Holdridge Is Drafted by Angels : White Sox Pick Knackert; Braves Take Redington

David Holdridge and Brent Knackert of Ocean View High School and Tom Redington of Esperanza were selected in the second round of baseball’s annual June draft.

Holdridge was drafted by the Angels, Redington was chosen by the Atlanta Braves and Knackert, who played only seven innings his senior season, was chosen by the Chicago White Sox.

All three must now decide whether they will play baseball in college or make the step from high school to professional baseball.

Holdridge, who was a designated hitter this season, led Orange County hitters with nine regular-season home runs and 36 RBIs. He was the Seahawks’ best pitcher as a junior with a 7-0 record and a 1.45 earned-run average, but could not pitch this year after he injured his right shoulder in a pickup football game. His fastball had been clocked at 94 m.p.h. last year.

“I’m talking with the Angels right now,” he said. “But I won’t be making the decision for a while.”

Holdridge said he met with Angel officials Wednesday afternoon, “mainly to talk about what the organization is like.”

If Holdridge signs with the Angels, he will be assigned to the Angels’ Class A team in Salem, Ore.

Redington, 18, is the heart of an Esperanza team that won last season’s Southern Section 4-A title and is again playing in the final. He was the sixth player chosen in the second round.

“I’m not really thinking that much about the draft until all the CIF stuff is over,” said Redington, a shortstop. “I honestly don’t know what I’ll do. I’d like to (turn professional), but that’s a tough decision. I’ll just see how it goes.”

Redington, who has signed a letter of intent to attend the University of Arizona, hit 22 career home runs, tying the Orange County record. He has a .385 batting average with 9 homers and 31 runs batted in this season.

Redington said he learned about being drafted after Esperanza defeated Arcadia, 2-0, in the 4-A semifinals. He then had to attend a seniors award ceremony.

He is expected to meet with Braves officials Sunday to discuss his options and salary.

“Eighty-five percent depends on their offer, 15 percent is whether I think I’m ready to start my career now or wait a couple years until I’ve matured more,” Redington said.

“Either way I’m going to be happy. It really hasn’t struck me yet that I have a chance to go out and start my career. . . . It’s a good decision to have to make.”

Knackert was picked fifth in the second round. He said he expected to be chosen somewhere between the fifth and seventh rounds of the draft.

Knackert pitched only seven innings this season--striking out 13, giving up one hit and one walk--before being dismissed from the Ocean View team for skipping classes. He said his dismissal suddenly cooled the scholarship offers from major colleges. Only junior colleges remained interested in him.

“I was told by scouts that it might be a blessing in disguise,” Knackert said. “My probability of signing was up higher than if I had various colleges after me. Hopefully, it is.”

Knackert, who has been playing for semipro teams, is expected to meet with White Sox officials today.

“More than likely, I’ll sign,” he said. “If they give me the money I want I’ll sign. If not, I’ll go to a junior college like Golden West or Orange Coast and see what I can do there.”