Local high school stars wait for call from the bigs

James Yodice

Tuesday, June 3, 1997 | 11:32 a.m.

Time is a luxury Alan Webb would gladly sacrifice if only the waiting ends.

Who will it be? Maybe one of the expansion teams. Perhaps a contender, like Atlanta or Baltimore. He might pitch some day to Ken Griffey Jr., or Barry Bonds.

The maybes have been stockpiling in Webb's head for months. The uncertainty could be over today.

Major League Baseball's annual amateur draft began this morning in New York, and Durango High School's Webb is one of a handful of Clark County high school stars who hope to be selected this week by one of the 30 franchises. Arizona and Tampa Bay join the draft this year.

Of the preps in Clark County, Webb, a hard-throwing and crafty left-handed pitcher, is the best bet to go the highest.

"I've heard top five (rounds) from basically everyone," said Webb, the Trailblazers' ace last season who can be intimidating, despite his 5-foot-11 frame.

Every team but the Yankees and Red Sox has spoken to Webb, he said. He has been waiting to make a decision regarding college until after this week.

From what Webb has heard, "I deserve to go in the top five rounds and I'm a very good pitcher."

Webb admitted he has been thinking about the draft for most of the year.

"That's what I want to do, (turn pro)," he said. "I've been waiting for this day for a long time. I feel ready, definitely."

Other possible draftees include Bishop Gorman left-handed pitcher Matt Smith, Chaparral outfielder Maurice Washington and Brian Reed, Taylor Smith and Doug Kohl, all of Green Valley.

Reed played outfield, while Smith and Kohl were pitchers for the Gators. Smith and Kohl are strong physical prospects, each standing close to 6-foot-4 and possessing overpowering stuff. Smith recently signed with UNLV.

Reed, according to Green Valley coach Rodger Fairless, "is a pretty sure bet from what I've heard."

* ODDS AND ENDS: The draft runs today, Wednesday and Thursday. Detroit has the first selection, followed by Philadelphia and Anaheim. Arizona and Tampa Bay choose at the bottom of the first round. ... It is customary for MLB to release only the first-round draft choices to the media. The remainder of the rounds -- and there is no limit on that -- will be announced next week.