Cedar Grove’s Avery drafted by Orioles
by Brian Egeston
be@brianwrites.com
Xavier Avery of Cedar Grove was drafted No. 2 by the Baltimore Orioles -- number 50 overall -- in last week’s Major League Baseball draft. Here he hits a grand slam against Miller Grove during the 2008 season. Photo by Brian Egeston
Avery, here with high school football teammate Josh Jarboe, committed to play for the Bulldogs in February but will pursue a baseball career instead.
Photo by Brian Egeston
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Cedar Grove High School graduate Xavier Avery is used to being first -- he was born on New Year’s day.
But being a second-round draft pick by the Baltimore Orioles isn’t all bad.
Avery was the 50th overall pick in the MLB draft this month and the second overall for the Orioles, right behind the top pitcher of the draft, Brian Matusz, who has yet to sign a contract.
The Orioles had 50 overall picks in this year’s draft.
“Being a high school guy, obviously being a great athlete, he was the fastest guy in the draft [helped his draft status],” said Victor Menocal, Avery’s agent.
Menocal said Avery covered 60 yards in 6.2 seconds during workouts.
“Now that he can focus 100 percent of his time on baseball,” said Menocal. “They say the sky is the limit for him.”
Avery is expected to be in Sarasota, Fla., until September. He’ll then be invited to the instructional league, which lasts through October, said Menocal. Then the rookie will attend early-prospect camp and be evaluated to determine where he will play after spring training in 2009.
Menocal said the Orioles have few outfielders in their farm system.
The team has two standout minor-league prospects in the organization and both are right or left fielders. “It’s been a while since it’s been someone as fast as him in the draft. It’s exciting to watch,” said Menocal.
Playing center field for the Saints, Avery batted .561 and stole 35 bases.
As a junior tailback, he rushed for 1,200 yards and nine touchdowns. On national signing day, the running back sported a red and black Georgia hat showing his commitment to play football in Athens.
Now the two-sport athlete might one day wear orange and black. The average staring salary for a UGA MBA in 2006 was $76,154. The average staring salary for a UGA law school graduate in 2006 was $91,620. Avery’s signing bonus was approximately $900,000.
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