Mauldin High's Cory Thompson Awaits Major League Draft

Mauldin High Maverick and USC signee, pitcher Cory Thompson, is expected to be taken in the early rounds of the Major League Baseball draft that begins today, Greenville News reported.

Thompson, whose fastball has been clocked at an astounding 94 mph, is ranked 121st in Baseball America's top 500 draft prospects. He is the second-ranked prospect in the state behind Lexington (S.C) High catcher and fellow USC signee, Nick Ciuffo, who is the nation's 22nd-ranked pro prospect.

If projections are accurate, Thompson could be taken as soon as Friday when rounds three through 12 are held, the newspaper reported. Due to his Baseball America ranking, Thompson could possibly be taken by the Philadelphia Phillies, who have the 121st overall pick, or the 15th pick of the fourth round, the paper said.

If drafted, Thompson would be the fifth player from Mauldin to be drafted in the past six years, and possibly the high school's highest-drafted player.

Thompson finished the season with a 1.70 ERA, striking out 67 batters in 53 innings. The young man can hit, too, and might be drafted for his bat rather than his arm. Thompson batted .416 this past season, belting six home runs and 23 RBIs, and struck out only six times. Thompson also stole 16 bases in 17 attempts.

For the original article, click here (subscription may be required).