Reds sign draft and follow from last year

From the Modesto Bee

Reds sign former MJC, Johansen star

Catcher Jake Long, a 2004 graduate of Johansen High School, has signed a contract with the Cincinnati Reds. Long recently completed his second season with Modesto Junior College and was named Central Valley Conference player of the year after hitting .372 with a .516 on-base percentage, 38 RBIs and 33 runs. Long was drafted by the Reds two years in a row: in the 44th round in 2004 and the 37th round last year. MJC was eliminated from the NorCal Regional Playoffs on May 20. The Reds made an offer the next day, and Long signed on Monday at home. "It was shocking at first. I kind of knew, but any time it happens, it's shocking," Long said. "But after it settled in, it was exciting. Cool feeling. All the hard work you put in the past two years, it paid off." Long will leave June 10 and report to Sarasota, Fla., for rookie league.

Modesto Bee