Bryan Harvey's boy a Marlin

Three years ago, Kris Harvey opted to play at Clemson after being a fifth-round draft choice of the Atlanta Braves coming out of Bandys High School. He once again has a decision to make on whether to turn pro and stay in school.

Harvey, a junior right-handed pitcher and slugging designated hitter, was drafted in the second round by the Florida Marlins with the 64th overall pick in Major League Baseball's amateur draft Tuesday.

But by the sound of things, Harvey, who still has one more year of eligibility remaining, has already determined what his future plans are.

"I?m very pleased, he said. "You can't ask for much more than that in the second round. I get a chance to go and hit and stay on the East Coast near my family, so maybe they can see me play some."

"We weren't really expecting that but (my father) was very pleased and he was very proud I went in the second round. I think it's great. I've lived (in Miami) before, and I've been around the stadium and the city. It will be nice to get back down there. I?m not sure where I'll go when I sign or where I'll be at, but it will be nice.

Harvey had aspirations of being a big-league pitcher like is father, Bryan, who finished with 177 career saves in nine seasons in the majors and who will serve as his son's agent. However, after finishing this year with a 5-4 record, a 5.52 ERA, and dropping into the fifth spot in the rotation, it became clear to most observers that his hitting will be what gets him to the major leagues.

Harvey led the ACC and is tied for second in the nation with 24 home runs. He also has 69 RBIs to go along with a hefty .342 batting average. Those numbers were good enough to earn him a spot on the All-ACC First Team for the second consecutive year.

To his credit, however, Harvey realizes that his strength is with a bat in his hand.

"It's not disappointing at all (being drafted as a hitter), he said. "I actually like it a little better. I get a chance to go and hit and if that doesn't work out then they are going to give me a chance to pitch after that. So, I've got the best of both worlds with that.

Kris Harvey