Chisenhall, Fuller Dismissed By South Carolina

” Outfielder Lonnie Chisenhall, who was ranked by Baseball America magazine before the season as the top freshman player in the country, and reliever Nick Fuller stole a flat-screen TV, a video game system and DVDs on March 13 while South Carolina students were on spring break, according to arrest warrants.

Fuller, rated by Baseball America as the No. 4 freshman player, was also charged in two other incidents. Police said he took three laptop computers from the university’s Academic Enrichment Center and $3,100 in cash from offices of the baseball coaches, according to arrest warrants.”

Baseball America says there will be a 12:30 pm press conference with Head Coach Ray Tanner, which has quite to be quite the distraction considering the Gamecocks play a midweek game vs. UNC-A later in the day.

Fuller had given up NO HITS and no runs while striking out seven (and walking seven) in 5 innings in 6 relief appearances.  Fuller was second highest HS pick (3rd rounder) from the 06 draft to attend college and garnered Brad Lidge comparisons at Kell High School in Marietta, GA for his potential as a closer and electric mid 90s fastball and slider combo.

Chisenhall was a 13th rounder of the Pirates who would have gone much earlier if he was considered signable.  He was hitting .313 and was becoming relied on as a key cog in number two ranked South Carolina’s offense.