NCAA: Dot Your I's And Cross Your T's
By Doug Kroll - August 15, 2007
August 15th marks a day where coaches across the country are holding their breaths, not to mention the GMs of major league teams who drafted players two months ago. Those players who don't have a deal in place by midnight tonight (everything done and in the books), except those who were college seniors last year, will not be able to sign this season, and will either return to school and be eligible in 2008, or head to school for their freshman seasons and not be eligible for another three years.
As of this morning, nearly a third of the first rounders still hadn't signed, so here's a quick look at how it will impact the college game next year, with a more in depth column coming tomorrow after the dust has settled tonight at midnight Eastern time:
David Price, Vanderbilt:
Tampa Bay took him at No. 1 overall, yet as of last night, the two sides were pretty far apart from each other. Price was seeking somewhere in the $7 million range according to the Daily News over the weekend, while the D-Rays were hoping to sign him somewhere in the $4 million. Making matters worse, MLB also has to get involved and sign off on the potential terms of the agreement. Think Vanderbilt head coach Tim Corbin isn't antsy today? How great would it be to see Price back for his senior season. You could pencil in the 'Dores in Omaha immediately. You might anyway, even if he goes.
Michael Moustakas, Chatsworth HS:
The Royals picked Moustakas at No. 2 overall and still haven't reached an agreement. This shouldn't come as a surprise considering he's represented by Scott Boras, who has a knack for deadline deals. If they can't hammer one out, Moustakas will join a very talented returning group at USC.
Josh Vitters, Cypress HS:
Pat Murphy at Arizona State will be watching carefully today as Vitters looks to sign with the Cubs. The third baseman was picked third overall.
Matt Wieters, Georgia Tech:
A huge part of the Yellow Jackets is still in limbo, having been picked fifth by the Orioles. According to today's newspapers, the two are still nearly $5 million apart from each other. Hopefully Wieters didn't get rid of his Atlanta apartment quite yet.
Jarrod Parker, Norwell HS:
The D-Backs hope to have a deal in place today with their ninth overall selection. Some Arizona officials are worried that Detroit's signing of Rick Porcello for over $7 million may have messed up the whole market, while others are still confident it has not. Parker is slated to attend Georgia Tech in the fall.
Madison Bumgarner, South Caldwell HS:
North Carolina already has lost the top pitching prospect in this year's senior class to the Detroit Tigers (Rick Porcello), Bumgarner may be close behind. The Giants 10th overall pick has yet to sign.
Matthew Dominguez, Chatsworth HS:
Widely considered the best player on his high school team, despite his teammate Michael Moustakas being taken with the No. 2 pick, Dominguez is signed on to play at Fullerton if a deal isn't reached today with the Florida Marlins.
Andrew Brackman, N.C. State:
The tall righty was chosen at the end of the first round and considered a project by the New York Yankees. Many believe he needs Tommy John surgery, and that could be a deal breaker. Who knows if he'll even pitch if he comes back to Raleigh for his senior year. Could get interesting if the Yanks don't come to a deal.
Kyle Russell, Texas:
He's only going to be a junior, but since he redshirted, Russell was drafted in the fourth round by the Cardinals. So far, no deal is in place, yet for the last week, we've heard they are awfully close. The 2007 NCAA HR king and Texas all-time HR leader has said he wouldn't mind coming back to Austin, though.
There are some others, but not enough time for them all. I'll be back later in the day with any updates of signings, and again tomorrow when everything is settled in place. Who said the summer is quiet?
Posted by Doug Kroll at 09:51 AM on August 15, 2007
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