pretty good linebacker for Middleton, is a raw talent who has yet to approach his full potential. But because Reid has a high upside, the coach said he wouldn't be shocked if Reid gets drafted in June.

"There's a chance," Slater said. "He's a fast, strong kid. He's got all the talent to become a great player."

-- KEITH NIEBUHR