Wash's Puk to play Sunday in nationally televised prospect baseball game

CEDAR RAPIDS – He was going to be autographing some of his own Bowman baseball cards Saturday night for random inclusion in packs collectors can eventually purchase. It was suggested to A.J. Puk he should check Ebay in a few weeks to see how much they're worth.“Yeah, I should do that,” he said with a laugh.The Cedar Rapids Washington pitcher-first baseman has his own card because he will play in the prestigious 2012 Perfect Game All-American Classic on Sunday night at San Diego's Petco Park, home of the Padres. He's one of 48 players selected for the game, which features many of the top seniors-to-be in the nation.By the way, Washington Nationals young star Bryce Harper's autographed card from the 2010 game was going for $850 as of late Saturday night.“It's definitely an honor being out here,” Puk said. “Especially being able to represent Perfect Game, which is in my hometown of Cedar Rapids.”Puk's star has risen exponentially over the last year, as far as being a possible high pro draft pick in June. A projectable 6-foot-5 lefty, his fastball sat consistently between 90 and 92 miles per hour earlier last week at the Area Code Games in Long Beach, Calif.A University of Florida commit, scouts see a 6-foot-5 southpaw who is just beginning to physically fill out. Deciding to concentrate on baseball solely, Puk gave up football last year, a game his family always has been known for.His father, Dave, was a fullback at Minnesota, and his uncles J.J. and Kevin also played college football at Iowa and Stanford, respectively. A.J. was Washington's starting quarterback as a freshman.“I gave up football to pursue this, and that was tough,” he said. “But I definitely think it has worked out.”Former Jefferson prep Kellen Sweeney played in the 2009 game, when it was the AFLAC All-American High School Baseball Classic. His brother, Ryan, an outfielder with the Boston Red Sox, also was a participant, as was Minnesota Twins minor leaguer and former West Delaware prep B.J. Hermsen.Sunday's game begins at 8 and will be televised live by the CBS Sports Network.