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July 19, 2008

Future Shock

Draft Signings Unannounced

by Kevin Goldstein

As we move into the final month of the signing window, once again we have a number of deals that seem to be done, but nevertheless seem to be getting held back by Major League Baseball. While a number of over-slot bonuses have already been doled out this summer, nearly all of those deals have invoked the multi-sport provision that allows teams to spread out the bonus over multiple years. Standard over-slot bonuses remain delayed for fear within MLB that the announced bonuses would lead to greater inflation. However, multiple sources have confirmed that several seven-figure deals for players picked after the first round are all but completed, as are several other bonuses that greatly exceed the recommended slot.

First Round Update

Only one deal seems to be done and unannounced at this time, and that's with the 20th overall pick, Josh Fields, and the Mariners. Sources indicate that Fields, a Scott Boras client, and the Mariners have agreed to an over-slot bonus of $2 million, but as with all of these signings, it remains uncertain as to when the deal will be announced in relation to the August 15^th deadline.

Meanwhile, a deal that looked to be done is now completely up in the air. Another Boras client, Wake Forest first baseman Allan Dykstra had all but agreed to a $1.4 million bonus as the 23^rd overall pick, but a physical revealed some hip problems that were thought to have been previously corrected. Details are sketchy, but the Padres and Boras are suddenly far from having a deal done, with many of the complications coming from the agent's side, as Boras is well known for putting his own additional medical waivers as addendums to the standard contract.

While there is both little movement and little to report concerning the seven unsigned picks among the first nine selections, two players that might take the most time are the two top college arms in the draft—fourth overall pick Brian Matusz (Baltimore) and ninth overall selection Aaron Crow (Washington). Crow and the Nationals remain well apart in their exchanged figures, with Crow wanting an above-slot major league deal. As a domino effect, Matusz will simply wait to see what Crow settles for, and then insist on not a penny less.