Helix Baseball Draft Picks Harlin, Reed Taking Different Paths

The two players selected in the Major League Draft from Helix Charter High School's 2011 CIF championship team have made different choices as far as their baseball futures go.

Outfielder Rashad Harlin, who was selected in the ninth round by Texas, quickly signed and reported to the Rangers' Arizona Rookie League team, which plays at the team's training facility in Surprise.

Pitcher/third baseman Jake Reed is headed to Eugene, where he'll play on a scholarship offered by the University of Oregon. Reed was chosen in the 40th round by the Chicago White Sox and can significantly improve on his draft status over the next few years with the Ducks.

Harlin, who was the 294th overall pick in the draft, hit .370 with two homers and 18 runs batted in for Helix as a senior. The 6-foot, 180-pound outfielder noted for his strong arm is adjusting to professional pitching.

He is 5-for-37 (.135) in the 15 games in which he has played so far, with four RBI. The season ends later this month, and he likely will play in the fall instructional league in Arizona.

Reed went 9-1 for the Highlanders this past season, with a sparkling 0.63 ERA and two saves. He had 90 strikeouts and issued only 10 walks over 67 innings. He'll be joining an Oregon team that went 33-26-1 in the spring.