Draft 2012 – Clate Schmidt, Jesse Winker, Chis Beck, Braden Bishop, Steve Nyisztor

Clate Schmidt — 6’-1”, RHP, Allatoona HS (GA) A fast-rising prospect, Schmidt’s fastball has been clocked at 96 mph and his low-80s curve is a plus pitch already. Needs to add another off-speed pitch if he wants to remain a starting pitcher, but his work ethic shows a third pitch will come. His delivery has some effort to it but his athleticism makes up for it. With another year to add that third pitch, and room for more added velocity, Schmidt could continue to rise up draft boards come June. http://www.throughthefencebaseball.com/top-50-draft-prospects-for-2012-50-thru-26/15621/

Jesse Winker, OF, Olympia (Orlando, Fla.)  - Winker's strengths include above-average arm strength and good bat speed. Walker Weickel’s high school teammate runs well and shows good instincts in center field. But if his projected power develops, he could move to a corner, where he may be a plus defender long term. The left-handed hitting Winker, if he doesn't sign a pro deal next summer, is headed to Gainesville to play for the Gators. http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/baseball/post/_/id/940/mccullers-jr-is-top-florida-diamond-star

We continue the countdown today at number 24 with Georgia Southern junior RHP Chris Beck. The 6’3 220 pounder out of Jefferson Georgia attended Jefferson High School where he was a four year letter winner. He earned First Team All-Region honors in every year and was twice was named Pitcher of the Year’ in 2008 and 2009. He was selected in the 35th round by the Cleveland Indians in the 2009 draft but decided to head to Georgia Southern.  As a freshman in 2010, he made 12 appearances (four starts) struggling to a 2-4 record and an ERA of 8.31. Beck’s sophomore season saw remarkable improvement going 9-5 with a 3.23 ERA in a team high 103 innings. He was able to hold opponents to a .211 batting average against while striking out 109 but struggled with his control with 40 walks allowed.   http://ht.ly/1gwVAS

Player:  Braden Bishop   Position:  OF   School:  St. Francis (CA)   Date of Birth:  8/22/1993   Height/Weight:  6’1/185   Bats/Throws:  R/R   Class Of:  2012   Committed To:  Washington  Scouting Report:  Bishop is a top two sport athlete from California who has committed to Washington.  He has an athletic build with room to add strength as he matures.  Bishop has a good approach at the plate and is willing to take a walk.  He has an easy line drive swing.  Bishop does not have much pop currently, but could add home runs to his game as he matures.  His recorded 60 time is 6.67.  Bishop is an above average outfielder.  He has a very strong, accurate arm  http://mlbdraftguide.com/

College Baseball Daily has learned that Rutgers infielder Steve Nyisztor has been declared academically ineligible and has left the university. Rutgers athletic department spokesperson James Gill released the following statement about Steve Nyisztor’s status  “Steve Nyisztor has been declared academically ineligible and is no longer enrolled at Rutgers or a member of our baseball program.” Nyisztor was rated by College Baseball Daily as the 55th best player in the country heading into the 2012 season. He missed the majority of the 2011 season with an undisclosed injury.  http://www.collegebaseballdaily.com/2012/01/04/rutgers-steve-nyisztor-leaves-baseball-program/