Tigers' coach remains optimistic about 2010

CLEMSON — Clemson coach Jack Leggett said Thursday the events of Major League Baseball's draft have not diminished his expectations for his Tigers in 2010.

Maybe Leggett was not disclosing everything he is privy to. Maybe it's the confidence accumulated from winning more than 1,100 college games. Maybe it's a state of denial — hoping this isn't a repeat of the spring of 2007.

But June 2009 has played out

similarly to June 2007. In both years, the Tigers advanced and lost in the super regionals, and in both years much of the team's high-end talent was selected early in the draft.

As a result, Clemson missed the 2008 NCAA Tournament, which means the following weeks will no doubt impact prospects for 2010.

First baseman Ben Paulsen said he will turn pro. Freshman Chris Dwyer (fourth round, Royals), prized recruit Madison Younginer (seventh round, Red Sox) and hard-throwing junior Graham Stoneburner (14th round, Yankees) were selected by teams unafraid of throwing dollars at draft picks.

The Red Sox have plenty of cash. The small-market Royals are also willing to spend, signing their fourth-round pick last season to a $1.25 million bonus. And the Yankees paid above slot dollars ($400K) for their 10th round pick last June, Clemson's D.J. Mitchell, and might be willing to do so for Stoneburner.

Likely to lose their cleanup hitter, the Tigers could also lose arguably the most-talented arm on the staff in Dwyer, and Stoneburner pitched well in the second half of the season. Add in the loss of Younginer, and much of the Tigers' blue-chip talent could be lost.

Even in that scenario, there is reason to believe another 2008-like season will not unfold.

First, the draft has not been quite as damaging. While nine Tigers were selected this week — including Mike Freeman (1,086th by Arizona), Matt Sanders (1,231st by Colorado), Clinton McKinney (1,441st by Colorado) and Addison Johnson (1,443rd by Oakland) on Thursday — a record 11 Tigers were drafted in 2007.

Clemson has a good chance at adding Richie Shaffer, drafted in the 25th round, to a lineup that figures to return eight starters next season.

Leggett said John Hinson, signee Shaffer, Richard Monroe and perhaps Kyle Parker are potential replacements at first base for Paulsen.

It is pitching that will likely be depleted. Leggett said he was undecided whether Scott Weismann will be used as a starter or reliever next season.

But with or without Dwyer and Younginer, Leggett's clear theme was optimism.

"We have some athleticism," Leggett said. "Most of our infielders back. The same guys are coming back in the outfield, our catchers are coming back. ... We have a solid pitching staff.

"They tasted the super regionals, we got close to Omaha. We are very highly motivated."