It is great when a team can draft a college player who is nearly ready for the majors (like Jacoby Ellsbuty, picked in the first round in 2005). Maybe University of Washington left-handed pitcher Nick Hagadone will be another.

But don't discount the high school kids. Boston drafted more high schoolers than college kids in this past draft, including 6 of the first 8 picks.

Brandon Moss was picked out of high school in 2002. He is actually five days younger than Ellsbury. Moss is turning it on in Triple-A. He's batting .306 with 12 home runs (already equalling his total last year in Portland) and 47 RBI.

Ellsbury's numbers are not as strong in Pawtucket, but he's getting there (.286, .375 on-base percentage, 15 stolen bases in 17 tries).

Jason Place was drafted out of high school in the first round last year. He has struggled in Class A Greenville. But, remember, he just turned 19 in May and would have just finished his freshman year in college. He went 3-for-6 Sunday and is batting .219 with six home runs.

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