So much for only signing the international prospects.
The Washington Nationals today agreed to terms with Missouri State University left-handed pitcher Ross Detwiler, the sixth overall selection in the 2007 First-Year Player Draft. Nationals Vice President/General Manager Jim Bowden, Assistant General Manager/Vice President of Baseball Operations Mike Rizzo and Director of Scouting Dana Brown made the joint announcement.
No bonus amount was referenced (Baseball America or the usual suspects will likely have that shortly). The average signing bonus from 2003-2005 for a #6 draft pick was $2.425M (Andrew Miller received an above slot major league deal with a $3.55M bonus last year).
From the release … “Detwiler will report to Viera, FL to begin his professional career with the Nationals’ Rookie-level Gulf Coast League entry. After a brief stint with the Gulf Coast League Nationals, Detwiler is expected to be promoted to the Potomac Nationals of the Single-A Carolina League.”
Chris | 05-Jul-07 at 1:05 pm | Permalink
Great news, good call on the posturing by Bowden. Although he didnt do it the way I would, Bowden has used his column pretty well the past couple of weeks. I like the quick promotion too, big leagues by opening day 2009.
Pilchard | 05-Jul-07 at 3:14 pm | Permalink
Very glad that the Nats got this done. Even with a compensatory 1st rounder in 2008 MLB draft, failing to sign Detwiler would’ve been an awful signal from team that claims to want to build thru player development. IMO, Smoker will soon follow, and the Nats will be essentially done with the 2007 draft at that point.
Mjames | 05-Jul-07 at 5:21 pm | Permalink
This good news. In my opinion if the Nats really want to make a statement to their fans they would sign both Smoker and the Stanford kid, I believe his name is McCleary.
Pilchard | 05-Jul-07 at 5:56 pm | Permalink
Jakc McGeary is the HS player committed to Stanford. Hope to be wrong, but the Nats do not seem willing to go far beyond slot money to sign a player. Last year, the Nats failed to sign Josh Black who was asking for more than slot money (Black was the highest drafted player to not sign with a team that drafted him). It sounds like the Nats would have to pay 1st round cash to sign McGeary, and don’t see the Nats doing that.