Clearwater Central Catholic right-hander Ryan Weber and Middleton right-hander/infielder Corey Thomas were just selected in consecutive rounds of Friday’s Major League Baseball amateur draft.

Weber went in the 12th round (376 overall) to the Philadelphia Phillies, while Thomas went in the 13th round (386 overall) to the Baltimore Orioles.

Weber was one of Pinellas County’s most dominant pitchers in the past two seasons and led the Marauders to the Class 3A state title in 2007. He has enjoyed success at virtually ever level during his young career, including stints with the USA Youth and Junior National teams the last two summers.

Thomas has been one of Middleton’s top players in each of the last two seasons. He was a All-Western Conference first team selection as a senior after hitting .347 with five homers and 20 RBI.

Thomas said he’d heard he could be drafted much earlier, but added he didn’t get disappointed as the draft moved on and his name wasn’t called until Friday afternoon.

“I understood what I was dealing with. I heard things from people all the while, but I know nothing is ever concrete with this,” Thomas said. “It wasn’t disappointing. It was nerve-wracking.”

Thomas, who has signed with USF, didn’t hide his desire toward the possibility of bypassing college and turning pro.

“I’m strongly considering becoming a Baltimore Oriole because I know this opportunity doesn’t happen for a lot of people,” Thomas said. “I’ll sit down with them and see what they’re talking about.”