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Taillon, Guy Having Tremendous Post High School Careers

By Austin Staton

 

 

Jameson Taillon, The Woodlands High School, The Pittsburgh Pirates

Getting Used to the Process

 

It seems like just yesterday that Jameson Taillon was donning the red and green at The Woodlands High School. As the second overall pick in the 2010 MLB First-Year Player Draft, Taillon tallied a 3.98 ERA with 97 strikeouts to just 22 walks in 92.2 innings of work for the West Virginia Power – the Class-A affiliate for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

 

“It’s been a little different than I had expected,” said Taillon. “With 140 games, the season is definitely a grind, but with the Pirates, we all embrace the grind.”

 

As the 15th-ranked major league prospect according to Baseball America and the top-ranked prospect in the Pirates system according to MLB.com, Taillon is projected to make the Pirates roster in 2014 and figures to be a front-end of the rotation pitcher alongside 2011 draftee, Gerrit Cole.

 

As a six-foot-six, 225-pounder, Taillon is just 20-years-old and is still adjusting to the level of professional play.

 

“The biggest difference between high school and minor league ball, besides throwing every fifth day and facing professional hitters, is how different the preparation process is,” Taillon explained. “It’s a long season, and if you don't have a routine to go through to get yourself prepared every fifth day to take the ball, then you have nothing.”

 

Just two years removed from being a standout prep in the Houston area, Taillon suggests that his high school counterparts should just enjoy the process and not stress over anything.

 

“The recruiting and draft process only comes once, so you might as well make the most of it,” said Taillon. “Take care of your business on the field, and everything will fall into place.”

 

 

Delaney Guy, Klein Oak, Baylor Bear Softball

Former Panther Clawing Her Way Through College Softball

 

 

As a 2011 graduate of Klein Oak High School, Delaney Guy enjoyed a storied career in which the four-year letterwinner was an ESPN Rise 2011 Under Armour All-American.

 

 

With her on-field credentials, Guy earned a scholarship to play softball at Baylor and is one of only three players to have started all games for the Lady Bears this season – and is the only such freshman on the roster to do so.

 

“The college experience has been a huge transition,” said Guy. “I've met several new people and I have even learned a lot more about myself.”

 

Following standout prep career, Guy was immediately expected to contribute to a Baylor squad that finished third at the 2011 Women’s College World Series. With those expectations came accolades as she was named the Big 12’s Preseason Newcomer of the Year.

 

For the 10th-ranked Lady Bears, Guy has tallied 11 hits, nine runs scored and five RBI in the young season.

 

Offering advice to student-athletes that are currently going through the recruiting process, Guy suggests that it is critical to be a team player and a good example both on and off of the field.

 

“There are many talented girls out there,” said Guy. “College coaches are now looking for girls that stand out to them in the way they treat their teammates, family, and others around them. They do watch everything you do, not just the way you play.”