Gamecocks projected to have pair in top 36 of MLB draft

Even as the South Carolina baseball program wades through its coaching search, one thing remains clear.

The Gamecocks have had talent of late, and should have more in the pipeline.

In Baseball America’s latest mock draft, the Gamecocks had two players in the top 36 picks. The projection had pitcher Clarke Schmidt as the No. 30 pick to the Chicago Cubs and catcher signee Luis Campusano as the 34th pick to Milwaukee.

Schmidt’s 2017 season was cut short by Tommy John surgery, but before that, he was 4-2 with a 1.34 ERA and 70 strikeouts and 18 walks in 60 1/3 innings.

“Chicago’s search for pitching continues,” the story said. “Picking at 30, it makes sense to roll the dice on an injured player such as Clarke Schmidt if the Cubs believe in the makeup and the work ethic, and everyone does. The Cubs could get a top 15-caliber talent with the 30th selection.”

Campusano, out of Cross Creek High School in Augusta, Ga., hit .622 with 13 doubles and six home runs in 28 games as a senior.

This story was originally published June 9, 2017 at 7:32 PM with the headline "Gamecocks projected to have pair in top 36 of MLB draft."