Catching up with … MIKE NANNINI

Thursday, March 27, 2003 | 9:38 a.m.

High School: Green Valley ('98)

Where he is now: Iowa Cubs (Triple-A)

Sport: Baseball

Currently: Armed with a strong low-90s fastball and developed breaking stuff, Nannini is slated to start the season just one step from the majors with the Triple-A Iowa Cubs. Formerly in the Astros' farm system, Nannini went to the Chicago organization in August as part of a deal involving reliever Tom "Flash" Gordon. Nannini struggled at Double-A Round Rock last season, going 7-10 with a 5.41 ERA, after jumping up from low single-A ball. A 22-year-old right-hander, Nannini enjoyed three consecutive winning seasons before last year. One scout projects him to reach the majors within a year. Nannini still resides in Las Vegas during the offseason and owns two restaurants.

Looking back: Nannini helped build a golden era at Green Valley, winning four state championships during his time with the Gators. Nannini also tossed a perfect game, as well as back-to-back no-hitters at Green Valley. Houston selected Nannini with a first-round sandwich pick (38th overall) in 1998, and he compiled a 39-26 overall record in his first 3 1/2 seasons of minor-league ball.