VYPE U -- Taillon, Simms Have Taken Different Paths

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VYPE U

Two Different Journeys

By Matt Malatesta

@vypehouston

Back in 2010, there were a pair of talented pitchers who hailed from the same neighborhood. They did battle at the prep level and in the summer leagues, but the pair went their separate ways after high school.

The Woodlands' Jameson Taillon was all the rage with his 6-foot-6 frame and his blistering fastball that was measured in the 90s. He signed with Rice University, but would be drafted No. 2 overall in the 2010 MLB Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates after posting a 22-6 high school record. A $6 million signing bonus lured J-Mo to the big leagues where he has worked his way through the minor leagues with stops in West Virginia, Florida and Altoona, Pennsylvania.

His performances and upside have him projected to be the next Pittsburgh Pirate ace by the Year 2014. Taillon is the No. 8 overall minor league baseball player in the country according to scoutingbook.com. He will also play for Team Canada at the 2013 World Baseball Classic.

Minutes away lived College Park pitcher John Simms, who dominated at the high school level, but went the college route to Rice. Knowing he was headed to college, MLB teams passed on Simms, who went in the 39th round to Washington.

Three years later, Simms is one of the Top 100 most sought-after 2013 MLB draft picks in the country as a junior at Rice. He has built a 9-2 record and became a starter for coach Wayne Graham last year, while making the Conference USA Academic Honor Roll.

OTHER VYPE GRADS...

Jarred Cosart, Clear Creek, Houston Astros Farm League

Matt Purke, Klein, TCU, Washington Nats Farm League

Anthony Rendon, Lamar, Rice, Washington Nats Farm League

Alex Silver, Bellaire, Started 43 of 45 Games Last Year for Texas

Jake Wise, Cy Falls, No. 1 Arkansas Razorbacks