Phils sign Minnesota high school star

The Phillies have signed Minnesota high school stalwart Ryan Bollinger.

Bollinger, drafted in the 47th round in June, is a first baseman but also pitches and plays the outfield. He was drafted so late because he was expected to play college ball.

Instead, Bollinger will report to the Phillies' Gulf Coast League affiliate in Clearwater later this week.

"It was a tough decision to choose between that and school, but it is my chance to do what I always wanted to do," Bollinger told the Minot Daily News. "My family and I came to a decision that that's what I want to do and that's what I need to do. I'm going to work hard to get where I've always wanted to be."