( – From Todd Grasley at WESH High School Playbook – )

In the next 24 hours, a dream will become a reality for Oviedo pitcher A.J. Cole.

“I’ve been waiting my whole life for this day. It’s a dream come true. You can ask my parents, when I was little I said I wanted to play professional baseball and tomorrow I find out if I get to go or not,” he said.

According to mock drafts, Cole is projected as a sure-fire Major League Baseball first-rounder. Where he goes in the first 32 picks, he said, is up in the air.

Oviedo's A.J. Cole

“Anywhere in the first round, they didn’t even narrow it down to the tenth or 20th pick,” he said. “I’m just basically guessing where I’m going and I’m not for sure about that. I’ve talked to almost all of the teams in the first 29 picks. They don’t come out and tell you they are going to pick you, they let you know that on draft day they are going to pick you.”

Although, he has not worked out for any teams, scouts covet the 6-foot, 5-inch, 190-pounder, who’s fastball is in the mid 90s and powerful curveball has good movement.

He also said they like the fact that he is “a nice and easy thrower,” and the fact that he has developed over the past two years with his pitches and command.

First round picks are nothing new to Central Florida. Last year Lake Brantley shortstop Nick Franklin was selected as the 27th overall pick by the Seattle Mariners. Cole says he has received advice from Franklin as well as former Lyman pitcher Scottie Allen.

“I’ve talked to Nick Franklin and Scottie Allen, they said it’s really tough but if you stay with it it’s a lot of fun. The minor leagues aren’t what you expect. It’s not like college, it’s harder for the players. You’re not given everything, you have to work for it,” he said.

Today marks a new page in the baseball career of A.J. Cole, a career he has lofty goals for.

“I hope I can get to the major leagues as soon as possible. Keep improving, never go backwards, just do my best and give it everything I’ve got,” Cole said.

For that lucky team that selects him on draft day, he has a message to their fans.

“I’m going to support my fans because they are supporting me. I’m going to give a 110-percent and help my team win anyway I can,” he said.

As the hours inch closer to the draft, Cole will gather with his friends and family at a former coach’s house, “waiting around by the phone.” Waiting for the phone call that will become his future.

“It’s all real exciting. Last month I was like ‘I can’t wait for this’ and tomorrow is the day. It’s gone fast. I’m pretty sure things will work out for me,” he said.

– Note: The opening round of the MLB First-Year Player Draft takes place tonight (Monday) at 7 p.m. with the coverage continuing at MLB.com Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon –

– (Contact Orlando Sports Central at JC@OrlandoSportsCentral.com) –