Sandusky's Xavier Turner Is Third '12 Commit

Picture credited to Jason Werling of the Sandusky Register

The recruiting efforts of the Ohio State staff are show in the abilities to receive early commitments from players not yet finished with their junior season. The trend continues as Ohio State's class of freshmen for the 2012-13 season has now grown by one with the commitment of infielder Xavier Turner of Sandusky.

Turner joins Delaware's Jacob Bosiokovic and Canton South's Logan Bowels as part of the 2012 recruiting class.

Ohio State News & Notes

Just a collection of news and notes on all things Ohio State baseball that is on the Internet. In this update we hear from on of Ohio State's latest class of 2011 commits, a former Buckeye on the cusp of the majors, and the midweek previews from the Ohio State Athletic Communications on Marshall and Ohio who the Buckeyes respectively host and travel to on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Random Buckeye Baseball Notes

Just a quick rundown of things that are related to Ohio State baseball. I've tweeted these things, but for those not hit to twitter, a few newsworthy notes.

Series moved to Target Field.
With the Metrodome down and unplayable, the season-ending series versus the Gophers has been moved to the home of the Minnesota Twins, Target Field.

Ohio State gained a commitment for 2011
Outfielder Pat Porter a soon to be 2011 graduate of Kenston has committed to Coach Greg Beals and the Ohio State program. He appears to be the first post-early signing period snag for Beals.

Just a reminder Ohio State has two class of 2012 commit, the first in two-way player Jacob Bosiokovic from Delware Hayes, who appears to be an OF at the collegiate level. Right-handed pitcher Logan Bowles of Canton South is the other high school junior who has a verbal commitment to Ohio State.

Six Buckeyes in pro spring training camps
Pirates outfielder Eric Fryer (05-07) and Astros outfielder JB Shuck (06-08) have received their first invites to big league spring training camp. Those two join Orioles outfielder Matt Angle (05-07), Padres southpaw Cory Luebke (05-07), and Yankee Nick Swisher (00-02) as Buckeyes returning to Major League spring training sites. Outfielder Doug Deeds (99-02) received a non-roster invite from the Texas Rangers.

8 Expected in Early Signing Period for Ohio State

Wednesday, November 10th begins the Early Signing Period for National Letter of Intents to be sent to respective schools across the country in which student-athletes finalize their commitment to attend that school after graduation. While the period last seven days, and nothing official will be concluded until then, it is expected Ohio State and Coach Greg Beals will be on the receiving end of 8 NLIs.

Minnesota C/1B Aaron Gretz is a Buckeye

With the addition of Minnesota catcher and first baseman Aaron Gretz, the first full recruiting class for Coach Beals now stands at six as we are a little more than two weeks away from the beginning of the early signing period.

Local Product Leffel Commits to Buckeyes

With the early signing period running from Nov. 10 thru 17, the recruiting trail and ensuing commitments is gaining steam. The latest class of 2011 commit for Coach Beals and his Buckeye staff is Dublin Coffman shortstop Ryan Leffel.

Jacob Bosiokovic Commits to Ohio State

A lead I reported Thursday night has been confirmed as Jacob Bosiokovic a right-handed pitcher and corner infielder from Delaware Hayes has committed to Ohio State. Bosiokovic becomes the second member of Ohio State's 2012 recruiting class.

Canton South's Bowles verbally commits to OSU

Bowles is Ohio State's First '12 Commit

CANTON TWP. — Canton South High School baseball coach Trent McIlvain noticed Logan Bowles wearing a lot of Ohio State gear recently.

“He’s pretty much changed his wardrobe,” McIlvain said. “He used to wear a lot of other schools.”

Bowles likely will have his very own Buckeyes baseball uniform in a couple of years.

From Germany Cavan Cohoes Commits

Ohio State baseball fans knew that new coach Greg Beals would be aggressive in recruiting. After already securing commitments from top prep players in the states of Michigan and Illinois, Beals' words were being back by actions.

Beals latest coup might leave even the most reserved impressed.

Cavan Cohoes has verbally committed to Ohio State becoming the 4th member of the class of 2011 recruiting class for the Buckeyes. Following the path created by Panek, and Haase, Ohio State continues to step over state lines in bringing in talents players. The twist in Cohoes recruitment, Beals not only crossed state lines, he crossed international waters as Cohoes calls Germany home.

Buckeye Baseball News & Notes 9/24

A flurry of news relating to Buckeye Baseball has surprisingly come upon us in this last weekend of September. Instead of creating five separate posts, here is a News & Notes update.

From a former Buckeye four-sport athlete, a grand reunion of former Buckeyes, and two would be future Buckeyes decided to attend college elsewhere, here is the latest and greatest in Ohio State Baseball news.

Michigan C Eric Haase Latest Buckeye Commit

Word around the college baseball landscape was Ohio State and Greg Beals were behind the 8-ball in recruiting due to the retirement of Coach Todd and the late start Beals had. Word is quickly changing, and now the Buckeye are making an impact in recruiting.

The Buckeye Nine has learned that Ohio State has picked up the second commit in as many days, as Michigan catcher Eric Haase of Divine Child becomes the first position player that will be in the incoming class next season. Rated the #3 prospect in Michigan by Michigan Baseball Prospects and the top non-pitcher, to many around the Midwest Haase is a great catch.

Haase is coming off of a junior season where he helped lead Divine Child to the Michigan Division II State Championship. Haase also has a knack for playing big in Ann Arbor which we can only hope continues once a Buckeye.

Illinois LHP Matt Panek 2nd 2011 Commit

The Ohio State baseball team has picked up its second verbal from a high school senior, the latest being Matt Panek of Cary-Grove HS, in Cary, Illinois. Panek a left-handed pitcher, joins Matt Wisler of Bryan, Ohio as the two student-athletes who have gave Coach Beals their word on being future Buckeyes.

Beals has made it known pitching is a top priority, so it comes as no surprise that the first to commits of his inaugural recruiting class at Ohio State are pitchers.

Panek was a member of a Cary-Grove team that reached the Illinois State Playoffs in 2009, as well as a team that claimed a Regional title in 2010. Here is video of the future Buckeye southpaw.

Back in the Midwest, Carroll Transfers from Duke

Carroll One of Six Buckeye Transfers

By Matt Kopsea
South Bend Tribune Staff Writer

Mike Carroll's baseball dreams have taken him back to the Midwest.

After spending his freshman campaign playing for Duke University, the former Penn High outfielder has transferred to Ohio State.

Under NCAA rules, the 5-foot-11, 190-pound Carroll will sit out the 2011 campaign, then have three years of eligibility remaining starting in 2012.

Bryan's Matt Wisler Verbally Commits to OSU

This time last year we were three deep in our known Ohio State commits. While we have just learned of our first commit from the high school class of 2011, the lack of quantity might be made up in quality.

Bryan High School senior Matt Wisler has officially expressed his intent in becoming a Buckeye. Wisler appears to be the first commit in new head coach Greg Beals first recruiting class.

Wisler who hails from the same high school that former Ball State All-American Kolbrin Vitek did has surely been on Beals radar for quite some time, and if the words from Baseball America have any say, Wisler was on the radar of many.

Beals on Recruiting Trail at Legion Tourney

Came after this after completing today's news and notes, and didn't want to save it until tomorrow.

A colleague of mine within the Newspaper Nework of Central Ohio, Sean Golden of the Lancaster Eagle-Gazette has a story in today's paper about the State Legion Tournament. The tournament being played out in Lancaster has had it's share of college coaches on hand scouting the talent, headed by Ohio State's Greg Beals. It's a fun read and shows that Beals is staying true to his word and hitting the recruiting trail hard.

College scouts keep a watchful eye at Legion tournament

-Sean Golden

LANCASTER -- Greg Beals found a spot on the stone steps near the press box Tuesday at Beavers Field to watch -- and evaluate -- the talent before him at this week's American Legion state tournament.

Dezse part of four Patriots going DI

Liberty quartet bound for D-I baseball diamonds

Chris Galoski 11/17/09
Olentangy Valley News

Don't adjust your eyes.

It's no ocular aberration, that really is a mini-college baseball team preparing to grace Olentangy Liberty's diamond.

Not one, not two, not even three Patriots inked their Division I collegiate deals Wednesday, Nov. 11. Count them, four Pats are D-I bound in 2010.

Ending the signing suspense were Josh Dezse (Ohio State), a pitcher, catcher and first baseman, center fielder Michael O'Neill (University of Michigan), shortstop-pitcher Zach Michael (University of Toledo) and pitcher-first baseman Tyler Stage (Ohio University).

"It's been interesting for these guys to allow me to meet all these college guys and talk to them on the phone," Liberty coach Matt Lattig said. "It's also been fun to watch these guys go through it.

"All of a sudden, you're taking kids that are 17 to 18 years old and they've gotta make a choice that's not only going to impact them as baseball player, but is going to impact their academics and finances."

In the interim, this prep season is all about getting in the last word. Because a year ago Liberty was undone by Pickerington North, the eventual D-I state runner-up, in a Central District final.

"I think the one thing we try to preach to our kids," Lattig said, "is it doesn't matter what kind of paper you sign, what kind of stats you put up.

"It still comes down to, can you do what you need to do when you have to? The good thing about this group is we've pushed them.

"We've made comments to them saying, 'Hey, you can be D-I all you want but you still haven't won anything. You tied for the (OCC Cardinal Division) title last year and you got beat in the district finals. You were just as good as eight other teams. You didn't stand out, that was Pickerington North that stood out'."

Not that 23-6 (12-2) was an embarrassment for Liberty, it just won't be acceptable in 2010.

"For the most part, they're ready to accept the bull's-eye that's put on their back," Lattig said.

"By them signing these papers they understand everybody is going to be gunning for you."

Analyzing the menacing foursome, Dezse, he of the 1.60 ERA, hurls a fastball that tops out at a neck-breaking 93 mph, with his velocity eclipsed only by his feverish preparation.

O'Neill (.447) has dizzying speed and he's not afraid to use it, stealing a school-record 21 bases in 2009 and regularly flashing the leather as the defensive anchor in center field.

Stage (6-3, 2.13 ERA), the future Bobcat, is the club's ace, bringing a knowing, cool-headed air to the bump.

"When we get Tyler out on the mound we just let him go, he knows how to control the game," Lattig said.

Then there's Michael (.318, .400 OBP), who barring injury (which befell ex-Patriot and current Buckeye Ryan Cypret) will become the first four-year starter in Liberty's six-year history.

"The great thing is Toledo and the guys recruiting him saw him as an athlete," Lattig said of Michael, who also stars for Liberty's football and basketball teams. "Once he starts concentrating on baseball, his ceiling is 'way high."

Though it's still four months in the offing, the same could be said for the Patriots' ever-nearing spring season.

"We have a great senior class," Lattig asserted. "We have those four obviously, but we also have four other kids who are extremely important to us -- Stephen Crea, Blake Hampshire, Brandon Seich and Joe Trivisonno. They're all going to be instrumental to our success this year in making sure we do the things we want to do.

"The great thing is all eight seniors are really focused on doing better than last year. They understand it was neat, but they want to hang a banner. They want to say they were the guys who put up a league banner, put up a district banner."

4th class of 2010 commit: Indiana SS Jacob Hayes

Jacob Hayes, a 5-foot-10, 170-pound shortstop from Terre Haute South HS, has verbally committed to the Ohio State University. Physically strong and extremely athletic, Hayes is a 6.7 runner who can really swing it from the left side. Last spring he batted, a team leading, .383 with 34 runs, 41 hits, 6 doubles, 2 triples, 4 home runs, 16 RBIs and 14 stolen bases. In 2008, Hayes posted a .417 batting average.

Courtesy Prep Baseball Report

Hayes is the cousin of former Buckeye Mike Hayes (88-92). In 1990 Hayes was an Academic All-Big Ten selection, while leading the Buckeyes in ERA with a 3.15 mark. The Buckeyes made two NCAA trips while Hayes was in Scarlet & Gray in 1991 and 1992.

Joining Hayes as verbal commits thus far:

Greg Greve 3B/P Walsh Jesuit

Clayton Crum RHP Klein, TX

Tim Wetzel OF Mayfield HS

3rd class of 2010 commit: Walsh Jesuit 3B/P Greg Greve

August 20th, 2009 Cleveland.com

Pitcher/third baseman Greg Greve, who helped Walsh Jesuit reach the Division II state championship game for the third time in the past four years, has made an oral commitment to Ohio State.

Greve, 6-3, 195 pounds, was instrumental with his arm and bat in helping the Warriors finish the season with a 28-4 record.

The Brecksville resident compiled a 7-1 record and a 1.74 ERA, striking out 60 batters in 48 1/3 innings. He got the Warriors into the state semifinals when he threw a five-inning, 10-0 no-hitter against Lima Shawnee in the regional final. When given the opportunity to bat, Greve delivered, hitting .409 with four home runs and 31 RBI. The opportunity to pitch and hit was one of the things that sold him on OSU.

"They told me they would like to see me with a bat in my hands, and that was very important to me," said Greve, who was offered a scholarship when he made an official visit to OSU in June.

An outstanding student with a 4.07 grade-point average and membership in the National Honor Society, Greve, who is entering his senior year at Walsh, said he is undecided on a course of study.

2nd Class of 2010 Commit: Texas RHP Clayton Crum

Klein, TX-

Klein High senior Clayton Crum verbally committed to play baseball at Ohio State.

Crum was the No. 2 pitcher on the Bearkats staff last season behind southpaw Matt Purke, who was drafted in the first round in June by the Texas Rangers.

Crum, who was also the starting quarterback for the Klein football team, tore his UCL earlier this summer and had Tommy John reconstructive surgery last month.

He’ll miss the football season and play a limited role for the KHS baseball team next spring, but he’ll report to Columbus, Ohio as a freshman ready to play fall baseball.

Courtesy of The Sun


Crum is one of the top 2010 Seniors in the state of Texas according to Donald Boyles of The College Baseball Blog and comes in at #20 in his list of the top players.

Mayfield OF Tim Wetzel commits to Ohio State

Tim Warsinskey, Plain Dealer Reporter

Before he became a highly recruited baseball player, Mayfield's Tim Wetzel always wanted to attend Ohio State. When the Buckeyes offered him a scholarship recently, it made for an easy decision.

"Ohio State was the best fit for me academically, and so was the whole school because I have two siblings there [Rob and Christina]," Wetzel said. "I always wanted to go to the school even if I wasn't playing a sport."

Wetzel, a senior this fall, has made an oral commitment to

play baseball at OSU. A center fielder who bats and throws left- handed, Wetzel hit .412 with 26 RBI in 22 games this year, and was 28-of-29 stealing bases. He hit a school-record six triples.

Wetzel said he considered Kent, Dayton and St. Bonaventure. He also is a standout running back / safety and said OSU coaches gave their blessings for him to play football at Mayfield this fall.

"They want to come up and watch me play. They're all into high school football," he said.

Wetzel said he plans to study chemistry, pharmacy or anesthesiology.

Mayfield baseball coach Don Ramer played for Ohio State coach Bob Todd and assistant Greg Cypret when they were at Kent State.

"I told them one of these days I'm going to get a player for them and I told them about Tim his sophomore year," Ramer said. "They came up and saw him and wanted him right away."