※ 引述《BALUA (回憶都是痛苦ㄉ)》之銘言： : Joshua Flores R/R OF 11.18.1985 : 6'0" 195lbs(JR) Triton : BA's scouting report : SS Josh Flores was the top position player in the state last year, and scouts : are still incredulous that he turned down a six-figure offer from the Braves, : who took him in the 24th round. Atlanta still controls his rights because he : wound up at Triton Junior College, where he ranks among the national juco : leaders in hitting (.519) and steals (28). Flores has top-of-the-line speed, : going from the right side of home plate to first base in 3.9 seconds, and has : strength in his bat and his arm. However, he cheats on fastballs and doesn't : adjust to breaking pitches, and he's not a long-term shortstop. He probably : fits best in center field. Flores remains on track for pro baseball career Speed demon: Astros select ex-Lincoln-Way Central standout By Vic Reato STAFF WRITER The formal negotiations may still be a few days away, but chances are that New Lenox's Josh Flores will be a professional baseball player before long. Flores, a Lincoln-Way Central High School graduate, was the Houston Astros' fourth-round pick in major league baseball's amateur draft Tuesday. Flores was the 134th player picked in the two-day, 50-round marathon event. It marks the second draft of interest for Flores, who is projected as an outfielder by the Astros and regional scout Kevin Stein. "We believe Josh has tremendous potential," said Stein, who scouts seven states and portions of Canada for Houston. "More importantly, Josh wants to be an Astro and we want him to be an Astro. We haven't initiated negotiations yet, but we're not anticipating any problems. We're excited about what he brings to the table." The Atlanta Braves made Flores their 24th-round pick a year ago but failed to reach a contractual agreement with him. Flores spent the fall of 2004 at Chipola Community College in Florida but elected to come home and enroll at Triton. It was a fortuitous decision for Flores and Triton coach Harry Torgeson. Flores had a breakout season for Triton, batting.519 in 44 games. He produced a.987 slugging percentage with a team-high 10 home runs, 13 doubles and a school-record 15 triples. Triton's previous record for triples in a single season was set by Hall of Fame outfielder Kirby Puckett. "I think Puckett had eight or nine triples the year he played there," said Stein, who works out of suburban Buffalo Grove. "That gives you a little idea of what kind of speed Flores has. He can flat out run. We have him clocked consistently at 3.92 from home to first. For a right-handed hitter, that's superb quickness. Josh is quick and strong." Flores batted.506 with nine homers as a Lincoln-Way Central senior. He posted a dazzling.594 on-base percentage with the Knights while earning Herald News All-Area status. "I was playing cards with my brother when Mr. Stein called to let me know Houston had selected me," said Flores, who played shortstop, second base and center field for Triton. "I knew Houston was interested in me, but I didn't know I would get drafted in the fourth round. I was hoping for the fifth round or so. I'm just thrilled about being picked, and I don't expect any real problems in terms of signing. I want to play." Flores has retained Professional Sports Consultants Inc. to represent him. The firm handles professional baseball and football athletes. "We think Josh could be a guy capable of 60 to 70 stolen bases at the major league level," Stein said. "We've already worked him out with a wooden bat, and we don't believe he'll have any problems making that adjustment. We like his gap power, and we love his speed. At this stage, I would say that Josh reminds me of a Jose Cruz Jr." According to Stein, the Astros haven't determined where Flores will begin his pro career. The most likely first stop would be Greenville Tennessee of the Appalachian League. The Greenville season commences June 21. Tulane fastballer Brian Bogusevic was Houston's first-round pick Tuesday. The Astros also chose University of Tennessee outfielder Eli Iorg, Florida prep catcher Ralph Henriquez, Tulane shortstop Thomas Manzella and high school pitcher Josh Lindblom before grabbing Flores. Triton's Cole Graham was also an Astros' pick late Wednesday. "I heard that Texas was interested in me took," Flores said. "I'm perfectly happy with the Astros picking me. If I play well, I think I could have a chance to advance quickly with the Astros. Right now, I just want a chance to play." 6/9/05 http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/heraldnews/sports/j09flores.htm --

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