A quick scan of Google News turned up a story from the Topeka Capital-Journal with the following item:
According to [the Kansas St hitting coach], pitcher A.J. Morris has yet to sign with the Washington Nationals but is expected to do so soon. Morris’ agents are waiting for the rest of the fourth-round picks to sign in hopes of making Morris the highest-paid player in the bunch, Sawyers said.
#1 by VladiHondo - June 30th, 2009 at 08:53
Max Stassi is a 4th rounder, doubt he signs until mid August, he was projected to the BoSox in the 1st but dropped due to signability. So think AJ better hope for top 5 4th round $$.
13 have already signed from the 4th round. http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/draft/2009draftdb.php
#2 by Brian Oliver - June 30th, 2009 at 09:02
Morris was pick #112. The estimated 2008 slot for that pick was $300K. If you take the MLB suggested 10% reduction into consideration, that makes it $270K
The signing bonuses in the 4th round so far are: #118 ($252K), #120 ($245.7K), #121 ($200K), #125 ($230K), #126 ($225K), #127 ($225K), #128 ($222.3K), #131 ($200K), #132 ($209.7K), #133 ($200K), #134 ($204.3K), #135 ($195K), #137 ($190K), #138 ($191.7K), and #140 ($140K).
Aside from Stassi (to Oakland at #123), the other guy who could get a big bonus is Keyvius Sampson (drafted by Padres at #114)
#3 by unkle wheez - June 30th, 2009 at 09:23
We are serious about signing our picks this year. We didn’t seem this serious last year. Not to me at least.
#4 by unkle wheez - June 30th, 2009 at 10:03
I am glad to see that we are active trying to sign our picks. Do we seem more focused on it this year?
#5 by Brian Oliver - June 30th, 2009 at 10:07
UW – I see it more a function of the type of players the Nationals drafted. With an early focus on college players and more signable HSers (in the first 25-30 rds), the opportunity is there to get deals done quickly.
It’s still a promising sign
#6 by Marc - June 30th, 2009 at 10:22
Yeah – as much as I didn’t like the strategy on draft day (and I’m still worried that we prioritized signability over talent), I’m hopeful that we are at least capitalizing on the signable-ness to get them inked and off to Vermont, Viera or wherever.
#7 by Todd Boss - June 30th, 2009 at 10:48
I think Morris will be a special player. I loved his performance in the Big12 this year and think he’s a steal in the 4th round. I think he could seriously push for a rotation spot in 2011 after spending all next year at AA (ala JZimmermann this year).
I’m assuming he’s going to go the same route as Strasburg; wait til the last minute to maximize dollars, then get a couple starts in Vermont or Hagerstown before shutting it down for 2009.
#8 by Guy Holly - June 30th, 2009 at 23:58
I bet you Morris is a problem considering who his agents are. Looks like another Aaron Crow. The Hendricks brothers are famous for screwing around till the last minute. They probably will sign him up for independent league. They have twice before.