August 08, 2008
Number Three
Sam Mellinger runs down the Royals options as the deadline approaches for signing Eric Hosmer, the third overall pick in this year's draft.
There's a little bit of a different feeling around Hosmer, who some think might be more willing to play college ball. Boras has always been a proponent of guys going to college. Some think that's just a negotiating position, and maybe it is to an extent, but I also think he believes it.
There's also the safety net that the Royals have built for themselves with fourth-round pick Tim Melville. A high school pitcher from suburban St. Louis, Melville is considered by many a first-round talent who slid mostly because of signability questions.
In a stark contrast to recent history (and another sign that this organization is moving in the right direction), the Royals took a chance on Melville and all signs are that a deal will be announced before the deadline.
If Hosmer went unsigned, the Royals would still get a first-round caliber talent out of this draft, plus have a compensation pick next year (either fourth or fifth, depending on if the Pirates sign No. 2 overall pick Pedro Alvarez), so it's not an absolute do-or-die.
Of course, getting both in the system makes the Royals better that much sooner.
Posted by David Pinto at
10:28 AM
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