Official Draftee Signing Thread

http://blogs.tampabay.com/rays/2009/06/rays-get-catcher-in-day-two-of-mlb-draft.html

http://blogs.tampabay.com/rays/2009/06/draft-underway-rays-waiting-for-30th-pick-.html

Was at graduation yesterday when he was drafted, so not really available for comment, but I found this tidbit interesting…

“I’m surprised that Kenny was selected that high because of his Stanford (commitment) and his injury,” Menlo School coach Craig Schoof said. “But he’s good enough to be chosen that high. He was No. 1 at the SPARQ testing and that got some notice. He’s one of the best shortstops I have seen around here, maybe the best.”

Schoof noted that scouts are comparing Diekroeger to Troy Tulowitzki, who played at Fremont-Sunnyvale, eventually making it to the Colorado Rockies after playing collegiately at Long Beach State. And then there is former Wilcox-Santa Clara star Carney Lansford, who played in the majors from 1978 to 1992. Lansford iscurrently the San Francisco Giants’ hitting coach.

“Lansford was a better hitter than Kenny,” Schoof said. “Kenny is a better fielder than Carney was at this age. Kenny doesn’t make errors. He has a nice body the pros like, runs well with a good, accurate arm.”

http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/yb/131372165

Sounds like he might use the full 2-month period to decide.

“I’m really excited,” Malm said. “They are a great organization with a great farm system. They are really good at developing players, too. I’m excited to have this opportunity.”

Malm has already signed a college scholarship with USC, but he can opt out the commitment if he signs a professional contract with Tampa Bay. The deadline for that decision is Aug. 15.

“The uncertainty of not knowing where you are going makes you feel real uncomfortable,” Malm said. “Now we can move forward and start negotiating. We will try to work something out and if not, I have a great option at USC still.”

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/jun/10/tampa-bay-drafts-bishop-gorman-star/

C Luke Bailey, the Rays-fourth round pick, said he’s excited to be a part of the organization, so much so, that the Auburn signee said he’s planning on signing with Tampa Bay.

"I’m extremely excited," Bailey said in a telephone interview. "It’s a good young team, and will be good for a long time."

UPDATE 12:15 P.M.: Another high-schooler I missed: Jacob Partridge of Spokane’s Rogers High School to Tampa Bay in the 18th round. Word is he’s headed to Gonzaga.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/thehotstoneleague/2009322715_mariners_finally_take_a_pitche.html

Wednesday was fitting for Nommensen, a senior center fielder at EIU, in that he was selected in the eighth round of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft by a team that made a magical run to the 2008 World Series — the Tampa Bay Rays.

“Since I was a kid, I’ve dreamed of this,” said Nommensen, who missed half of his senior season after suffering a broken bone in his right wrist in April. “It really didn’t matter who drafted me.”

http://www.nwherald.com/articles/2009/06/10/r_l7cvzawlsz2_yfzhyoqhg/index.xml

A decision to play baseball at the University of Michigan will make today’s Major League Baseball amateur draft a lot less nerve-wracking for Forest Hills Central’s Derek Dennis.

The 6-foot-3, 175-pound shortstop has decided to attend college if he is not taken in the first round or early in the second.

http://highschoolsports.mlive.com/news/article/-3553297041518906458/forest-hills-centrals-derek-dennis-will-choose-u-m-if-not-drafted-in-first-two-rounds/

“I talked to a Tampa Bay scout after being drafted, and he informed me even though they took me in the 10th round, they would likely offer me second-round signing-bonus money,” Dennis said. "That’s could be over $500,000. I was looking for signing bonus money around $1.5 million.

http://highschoolsports.mlive.com/news/article/4651801472067049235/forest-hills-centrals-derek-dennis-drafted-in-10th-round-by-tampa-bay-rays/
Looks like we’re willing to spend, but if he wants 1.5 million, that’s not gonna happen.

“I think it’s a win-win situation,” Malm said. “USC is a great program, and I’ve always been a fan. But for me, playing professional baseball has always been my dream. I hope we can get something done sometime this summer, and I can be a Ray.”

http://www.tampabay.com/sports/baseball/rays/article1009152.ece

“Diekroeger is an athletic, power-hitting shortstop with nice size (6-2, 190). He hit .586 with four home runs and 20 RBIs during his senior season, which was cut short when he suffered a strained posterior cruciate ligament while sliding into second base.

“He has committed to play baseball at Stanford and has said unless he’s a high pick and is offered a substantial bonus he will not sign to play professionally.

“Nevertheless, the Rays like him a lot and feel they have established enough of a relationship with him to have a chance at signing him.”

Rogers said he is leaning towards signing with the Rays, with negotiations taking place this weekend. Petersen said he is weighing an offer the Rays would make, which was expected either late Wednesday or Thursday, or attending Louisiana Tech.

http://www.news-journal.com/sports/content/sports/stories/2009/06/11/06112009_etdraft.html

Austin Maddox, c, Eagle’s View Academy, Jacksonville (National Rank: 81): Look for Maddox to go to college. In early May, when we were making out our first Top 200, there was still talk that Maddox would go high. By the time Conor went to the Florida all-star stuff in Sebring, there was no chance. Hope Maddox enjoys The Swamp; he’s going to be a Gator.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/draft/?p=1212#more-1212

At least he hasn’t flat out said he’s just going to go to UF. He may also decide to go to JC.

Maddox didn’t want to talk about the draft Thursday, but he told a family spokesman he would think about his options during the next couple weeks. He can accept the Rays’ offer – for considerably less than he was expecting – or he can fulfill his commitment to play at the University of Florida next year. If he does that, however, he won’t be eligible for the draft again for three years.

Another option is to play at a junior college and re-enter in the draft next year.

http://www.jacksonville.com/sports/high_school/2009-06-12/story/maddox_selected_by_the_rays_in_37th_round_of_mlb_draft

http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20090612/SPORTS/906120326/1006/SPORTS

April was 4-4 with a 2.70 ERA in 2008. He pitched 70 innings and appeared in 25 games, including nine starts. He walked 29 and struck out 55.

April said he will meet this weekend with Tampa Bay regional scout Milt Hill to sign a contract. April said he thought

he would start his pro career with the Princeton (W.V.) Rays, an Advanced Rookie league team in the Appalachian League. That league begins play later this month.

April said he’s more of a finesse pitcher than a power pitcher.

“I don’t have high velocity,” he said. “I’m probably in the high 80s (miles per hour). I mostly go off my changeup.”

Besaw, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound right-handed pitcher, was drafted by Tampa Bay in the 32nd round out of Skagit Valley (Wash.) Community College. Besaw graduated from Sheldon in 2007 and played a season at Oregon State before transferring to Skagit Valley, where he was 5-1 with a 4.09 ERA this spring.

Besaw has signed a letter of intent to pitch at University of Central Florida next year, but he said he will consider signing with the Rays after pitching for Bellingham in the West Coast League this summer. He said he talked with Rays scout Paul Kirsch, who played baseball at Sheldon and Oregon.

"They drafted me and they are going to watch me over the summer and then they want to negotiate toward the end of the summer," Besaw said. "If the price isn’t right, then I will go to college."

http://www.registerguard.com/csp/cms/sites/web/sports/15339429-41/story.csp

“I probably just had a higher price tag than some people felt comfortable with,” Heaney said.

He’s signed with Oklahoma State and said he could sign with Tampa Bay if the price is right, but he’ll try to enjoy his summer.

“There’s definitely a chance,” Heaney said. “But if not, I’ve got a pretty good situation at Oklahoma State, so I’ll feel good about that.”

http://www.newsok.com/mlb-draft-putnam-citys-andrew-heaney-picked-by-tampa-bay-garen-wright-chosen-by-houston-astros/article/3376715?custom_click=headlines_widget

He didn’t even realize he was on the radar for the draft, since he didn’t play baseball as a high school senior. Still unlikely he’ll sign (he’s a college football recruit more than anything), but I just found it interesting.

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/20090612_Brackenridge_a_surprise_pick.html

“I was a little surprised because I didn’t play all season,” said the 5-foot-11 Brackenridge, who was drafted as a shortstop.

Brackenridge, who signed with Hawaii in football as a cornerback, is expecting to play both sports if he decides to attend UH.

“I’m not sure what I’ll do,” he said. “I’ve got to talk about it more with my parents and see what happens when they call me back.”

Awesome blossum

He was another one of those HS guys who fell due to demands.

“The waiting sucked. That was the worst part,” said Floro, who was washing his truck when the Rays called.

Floro said he won’t make a decision on whether to sign with the Rays or attend Cal State Fullerton — he signed a letter of intent with the school — until later in the summer.

“I’m happy with either situation,” Floro said. “They’re both pretty good situations.”

http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/yb/131441028

"Hunter works hard and has an outstanding arm," said Mike Maack, Prestonwood head baseball coach. "Hunter consistently throws in the low 90s and has very good command of his fastball, curve and change up. He’s very aggressive on the mound and attacks the strike zone."

Hill was offered a contract by the Rangers, but passed in order to further his craft in college. It appears unlikely Hill will do the same again this time.

"Hunter had a great season at Howard," Maack said. "I’m extremely proud of Hunter’s accomplishments and know that he’s ready for the new challenges he’ll face at the next level."

http://www.scntx.com/articles/2009/06/11/sports_update/461.txt

But more that the Rays are hot on the tail of Sano.

http://www.listindiario.com.do/app/article.aspx?id=104455

Eric Arnett has signed with the Brewers.

Hey, LeVon, dont you feel left out? Sign up!

According to Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Pirates agreed to terms with their first round pick, Tony Sanchez, on a signing bonus of about $2.5MM.

3 1st rounders already signed, included the 4th overall now

Former Coastal infielder Tyler Bortnick will sign his professional contract with the Tampa Bay Rays tonight in the Brooks Stadium suite.

Bortnick said he was given a $5,000 signing bonus by the franchise. As a senior he didn’t have much leverage to negotiate a larger deal.

http://thesunnews.typepad.com/coastal_carolina/2009/06/bortnick-to-sign-with-rays.html

Both college seniors

`http://www.kltv.com/Global/story.asp?S=10530974&nav=1TjF

This is from earlier in the week, guess I missed it.

http://www.pawtuckettimes.com/content/view/85620/33/

Rhault has a small inkling where he’ll report for summertime duty, either Hudson Valley of the short-seasoned New York-Penn League or Princeton, W. Va., a rookie league program.

"I can’t wait to get into the Tampa organization," said Rhault. "Hopefully I do well."

Rhault hopes to reach out to someone who is familiar with the ins and outs of the Tampa Bay developmental program. Rocco Baldelli is first cousins with Ed Hunt, who served as Rhault’s head coach at Lincoln High.

Although Kevin says he may have already signed. Just an interesting bit of gloss on him…

Davis, who’s from Katy, Texas but remained in Elon since the end of the season, considered his draft status a long shot based on his age (23 years old).

“That and not really having a position might be going against me,” he said, referring to what he has called defensive challenges as a third baseman or second baseman.

His hitting overshadowed that. Davis’ 36 homers in two seasons are one shy of the school career record and his 146 RBI rank eighth. He set the single-season RBI record with 82 last year, a mark matched by Austin this year. Davis batted .343 as a senior. Tampa Bay selected Davis as a third baseman, which is where he played throughout 2008. “He just wants me to hit,” Davis said of Rays scout Brad Matthews.

Brad Matthews? I wonder if that’s the same Brad Matthews who played 2B in our system a few years back. If so, it’s nice to see him staying in the system. He seemed like a nice, smart guy in talking with him a few times.

http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/yb/131515647

The basketball and baseball standout at Hallsville is committed to continue his baseball career at Texas A&M next season, but Mitchell said he expects Rogers to sign with Tampa Bay.

“I think that’s what he wants to do as long as everything is right (financially) for him,” the coach said.

UALR junior Jake Sullivan has signed a professional contract with the Tampa Bay Rays and will be assigned to the Princeton Rays in Princeton, W.Va., an Advanced Rookie-level team in the Appalachian League. A 6-5 left-handed pitcher, Sullivan was selected in the 22nd Round of the 2009 MLB First-Year Player Draft by Tampa Bay.

http://www.ualrtrojans.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=7400&ATCLID=3750679

http://blogs.tampabay.com/rays/2009/06/tampa-bay-rays-sign-14-draft-picks-topped-by-8throunder-nommensen.html

8th round CF Brett Nommensen, Eastern Illinois;
12th round RHP Andrew Bellatti, Steel Canyon HS, CA;
13th round RHP Hunter Hill, Howard College, TX;
14th round RHP Zachary Quate, Appalachian State;
16th round 2B Tyler Bortnick, Coastal Carolina Univ;
22nd round LHP Jake Sullivan, Univ of Arkansas-Little Rock;
26th round SS Daniel Rhault, Univ of Rhode Island;
29th round LF Gabe Cohen, UCLA;
31st round LHP Aaron Dott, Univ of Wisconsin-Whitewater;
34th round SS Kyle Spraker, Loyola Marymount;
39th round LHP Daniel April, Mercer Univ;
42nd round 3B Bennett Davis, Elon;
47th round OF Jason Patton, Kent State;
50th round C David Wendt, Dowling College.

As for some top early-round updates:

Rays second-round pick, SS Kenny Diekroeger (Menlo HS, Calif), a Stanford commitment, has yet to begin negotiations with the Rays, but plans to meet with them in Tampa in a couple weeks. Diekroeger said he has a good relationship with area scout Brian Morrison and is excited about possibly going to a "great organization," but admits it’ll be a tough decision. "It’s Stanford," he said. "It’s got a tremendous baseball team, and at this time last year, I was really set on going there. I didn’t think the draft would be an option. But I have a tremendous option in professional baseball (now)..I’ve got two great options, and can’t go wrong either way."
Third-round pick CF Todd Glaesmann (Midland HS, Tex), a Texas A&M commitment, said his advisor plans to chat with the Rays at the end of this week. "It’ll probably take a little while, they understand I have a strong commitment to A&M," he said. "But I think we’re going to try to get something done so I can start my career playing toward the major leagues." Glaesmann loves A&M, where his father, Ronnie, attended, and his younger brother, Clint, will be a junior this year, but he appears open to signing. "If we can get it worked out, (the Rays) want to get me to a rookie ball club as soon as possible so I can get some at-bats this summer," Glaesmann said.

Diekroeger seems a lot closer than when he was first signed. No mention of Bailey or LeVon, unfortunaley

Glaesmann loves A&M, where his father, Ronnie, attended, and his younger brother, Clint, will be a junior this year, but he appears open to signing

Says he heard that 6th round pick Devin Fuller signed and will be playing in Hudson Valley.

DRAFT BREEZE: Talks with No. 1 draft pick OF LeVon Washington remain in the preliminary stages a week after the draft. “We have started the process,” Friedman said.

No. 2 pick SS Kenny Diekroeger said he plans to come to St. Petersburg for a meeting in a few weeks. No. 3 pick CF Todd Glaesmann said his adviser will talk to the Rays at the end of this week.

The team did sign 14 lower-round picks, topped by eighth-round CF Brett Nommensen of Eastern Illinois.

Also signed, by round: No. 12 RHP Andrew Bellatti, No. 13 RHP Hunter Hill, No. 14 RHP Zachary Quate, No. 16 2B Tyler Bortnick, No. 22 LHP Jake Sullivan, No. 26 SS Daniel Rhault, No. 29 LF Gabe Cohen, No. 31 LHP Aaron Dott, No. 34 SS Kyle Spraker, No. 39 LHP Daniel April, No. 42 3B Bennett Davis, No. 47 OF Jason Patton, No. 50 C David Wendt.

so I guess he signed.

I really want the top 5 and Maddox signed

RHP Devin Fuller (6th round)
OF Alexander Diaz (17th)
LHP Jacob Partridge (18th)
1B Ryan Wiegand (25th)
OF Christopher Murrill (35th)
RHP Jeff Cinadr (36th)
LHP Matthew Stabelfield (41st)
3B Eugene Glynn (43rd)

http://www.tboblogs.com/index.php/sports/comments/8-more-draft-picks-in-the-fold/

this is from my ipod I apologize in advance for reply and spelling failure

The opportunity to talk to Evan Longoria around the batting cage apparently isn’t enough to make Forest Hills Central’s Derek Dennis change his mind about attending the University of Michigan.

Dennis, drafted in the 10th round by the Tampa Bay Rays last week, said he has decided to turn down signing with the Rays in favor of playing college baseball.

http://highschoolsports.mlive.com/news/article/-3797993551003386014/forest-hills-centrals-derek-dennis-picks-michigan-over-tampa-bay-rays

The former Hallsville Bobcat signed with the Tampa Bay Rays, who picked him in the seventh round, 229th overall, of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft on June 10. Rogers played the past two seasons at Panola College, batting .377 with eight home runs, 48 RBIs, 14 stolen bases and a .979 fielding percentage mainly playing right field as a sophomore for the Ponies.

http://www.news-journal.com/sports/content/sports/stories/2009/06/20/06202009_codyrogers.html

Will report to Princeton.

The Rays announced that they have signed their 11th round draft pick, RHP Alex Koronis out of the University of Tampa, and their 28th pick, LHP Zach Rosscup out of Chemeketa Community College in Oregon.

With these signings the Rays have now inked 25 of their 50 picks.

linky

cant wait til we finally get into serious talks with our top 5