Draft's impact on Tigers should be minimal

CLEMSON — Clemson fans can't yet breathe a sigh of total relief, but they can breathe easier knowing the recent Major League Baseball draft won't inflict immense havoc for the future.

Tigers coaches are still concerned about three drafted pitchers who could turn pro. But they have a reasonable chance of keeping all three.

Junior D.J. Mitchell was drafted in the 10th round by the New York Yankees. Scott Weismann, who signed with Clemson last December, was taken in the 18th by the Detroit Tigers. Junior Ryan Hinson was selected in the 31st round by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Coach Jack Leggett and his staff are most concerned about Mitchell and Weismann. Both players have stated they'll sign only for second-round money, but it wouldn't be inconceivable for the Yankees and Tigers to produce that kind of signing bonus.

Mitchell, who earned first-team All-ACC honors last season while striking out 106 batters in 98 2/3 innings, is planning to attend the second session of summer school at Clemson but is still believed to be undecided.

Weismann, from Boxborough, Mass., will play this summer for the Ohio Warhawks, an amateur team that plays in tournaments across the country. Detroit's scouts will monitor him closely to see whether his velocity reaches last summer's levels (93-94 mph).

Hinson, a lefty who struggled last season while dropping from the weekend rotation, is spending the summer in Clemson.

Other than third baseman/pitcher Ethan Martin, who's a lock to turn pro after going in the first round to the Los Angeles Dodgers, none of the other five drafted recruits appear likely to bypass college: shortstop Jason Stolz (31st round), pitcher Chris Dwyer (36th), shorstop Brad Miller (39th), catcher Phil Pohl (44th) and pitcher Kevin Brady (44th).

Clemson's staff is unsure of the plans of shortstop Stan Widmann, who has a year of eligibility remaining. Widmann was not drafted but is considered a strong candidate to try the free-agent route.

Five backups are leaving the team with eligibility remaining: outfielder Alex Lee, second baseman J.D. Burgess, pitcher Trent Rothlin, pitcher William Bond and pitcher Alex Martin.

Lee, Burgess and Rothlin are planning to transfer. Bond and Martin, both of whom were redshirt juniors, are calling it quits.

Reach Larry Williams at lwilliams@postandcourier.com and check out the new Clemson blog at www.charleston.net/blogs/tiger_tracks/