Texas Rangers draft former E.C. Glass, VCU standout

By Chris Lang
Sports writer
Published: June 6, 2008

Soon after the Texas Rangers drafted former E.C. Glass standout Jared Bolden in the ninth round of Major League Baseball’s first-year player draft, a thought popped in Bolden’s mind.
“It’s funny, my brothers were just talking about it,” Bolden said. “We’re going to have to go to Glass and see if I can get somebody to hit me some pop flies so I can get used to getting to fly balls again.”
Bolden spent the last three seasons at VCU as the Rams’ first baseman, but the Rangers liked Bolden’s skills as an outfielder. Bolden said last month that he actually liked playing outfield better, and his combination of speed and athleticism make him a good fit to play outfield in the pros.
First things first, though. The Rangers must sign Bolden to get him into the organization. Bolden, who is seeking between $100,000 and $150,000 in a signing bonus, said he doesn’t expect money to be an issue.
He’s just excited to get his professional career underway, even if there were some tense moments at the end of Thursday’s portion of the draft.
Bolden hoped to get picked in the first six rounds, but the two teams showing the most interest in him — Washington and Houston — continued to pass. He didn’t have to wait long Friday to see his name pop up on the draft board. The news came at about 12:30 p.m.
“I’m a little excited and a little relieved,” Bolden said. “(Thursday) was a long day.”
Bolden’s uncle, Melvin Barrow, was a Rangers draft pick nearly 30 years ago.
In his three-year career at VCU, Bolden batted .376 with 46 doubles, 14 triples, 24 home runs and 116 RBIs. He slugged at a .611 clip and stole 41 bases.
Along with Bolden, several other area collegiate standouts were drafted.
Virginia had six players drafted in the first 14 rounds. David Adams, Greg Miclat and Jacob Thompson went Thursday. Friday, Jeremy Farrell and Patrick McAnaney each went in the eighth round, Farrell to the Pirates and McAnaney to the Diamondbacks.
Michael Schwimer went to the Phillies in the 14th round.
Two Liberty University pitchers were drafted. Left-hander Ryan Page went in the 20th round to Toronto. Page’s stock rose thanks to a solid senior season. His 2.76 ERA led the Flames’ staff and ranked third in the Big South.
Detroit selected another Liberty pitcher, righty David Stokes, in the 28th round. He was 8-6 with a 3.60 ERA in 2008.
Virginia Tech pitcher Evan Fredrickson went to the Brewers as a supplemental first round pick, being selected 35th overall.