Impact of Baseball Draft Uncertain for Titans

The major league baseball draft has already cost Cal State Fullerton one recruit, and it may lose more before the summer is over, but Titan coaches are hopeful the losses will be minimal.

Wes Chisnall, a high school pitcher from Etiwanda, is the only Fullerton recruit who has signed a professional contract. He was selected Tuesday in the sixth round by the Montreal Expos.

One of the Titans’ top recruits, Riverside Arlington pitcher Nick Neugebauer, was drafted in the second round by the Milwaukee Brewers.

“If I don’t get first-round money, I’ll probably go to Fullerton,” Neugebauer said.

The average first-round signing bonus last year was $1.3 million.

Neugebauer, who has a fastball in the mid-90s, said he expects to have his first meeting with representatives from the Brewers in the next 10 days.

Elbow problems sidelined Neugebauer for part of this past season.

Another top recruit, Sean Bischofberger of El Cajon, was drafted in the 22nd round by the Atlanta Braves, but Bischofberger told the Braves on Sunday he will enroll at Fullerton and play there.

“Fullerton has a great program, and I know they’re going to make me a lot better there,” said Bischofberger, who can play third base or catch.

Bischofberger is 6 feet 4 and 210 pounds, and Titan coaches expect him to hit with power.

“Bischofberger could have gone higher, but with his commitment to us, the pro clubs probably didn’t think he would be an easy sign for them,” Titan assistant Rick Vanderhook said.

Three other Fullerton recruits were drafted: Catcher Brett Kay of Mater Dei was taken in the 35th round by Houston, shortstop Shawn Norris of Draper, Utah, in the 44th round by Florida, and outfielder Rudy Simpson of Etiwanda in the 49th round by Florida.

“We feel good right now, but it’s going to be a long summer before we’ll know for sure on several players,” said assistant coach Dave Serrano, the Titan recruiting coordinator. “But this class should make us a lot bigger and more physical.”

Fullerton finished 47-17 last season, losing in the finals of the South II Regional to host LSU. Junior outfielder Aaron Rowand was the first Fullerton player drafted. Rowand, who led the team with 16 home runs and 72 RBIs, was the 35th player picked, taken in the supplemental round by the Chicago White Sox. Another junior, pitcher Greg Jacobs, was picked in the 13th round by the Angels. Both are expected to sign.

Junior third baseman Ryan Moore, second on the team with 14 homers, was not drafted and is expected back. Shortstop Ryan Owens and second baseman David Bacani also return, along with catcher Craig Patterson and outfielders Reed Johnson and Chris Beck.