Rays Pick Up Beckham Brothers in 2008 MLB Draft

Tim Beckham, the top-rated high school player in the 2008 MLB Draft, was selected first overall by the Tampa Bay Rays Thursday afternoon. Beckham didn't have to wait much longer, however, to find out that someone he knew quite well was joining him in the pros, his older brother Jeremy.

Jeremy is four years Tim's senior, and played his college ball at Georgia Southern. The entire time leading up to the draft, it had crossed the brothers' minds that they may indeed be picked by the same team. After all, teams usually do whatever they can to accommodate a superstar player such as Tim.

Picking his older brother will give him the added comfort off-the-field that he needs to adjust to the professional level. It has been stated by the two, that now both being in Tampa, there is a great likelihood that they will live together, and certainly room together on the road.

The elder Jeremy said that the situation was "dream-like," in an interview with MLB.com. That is coming from a 17th-round pick who realized he will be joining his best friend on the green grass of the pro ranks.

It must honestly be surreal, knowing that you will have that comfort level that other players in the minors are left without. Either Beckham can go to the other to talk about problems they are having, which will be key, I believe to Tim especially.

Tim is a kid who should projects to be in the majors by 2011, and as an 18-year-old star, the guidance from his older brother will help all the more.

Griffin High School coach Jamie Cassady, who was fortunate enough to coach both brothers, said there is no way Jeremy will let Tim slack off one bit. "Jeremy will work Tim to death."

Tim sounded just as excited as his older brother, showing no signs of coming back to reality already 24 hours after hearing his name called. Tim noted that it will be, "Double plays, baby".

That could be great news for the Rays, as they have been incredible this season, showing the baseball world that low-salary cap squads can hang with the big spenders. After ten seasons without a playoff berth, it can be said that the Beckham brothers would love to bring one home to Tampa.

With the Beckham boys shoring up the middle infield, it sounds like a pretty nice combination for the Rays' farm system.