Both current and committed prospects, Seniors are bolded. I know some threads already contain some of this information but thought it might be helpful to have it consolidated in one place. We can also update it as folks actually sign with their teams.Deadline for MLB teams to sign non-seniors is August 15. P-Dylan Bundy (1st) P-Taylor Jungmann (1st) C-Blake Swihart (1st) OF-Josh Bell (2nd) P-Sam Stafford (2nd) Updated-Signed with the New York Yankees SS-Brandon Loy (5th) P-Cole Green (9th) Updated-Signed with the Cincinnati Reds P-Connor Sedzeck (11th) 3B-Matt Dean (13th) P-Dillon Peters (20th) P-Andrew McKirahan (21st) Updated-Signed with the Chicago Cubs 1B-Tant Shepherd (24th) Updated-Signed with the NY Mets P-John Curtiss (30th) P-Ricky Jacquez (39th) P-Austin Dicharry (41st) P-Stayton Thomas (43rd) Updated-Signed with the Tampa Bay Rays C-Kevin Lusson (45th)
Good article on Ricky Jacquez. Really glad this guy is 5-9 The Link Highlights below, click on link for full article. The Franklin senior, who will receive his high school diploma this evening at the Don Haskins Center, is considered a top-flight prospect in the 2011 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. And while Jacquez didn't go in Monday's first round, he's almost a sure bet to be selected Tuesday. "Pound for pound, he probably has one of the best arms in this year's draft," Baseball America Executive Editor Jim Callis said. "A 5-foot-9, 160-pound righty who can throw 92-94 mph and reach 97 is a pretty rare specimen. Ricky's special." Baseball America, which ranks Jacquez as the 190th best prospect in this year's draft, is one of the lowest rankings on Jacquez. Several scouts and websites put Jacquez in the top 100 prospects based purely on talent. ESPN's Keith Law ranks Jacquez No. 93 while MLBbonusbaby. com lists Jacquez at No. 95. Law, who used to work in the Toronto Blue Jays front office, writes that Jacquez has a great fastball and an above average hammer curve. He adds that if Jacquez grew a few inches and played against better competition, he would be a first-round draft pick. Jacquez has already committed to The University of Texas and openly admits that it will take swaying and a good price to forgo the college opportunity. "I remember in fifth grade when I saw the Longhorns win the College World Series," he said. "I wanted to be a part of something like that. When I took my visit, I fell in love with the team. The facilities are great and it's a chance for me to improve and get on the national stage." That could scare some teams off. General managers and front office personnel don't want to waste a high pick on a player that won't sign. They want to reap the benefits. And while teams often will pay lucrative signing bonuses to ensure a great talent chooses the pros over college, Callis points out, "it's going to be hard for a scout to insist high six figures or $1 million to keep a player who's 5-9 in shoes. There's a reason you don't see a lot of short pitchers in the Major Leagues." Callis compares Jacquez to 5-9 Tom Gordon, an undersized, athletic reliever who could throw gas and possessed a hard curveball to keep hitters off balance. "He's got the same build and similar attributes," Callis said. "I'm not saying he will be a Tom Gordon - that would be a heck of an achievement - but that's who Ricky's skill set reminds me of." Law and Callis also point out that not signing could be a good move for Jacquez. If he goes out and dominates the Big 12, he could move himself into the first-round discussion in 2013 and a much bigger payday. "He has almost all the tools," Callis agreed. "But with his height, there are questions about durability and withstanding the pressure of a long season. If he goes out in college and proves he can play, then he can be even more sought after. That's a big if, though." And from Baseball America: The Link
According to Baseball America Stayton Thomas has signed with the Tampa Bay Rays. Congrats to Stayton. The Link I remember him getting lots of action as a freshman on what was probably our worst staff in recent memory (2008), but he was a bright spot leading the team in appearances. Didn’t get many innings in 09 but developed into a nice set up man in 2010. Had a look at the closer role this year, but Knebel took that job in Hawaii. But he remained a guy that wherever or whenever you needed some quality innings was always there to give it to you.
According to Baseball America Andrew McKirahan has signed with the Cubs. Andrew was a great situational lefty out of the bullpen for us and I’m bummed to lose him. Never too surprised when a kid goes pro but I was hoping he would stay for his senior year and try to improve his draft position. But even if he did jump up a few rounds there are no guarantees his signing bonus would have increased. Nonetheless, congrats and best of luck to Andrew. The Link
Inside Texas has reported Conner Sadzeck has signed with the Rangers. Would have loved to seen the 6'5 righty solidify our rotation, but best of luck to him. And it looks like I've reached my limit on editing the original post, so I'll keep the updated list with each new post. I also saw Augie Garrido tweet that 6 signees were enrolled in summer school but didn't mention which ones. Bohls has reported Bell was one of them. P-Dylan Bundy (1st) P-Taylor Jungmann (1st) C-Blake Swihart (1st) OF-Josh Bell (2nd) P-Sam Stafford (2nd) Updated-Signed with the New York Yankees SS-Brandon Loy (5th) P-Cole Green (9th) Updated-Signed with the Cincinnati Reds P-Connor Sedzeck (11th) Updated-Signed with Texas Rangers 3B-Matt Dean (13th) P-Dillon Peters (20th) P-Andrew McKirahan (21st) Updated-Signed with the Chicago Cubs 1B-Tant Shepherd (24th) Updated-Signed with the NY Mets P-John Curtiss (30th) P-Ricky Jacquez (39th) P-Austin Dicharry (41st) P-Stayton Thomas (43rd) Updated-Signed with the Tampa Bay Rays C-Kevin Lusson (45th)
August 15th is the deadline, so he could sign anytime until then. I'd imagaine many of these will come down to the wire. If we can get two out of Swihart, Bell, and Dean, I'd consider it a big win. It's going to be a tough two weeks. Jacquez, Peters, and Curtiss also worry me.
The Tigers signed fifth round pick Brandon Loy to a deal with a $212K bonus, according to Jim Callis of Baseball America (via Twitter). The slot recommendation was $146.7K.
Congrats to Brandon. The updated list... P-Dylan Bundy (1st) P-Taylor Jungmann (1st) C-Blake Swihart (1st) OF-Josh Bell (2nd) P-Sam Stafford (2nd) Updated-Signed with the New York Yankees SS-Brandon Loy (5th) Updated-Signed with Detroit Tigers P-Cole Green (9th) Updated-Signed with the Cincinnati Reds P-Connor Sedzeck (11th) Updated-Signed with Texas Rangers 3B-Matt Dean (13th) P-Dillon Peters (20th) P-Andrew McKirahan (21st) Updated-Signed with the Chicago Cubs 1B-Tant Shepherd (24th) Updated-Signed with the NY Mets P-John Curtiss (30th) P-Ricky Jacquez (39th) P-Austin Dicharry (41st) P-Stayton Thomas (43rd) Updated-Signed with the Tampa Bay Rays C-Kevin Lusson (45th)
Yeah, he hasn't signed yet despite what Bohls reported. Perhaps he has "agreed to terms". Regardless, I don't expect him back so I won't make that correction just yet. If he decides to return to school I will be happily wrong.
Well, today's tha day. Hopefully, we'll soon see how this is shaking out and who wants to play in Austin this year.
Time to update... not so good news and we'll see if there's more signings to follow! 3b Matt Dean - Signs with Toronto for $750,000 linky....
Supposedly Josh Bell signed with the Pirates for $5M. Dang. He was drafted in the 2nd round. SI's Jon Heyman is reporting it on twitter: LINK
Bundy-Signed (6million) Jungmann-Signed (2.5 million) Swihart Signed (2.5million) Bell Signed (5 million) Another notable signing was Matt Purke (4million) Looks like Jacquez will make it to campus.
I'm glad I squandered minutes of my life reading "Bell is going to UT" ****. bunch of ******** posturing by Boras.