August 18, 2009

Strasburg among Late MLB Signees

Former San Diego State standout Stephen Strasburg (left) was among several former college stars to sign before Monday’s midnight deadline.

The top overall pick of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft, Strasburg agreed to a contract with the Washington Nationals for more than $15 million.

North Carolina All-American Dustin Ackley, the No. 2 overall pick, signed with the Seattle Mariners.

The Cincinnati Reds signed a pair of college pitchers. Arizona State righty Mike Leake, the eighth overall pick, and USC right-hander Brad Boxberger, a supplemental first-round selection, became official on Monday night.

Grant Green, former USC shortstop, agreed to terms with the Oakland Athletics. Alex White, UNC right-hander, signed with the Cleveland Indians. Missouri hurler Kyle Gibson was inked by the Minnesota Twins.

The Detroit Tigers were able to sign second-round pick Andrew Oliver, a former left-handed pitcher at Oklahoma State.

Three first-round picks did not sign. Former Missouri pitcher Aaron Crow, the 12th-overall pick of Kansas City, can still negotiate with the Royals as he has exhausted his college eligibility. High school lefty Matt Purke, the 14th-overall pick by the Texas Rangers, reportedly turned down $4 million and is expected to attend TCU. He will be a draft-eligible sophomore, making him available for the draft in 2011. LeVon Washington, the 30th-overall pick by the Tampa Bay Rays, reportedly will go to a junior college to be eligible for the 2010 draft.