Astros at Odds with No. 1 Pick

[Bob Of Burleson]

Rotoworld.com

(Left-handed pitcher) Brady Aiken was the No. 1 overall pick in the MLB Draft just over a month ago, but negotiations between his advisor, Casey Close, and the Astros have been anything but smooth so far.

The two sides originally agreed upon a $6.5 million bonus, which is significantly lower than the assigned slot value of $7.9221 million for the No. 1 pick. However, the 'Stros are saying that Aiken’s physical revealed a “significant abnormality” near his left elbow ligament (the Houston Chronicle says it’s a “cut-and-dry” issue with the UCL). The health concern has resulted in Houston wanting to cut the bonus down to $3.16884 million, which is the minimum amount required to ensure that they would receive the No. 2 pick in 2015 as compensation if they fail to sign Aiken. It would seem to be a reasonable request, but the problem is that Close is saying his client is perfectly healthy.

“Brady has been seen by some of the most experienced and respected orthopedic arm specialists in the country, and all of those doctors have acknowledged that he’s not injured and that he’s ready to start his professional career,” Close said.

Close didn’t stop there, saying, “We are extremely disappointed that Major League Baseball is allowing the Astros to conduct business in this manner with a complete disregard for the rules governing the draft and the 29 other clubs who have followed those same rules.”

It does appear that the Astros might be trying to be a little sneaky here, but it’s impossible to know for sure from the outside looking in. Ultimately, the two sides seem likely to come together on a deal, likely somewhere in between the two numbers. They have until Friday afternoon to work something out.

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[bodine]

Under ownership of Drayton McLain, the Astros had a history of not being able to sign their draft picks; which has led to the current absence of talent in the majors and the minors...

IMHO, Jim Crane bought the Astros to make money for himself; and he can do that in spades without putting a winner on the field.

I doubt that they will sign this pick...