So far, the Nationals have spent $3.001M on their draft picks from rounds 2-10.
| Pick | Slot Recommend | Actual Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Crow | $2.15M | TBD |
| Hood | $726K | $1.1M (see note 1) |
| Espinosa | $450K | $525K |
| Hicks | $270K | $475K |
| Nieto | $187K | $376K |
| Demny | see note 2 | $110K |
| Killian | see note 2 | $100K |
| Pecina | see note 2 | $100K |
| Higley | see note 2 | $150K |
| Milone | see note 2 | $65K |
Note 1: Hood’s contract was two-sport spread out over five years; equivalent value is ~$890K one-time payment
Note 2: MLB recommends that bonus payments after round five are no more than $150K
After round 10, the bonuses are the tens of thousands of dollars. I am only aware of one or two of the actual bonuses but my guesstimate is the Nationals have spent roughly $750K on the remaining 19 signed players (about $40K/ player). As a back on the envelope, the Nationals have spent $3.751M on the 28 players they have signed thus far.
To put that number in perspective, it was reported that the Nationals spent the fifth most in the 2007 draft with $7.9M. If the Nationals spend more than ~$4.15M on Aaron Crow’s bonus, they will outdo their 2007 investment.
#1 by Other Marc with a C - August 11th, 2008 at 20:36
Thanks Brian.
My point has been, with Crow, that they knew he wanted above slot when they drafted him, so they have to go above slot to sign him.
What would be a reasonable above slot deal? What number do you have to say no, we can’t do that?
Brian do you have any feel for that?
#2 by Andrew S. - August 11th, 2008 at 20:55
What made Higley more expensive?
#3 by Brian Oliver - August 11th, 2008 at 21:02
OMwaC – If the deal is <=$4.5M, I do it. If his demand is >$5M, I walk away. In between, it’s a tough one.
Andrew – Better agent? ;)
#4 by Ryan Sullivan - August 11th, 2008 at 22:08
Andrew-
Slightly educated guess, but Higley was a Community College kid, who could have 2 more years of eligibility, while Pecina and Milone were college Jr.’s. with only one year remaining.
Brian… seems like Bowden does not want to give Crow a major league deal: why is that such a sticking point? I don’t understand the ramifications of the “major league deal”. Thanks as always.
#5 by Cole - August 11th, 2008 at 22:10
Jim Callis at BA predicts it’ll take $5M for Crow. Now that we’ve gone above slot for each of the top 5 (assuming Crow), I guess we can count on each our top 5 next year waiting until the final week, planning on also getting above slot.
#6 by Brian Oliver - August 11th, 2008 at 22:25
Ryan – With a major league deal, Crow immediately is placed on the 40-man roster. The Nationals would use an option year right away in 2009 instead of taking up to four years to add him to the 40-man given his age. With a minimum of three options, Crow could be optioned down in 2009, 2010, and 2011 before having to pass through waivers to head down in 2012. It really shouldn’t be a huge problem because (1) if he’s not ready for the majors in 2012, the Nationals did not get what they wanted out of the selection and (2) Bowden and the Nationals have not been shy about bringing college draft picks up in the year they were drafted (Zimmerman in 2005 & Detwiler in 2007).
I don’t think a major league deal should hold up a contract. It’s going to be the bonus demand, in my opinion, that makes or break it.
Cole – I think most top prospects, especially guys in the top 10, are going to take every advantage of the signing deadline and wait until the last minute in hopes of squeezing out every bonus dollar possible.
#7 by Jim W - August 12th, 2008 at 09:20
Do we have any chance of signing our 11th pick Marcus Jones? He finished his Jr year at NC State, but I think the Nats also drafted him in 2005 out of high school. They must really like him. I hope they sign him
#8 by Jim W - August 12th, 2008 at 09:29
Forgot to mention that Marcus Jones is from DC. It would make for a good story if he signed with the home town team. He had a pretty good season at NC State
#9 by Brian Oliver - August 12th, 2008 at 09:30
Jim – My guess is no. I imagine all efforts are now focused on the negotiations with Aaron Crow.
#10 by Dick - August 12th, 2008 at 09:49
I assume the same is true about JP Ramirez, don’t you Brian?
#11 by Brian Oliver - August 12th, 2008 at 09:52
Dick – Yup. The 2008 unsigned draft class is down to one guy … Aaron Crow.
#12 by Danny Hicks - August 13th, 2008 at 06:34
Graham took his physical Tuesday Aug. 12 and will know the results Wed. He will sign a contract and begin his career today Aug. 13. Our family could not be more pleased than to join the Nationals family. We would like to thank everyone connected with the National’s organization for the way they treated our familly through the entire processes.