We’ve got an interesting note from September to pass along. Oregon State second baseman Garrett Nash has left the Beavers to go on a two-year Morman mission. This is a big loss for OSU, which would have relied upon Nash to be the igniter in its offense. Nash, the No. 3 prospect in the state of Utah coming out of high school in 2007, was a key member of Oregon State’s third-ranked recruiting class last year. It was considered a boon for the Beavers when Nash elected to attend school rather than sign as a fourth-round pick of the Rangers.

With Nash’s departure, Canadian freshman Carter Bell has a chance to step right into Oregon State’s starting second base job. Here is John Manuel’s scouting report on Bell heading into the 2008 draft:

Carter Bell committed to Oregon State and has a chance to step right into the Beavers’ lineup next year. A shortstop in high school, he has the body control and athletic ability to play the position in college. His 7.0-second speed in the 60 and below-average range likely make a move to third a necessity for pro ball, and his bat is light for the draft at a corner spot. He has a nice compact swing, however, and a decent feel for hitting.