Cards sign first-round pick Rasmus
ST. LOUIS -- It was only a matter of putting ink to paper. The Cardinals had deals in place with their top several picks in Tuesday's First-Year Player Draft, and on Saturday they announced that some of those selections have officially signed -- headed by first-rounder (No. 28 overall pick) Colby Rasmus.
The high school outfielder from Alabama was the Cards' first selection in the draft and one of their two first-rounders, along with Georgia Tech shortstop Tyler Greene (No. 30 overall). According to Baseball America, the deal with Rasmus is worth $1 million.
Rasmus, 18, pounded 24 homers as a high school senior and is considered a five-tool player with the ability to stick in center field as he advances through the system. He had a commitment to play college baseball at Auburn University, but his sights were set on playing professionally all along.
Other players signing with St. Louis were high school right-hander Tyler Herron (supplemental first round), high school right-hander Josh Wilson (second round), Central Missouri State righty Nick Webber (second round) and high school catcher Bryan Anderson (fourth round). The Cardinals have signed five of their first eight picks.
"We're extremely happy to get these players under contract and in a timely manner," said Jeff Luhnow, who is the Cardinals' vice president for player procurement. "They are exciting young players, and we are anxious to start their development, beginning this weekend at mini-camp in Jupiter, Fla."
As of Saturday, the Cards' second and third selections were still playing college ball and thus unable to sign. Greene's Yellow Jackets and Mark McCormick's Baylor Bears are both participating in NCAA Super Regionals, playing for a chance to go to the College World Series.
Source: http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/
The high school outfielder from Alabama was the Cards' first selection in the draft and one of their two first-rounders, along with Georgia Tech shortstop Tyler Greene (No. 30 overall). According to Baseball America, the deal with Rasmus is worth $1 million.
Rasmus, 18, pounded 24 homers as a high school senior and is considered a five-tool player with the ability to stick in center field as he advances through the system. He had a commitment to play college baseball at Auburn University, but his sights were set on playing professionally all along.
Other players signing with St. Louis were high school right-hander Tyler Herron (supplemental first round), high school right-hander Josh Wilson (second round), Central Missouri State righty Nick Webber (second round) and high school catcher Bryan Anderson (fourth round). The Cardinals have signed five of their first eight picks.
"We're extremely happy to get these players under contract and in a timely manner," said Jeff Luhnow, who is the Cardinals' vice president for player procurement. "They are exciting young players, and we are anxious to start their development, beginning this weekend at mini-camp in Jupiter, Fla."
As of Saturday, the Cards' second and third selections were still playing college ball and thus unable to sign. Greene's Yellow Jackets and Mark McCormick's Baylor Bears are both participating in NCAA Super Regionals, playing for a chance to go to the College World Series.
Source: http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/
