Draft might damage Tigers' outlook for the 2010 season

CLEMSON — Four Clemson pitchers and two commitments were selected on the second day of the Major League Baseball draft Wednesday following Ben Paulsen's selection Tuesday.

The selections could further damage Clemson's 2010 outlook. Paulsen said Wednesday he intends to sign and hopes to be playing professionally later this summer.

On Wednesday, left-handed freshman Chris Dwyer was first off the board, selected in the fourth round (122nd overall) by the Kansas City Royals. The Red Sox selected Mauldin High right-handed pitcher Madison Younginer, the prize of the Clemson recruiting class, in the seventh round (228th).

Senior Ryan Hinson went in the 10th to San Diego, followed by redshirt sophomore Graham Stoneburner in the 14th (New York Yankees). A second Clemson signee, infielder Richard Shaffer, regarded as one of the better prep bats in the draft, fell to the 25th round, selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Senior Trey Delk rounded out Clemson's second day, going in the 29th round to the Chicago White Sox.

Of paramount concern to the Tigers is the status of Dwyer and Younginer.

The 21-year-old Dwyer is a lefty who possesses two plus offerings (fastball, curve). He went later than expected, possibly due to signing demands, leverage, and an uneven performance this spring.

Dwyer didn't answer directly when asked if his signing- bonus demands were that of a Compensation A round slot, or if he is likely to follow Paulsen to the pro ranks. "We'll see what happens,'' Dwyer said. "It's a long summer."

The majority of fourth-round bonuses last season ranged from $350,000 to $200,000, well below the $1.1 million to $700,000 price tags found in the Compensation A round, which is between the first and second rounds.

However, the Royals have been aggressive under general manager Dayton Moore, signing their fourth-round selection last year, Tim Melville, to a round-high $1.25 million bonus.

Though a small-market club, the Royals spent $8.6 million in signing-bonus money on their five selections in the top four rounds last season, indicating they are willing to pay above slot for Dwyer.

Only 11 high school and college underclassmen drafted in the top five rounds last year did not sign.

Clemson could lose two impact arms.

Younginer has hit 97 mph on radar guns and entered as a top-100 prospect, falling in part due to bonus demands. Five seventh-round picks received $500,000 or greater in bonus dollars last season. Only two players drafted in the seventh round last season did not sign.

Stoneburner is an important arm and could also opt for the pro ranks.

The Tigers did appear to receive some good news with Shaffer, a potential impact bat, who fell to the 25th round, increasing the likelihood he plays at Clemson.