Baseball: UCLA is on a recruiting roll

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

UCLA baseball Coach John Savage is beaming these days, considering how many quality young pitchers will be on his roster next spring.

‘We’re pretty excited about our pitching,’ Savage said.

The decision of former Orange Lutheran standout Gerrit Cole to turn down an offer from the New York Yankees last week after being taken 28th overall to attend UCLA stunned many outside observers, but not Savage.

‘The family really valued the UCLA education and college baseball,’ he said.

Also joining the Bruins is Newhall Hart pitcher Trevor Bauer, who is graduating in December despite having one more year of high school eligibility. Cole will be given a shot at starting, as will Bauer.

UCLA also has received a commitment from Dana Hills pitcher Peter Tago, who will be a junior in the coming season. Tago was outstanding in summer ball in Orange County.

USC has picked up a commitment from senior-to-be Jiovanni Mier of Bonita, a pitcher who played in the Aflac All-American game.

-- Eric Sondheimer