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USC commitment could go high in MLB draft
Gilbert High shortstop Chris Owings, a USC commitment, might have to decide between a large signing bonus and being a Gamecock.
Erik Campos/ecampos@thestate.com
Written by NEIL WHITE
nwhite@thestate.com
Posted on 06.09.09
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Baseball Draft
WHAT: Major League Baseball amateur draft
WHEN: Today-Thursday
SCHEDULE: Rounds 4-30 are Wednesday and begin at noon; the rest are Thursday
WHERE TO WATCH: MLB.com
Chris Owings received his diploma from Gilbert High on Monday. Tonight he learns if he will graduate to a another level in his baseball career.
The 5-foot-11, 170-pound shortstop, who as a sophomore committed to play for Ray Tanner at USC, is expected to be selected in the early rounds of Major League Baseball’s draft, which begins today.
Owings’ stock has risen so steadily in recent months that he is projected to be taken as early as the second round, and possibly in the supplemental first round. Since May 19, he has worked out for eight teams, including the Yankees on Saturday at their spring-training complex in Tampa, Fla.
“I still consider myself a Gamecock right now,” Owings said as he returned from Tampa.
But that could change quickly, especially if he commands a signing bonus in the upper six figures or lower seven-figures.
“It’s going to be a really tough decision,” Owings said. “If I get a good opportunity and can’t turn it down, it’ll be tough to tell coach Tanner I’m not going to come.”
Owings has fast-tracked his way up the draft rankings. In Baseball America magazine’s draft preview issue, Owings was ranked the No. 84 prospect nationally, a list that included high school and college players.
The entry on Owings reads: “Athletic prep infielder showed improved power this spring, evoking Gordon Beckham.”
Beckham is the former Georgia All-American who was selected eighth in 2008 by the Chicago White Sox and has reached the major leagues.
Scouts like Owings’ swing and the way he uses the whole field at the plate, his above-average foot speed and a makeup that shows he knows how to play the game. Some believe he might have to move to second base in the pros because of his lack of arm strength, but that’s one of his few downsides.
One scout, who did not want to be identified, said Owings is a better player than Drew Meyer, Reese Havens or Brian Roberts were coming out of high school.
Scouts from 15 major league clubs have visited Owings’ home.
His father, John Owings, said family members initially were overwhelmed by the attention. But they learned as much as they could about the draft process and embraced the fast-moving events associated with it. John, who manages a building-materials distribution center, and his wife, Sherri, an elementary school teacher, are ready to support their son whether he winds up a college player or a professional.
“It’s an once-in-a-lifetime chance,” John said. “It’s a no-lose situation. That’s been our stance all along. We’re excited either way. It’s been a good experience, although a little stressful.”
The Owings are a baseball family. Chris’ older brother, Kyle, a right-handed pitcher, is a rising sophomore and at Spartanburg Methodist College, which just returned from a trip to the Junior College World Series. Younger brother Connor is a rising sophomore and infielder at Gilbert High.
Gilbert coach Ashley Burnett has been the beneficiary of their talents.
“Not only are their three kids tremendous baseball players, they’re tremendous people,” Burnett said. “John and Sherri have done a tremendous job raising their kids.”
The Indians won Class 2A state championships in 2006 and ’08.
“I’ve been very fortunate,” Chris said. “I’ll always remember that first state championship. I consider myself really fortunate to have grown up in Gilbert. Coach Burnett has helped me a lot.”
Burnett knew how gifted Chris was when he installed him as his regular third baseman as an eighth-grader. As the accolades have piled up for Chris, Burnett never ceased to be amazed by the five-year starter’s ability.
“You say, ‘Wow.’ That word comes out of your mouth quite a bit,” Burnett said.
Chris also has proven himself on the national scene with the Diamond Devils, a pre-eminent Charleston-based summer travel program. He helped lead the 17U team to a national age-group championship last summer at the Perfect Game wood bat tournament in East Cobb, Ga., the Holy Grail of travel baseball. His father believes his summers with the Diamond Devils showed he can compete with the best in the country.
Burnett said Chris has succeeded at that level because he refuses to rely solely on his natural ability.
“What people don’t see are the hours he works,” Burnett said. “With his God-given talent and his tremendous work ethic, you put those two together and you’ve got something special. He’s a baseball player. He’s not just a guy who plays baseball.”
Like many top draft prospects, Chris has an adviser, the New York-based ACES agency, which is one of the top firms in baseball representation circles.
“I’m doing what I can do. I’m trying not to press or do too much,” he said. “I feel like I’ve been consistent.”
He will find out tonight how much he has impressed the big-league crowd. Where he goes in the draft is likely to determine if he steps onto the Carolina Stadium field in a USC uniform. “Whatever is going to be the best for him and his future is what I want,” Burnett said. “He deserves the opportunity to have his success.”
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USC draft prospects
Current players
| Player, Position | Class | Comment |
| Parker Bangs, RHP | R-So. | Big junior season could improve prospects |
| Blake Cooper, RHP | Jr. | Might not be high pick, but could closely review options |
| Andrew Crisp, INF | R-Sr. | Consistency, versatility are his strengths |
| Sam Dyson, RHP | R-So. | No. 38 prospect by Baseball America likely to go pro |
| Justin Dalles, C | Jr. | Slugger will be picked for fourth time |
| Nick Ebert, 1B | Jr. | Draft slot, dollars will determine if he leaves |
| Bobby Haney, SS | Jr. | Slick fielder must continue to improve at the plate |
| DeAngelo Mack, OF | R-Jr. | Great season provides opportune time to move on |
Signees
| Player, Position | Hometown | Class | Comment |
| Robert Beary, utitlity | Apopka, Fla. | JC Jr. | Versatile player can swing the bat |
| Ethan Carter, RHP | Newprt News, Va. | HS Sr. | Has great ability that USC hopes to hold onto |
| Brooks Hall, RHP | Anderson | HS Sr. | Considered a possibility to go pro |
| Adrian Morales, 2B | Hialeah, Fla. | JC Jr. | Immediately will battle for infield job |
| Will Myers, C | Thomasville, N.C. | HS Sr. | Sure-fire first-rounder unlikely to make it to campus |
| Chris Owings, SS | Leesville | HS Sr. | Rising stock has pushed athletic infielder up draft boards |
| Christian Walker, 3B | Limerick, Pa. | HS Sr. | Potential starter has standout power |
Reach White at (803) 771-8643.
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