The MLB Signing Deadline is fast approaching as all teams have to midnight on August 15th to sign their prospects or they will head to college. Here is the latest news and notes from around the country.
Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe reported that Red Sox first round pick and 26th overall selection Blake Swihart took batting practice on Thursday afternoon at Fenway Park. Swihart is currently committed to Texas where he will play for Augie Garrido. If I had to guess right now, I would expect the Red Sox to sign Swihart for over the $1.2 million due to him with the slotting system.
Arizona State outfielder Johnny Ruettiger signed with the Baltimore Oriole according to Jim Callis of Baseball America. Callis reports that he signed for $160k. He ended up hitting .327 with 37 RBI in 2011 with the Sun Devils leading them to the Austin Super Regional.
University of San Diego signee Dan Camarena worked out with the New York Yankees according to a report from Mike Axisa of River Ave Blues. Camarena was a 20th round pick by the Yankees after being ranked the 138th best player in the country by Baseball America before the MLB Draft.
Bubba Starling, the fifth overall pick by the Kansas City Royals, is now in preseason camp with the Nebraska football program. Kansas City Star writer Tod Palmer recently caught up with the 6-foot-5, 195-pound quarterback/center fielder, who turned 19 on Wednesday who called it “stressful” on his negotiations. Starling plans to play both football and baseball at Nebraska if he does not sign with the Royals. It would be a major coup for new Huskers baseball coach Darin Erstad as some publications had Starling as the best high school player in the 2011 MLB Draft.
Jose Fernandez who was selected with the 14th overall pick by the Florida Marlins is not close to signing according to CBD sources close to the situation. Fernandez is currently committed to South Florida to play under Lelo Prado and if he was to attend the school, the Bulls would have an immediate impact arm in the rotation.
Matt Stevens of The Dispatch reports that Mississippi State signee Jacob Lindgren has told head coach John Cohen that he will be attending school in Starkville starting this fall. Lindgren was a 12th round selection by the Chicago Cubs but has rejected all offers from the team. MSU head coach John Cohen told Stevens “We’re extremely excited about having all our recruits on campus, but the thought of having all three drafted high school players show up at our program is a special thing for Mississippi State.”
UNLV signee Zak Qualls is not close to signing a deal with the LA Dodgers according to CBD sources close to the situation. Qualls is from Rancho High School in Las Vegas as he was a 21st round pick by the Dodgers. It is highly unlikely that the Dodgers will be able to go over slot since they are currently under MLB control with the Frank McCourt situation.
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