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- Stormy start for top draft pick Dugan
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Stormy start for top draft pick Dugan
The next time Kelly Dugan gets to Citizens Bank Park, he hopes it's as a major-leaguer. And he wouldn't mind a little smoother journey.
Dugan, the Phils' top pick in last week's draft, hit some travel difficulties getting into town Saturday.
The 18-year-old outfielder from Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, Calif., had been in Boston, where his father, Hollywood director Dennis Dugan, was working on a movie.
Kelly Dugan's first scheduled flight was canceled. His second made it all the way to Philadelphia air space, but had to return to Boston because of bad weather. He finally made it to Philadelphia late Saturday night, and even caught a few innings of the Red Sox-Phillies game at Citizens Bank Park.
"Hopefully my career won't be that rocky," Dugan quipped yesterday.
Dugan, selected 75th overall, signed his contract Saturday - he received a $485,000 signing bonus and a college-tuition package - and will head to Clearwater, Fla., to begin his pro career in the Gulf Coast League later this week.
"I know it's hot down there," Dugan said. "I'm just excited to be part of the Phillies family and get started. Hopefully, I'll get to the top soon."
Dugan, a switch-hitter, stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 205 pounds. He hit .379 with eight homers and 35 RBIs in 95 at-bats this season. The Phillies believe he can develop power that could produce 20 or more homers per season. Club officials also believe he has the speed and athleticism to play center field at higher levels.
Dugan began switch-hitting at a young age, after he was hit in the head by a pitch while batting righthanded. He grew up idolizing Atlanta Braves switch-hitter Chipper Jones.
The Phils evaluated Dugan in two private workouts. "He's got the athleticism and tools you look for," assistant general manager Benny Looper said. "He's got the run tool and the hit tool. He's also got the character, personality, and work ethic you look for."
Contact staff writer Jim Salisbury at 215-854-4983 or jsalisbury@phillynews.com.
