This time, Chris Hamblen is ready to sign.

        Three years ago, the University of Cincinnati and former Highlands catcher was drafted in the 18th round by the Chicago White Sox. But unsure about his commitment to playing professionally and the White Sox's desire to sign him, Hamblen chose to play at UC.

        On Tuesday, Hamblen realized he made the right choice when the Texas Rangers selected him in the 13th round with the 382nd pick in the amateur draft.

        Hamblen, the brother of former University of Kentucky football player Brett Hamblen, just finished his junior season as one of 10 semifinalists for the Johnny Bench Award, which goes to the nation's top collegiate catcher. Elbow surgery that kept Hamblen out of the 2000 season probably bumped him out of the first 10 rounds.

        This was the third time Hamblen has been drafted (the San Francisco Giants selected him in the 35th round last year), but that didn't keep any nerves away. Hamblen spent much of Tuesday afternoon listening to a radio broadcast of the draft at his par ents' house in Fort Thomas.

        “It was nerve-wracking,” Hamblen said. “But now it's like a big weight is off my shoulders.”

        University of Kentucky pitcher Joseph Blanton went to the Oakland Athletics as the 24th pick in the first round. His teammate and former Hamilton player Seth Morris was taken in the 21st round by the Detroit Tigers.

        Miami University juniors Mike Galloway, a utility player, and Chris Leonard, a left-handed pitcher, were drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays. Leonard went in the eighth round and Galloway in the 14th.

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