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Letter to the editor

Dunedin pitcher could go early in today's draft

By BOB PUTNAM
Published June 7, 2007

It might have been an exhibition game, but Tim Bascom knew better. His start May 14 with an independent league baseball team was a chance to rehabilitate his future.

Bascom, a former star pitcher for Dunedin High School, had not taken the mound in a game in the past year since doctors discovered a tear in the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

So his goal last month was to shake loose the cobwebs, shore up his rhythm and sharpen his confidence.

Done, done and done.

"It was a pretty big test, " said Bascom, 22. "I proved that I can still pitch. It was such a relief. I felt like a 100-pound weight had been lifted off my shoulders."

Now Bascom is turning his attention to today's Major League Baseball amateur draft. He is considered to be someone who could be selected in the top five rounds.

"I'll probably watch the draft at home, maybe play some ping-pong, " Bascom said. "I'll be more nervous watching the draft on television than I am on the mound."

Bascom has been through this before. Last year, he was selected in the sixth round by the San Diego Padres after a strong showing at the University of Central Florida.

He was intent on signing a contract and starting a professional career. But doctors noticed the torn ACL during a physical examination.

After that, Bascom said the Padres offered significantly less money than he expected. He turned down the offer and returned to college. He has another semester before finishing his degree in sports management and fitness.

He also worked himself back into shape.

"Now I feel better than normal, " Bascom said. "I gained a lot of upper body strength that I didn't have."

Stronger, focused and injury-free, Bascom hopes things will turn in his favor.

"I'm looking forward to the draft and taking that next step, " Bascom said. "I want to put everything else behind me."

Bob Putnam can be reached at putnam@sptimes.com or 727 445-4169.

[Last modified June 7, 2007, 08:00:52]