Area high school baseball standouts – Michael Zunino from Mariner and Bobby Borchering from Bishop Verot – have impressive fall-back options, as they await the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, which begins Tuesday.

Both signed with the University of Florida on the same day back in November, though most pre-draft projections paint a positive outlook.

The majority of mock drafts have Borchering going in the top 20 picks, while Zunino is projected anywhere from the late first round to within the top 100 overall.

“Bobby is in a win-win situation,” Bishop Verot coach Tom LoSauro said. “Obviously if he signs a pro contract the opportunities presented to him will be awesome. If that doesn’t work out, going to play at Florida will be a great opportunity.”

The draft begins Tuesday at 6 p.m. The first 111 selections will be made on day one and the draft continues Wednesday and Thursday.

MLB Network will broadcast the selections made in the first round and MLB.com will air a live video stream beginning with the 33rd overall pick.

Zunino, a 6-foot-2 catcher, helped Mariner to back-to-back District 5A-15 titles during his junior and senior seasons.

Zunino’s power became a key factor in the Tritons’ attack, belting 21 home runs over the past two seasons. He continued to showcase his defensive skills, which have received even more attention from draft gurus.

Borchering, a 6-4 third baseman, is considered one of the top hitting prospects in the entire draft. As a senior, the switch-hitting Borchering finished with a .494 batting average with 13 home runs and 37 RBI.

Along with the top high school players, area college players are also part of the draft watch .

Florida Gulf Coast University has had several players drafted in recent years and that trend should continue.

The list of hopefuls includes two former Mariner players Josh Upchurch and Robert Greene.

Upchurch, a center fielder, was a four-year starter for the Eagles. He hit .342 with 39 RBI as a senior.

Greene, a catcher, made the most of his first season as a starter. Though only a sophomore, he played well behind the plate and contributed offensively with a .265 average, 14 home runs and 39 RBI.