NewsRoyals work on signing first-rounder Crow
Team wants former Missouri hurler to sign, join fall league
By Dick Kaegel / MLB.com
09/17/09 3:04 PM ET
DETROIT -- The Royals and first-round Draft pick Aaron Crow are reportedly on the verge of agreeing on a Major League contract, but a top club official said Thursday that although the sides have been talking, no deal had been reached.However, MLB.com sources indicated that Crow, taken 12th overall in this year's First-Year Player Draft, was about to agree to a Major League contract worth $3 million plus incentives. If he signs, he would go immediately on the Royals' 40-man roster.
"There's nothing to report on, there's no confirmed deal or anything," said J.J. Picollo, Royals assistant general manager in charge of scouting and player development. "We've picked up the talks with them the last couple of days, and that's about it. We're working at it."
But Picollo said the Royals are pushing to get something done on Thursday or Friday so that Crow could begin play in the Arizona Fall League, which opens on Monday. Crow is represented by the Hendricks brothers of Houston.
"I've maintained all along that we're going to work a deal out; it's a matter of when. But I think it'll work itself out. I've never lost faith in this whole thing," Picollo said.
Crow, who is from Wakarusa, Kan., and pitched for the University of Missouri, was drafted in 2008 by the Washington Nationals but did not sign, reportedly turning down a $3.5 million offer.
He was not subject to the Aug. 17 signing deadline this year because he had played independent pro ball and had no college eligibility remaining. Major League Baseball ruled that he and first-round supplemental pick Tanner Scheppers were exempt.
That relieved the Royals of deadline stress -- they had gone to the final minutes to sign Mike Moustakas and Eric Hosmer, their first-round picks in 2007 and '08 -- and negotiations with Crow continued.
In 2008 for Missouri, Crow was the Big 12 Conference pitcher of the year and a Golden Spikes Award finalist after going 13-0 with a 2.35 ERA in 15 starts. He had 127 strikeouts and logged 43 consecutive scoreless innings that season.
He throws a mid-90s fastball and a sharp slider.
Negotiations are continuing, and instructional league players are scheduled to report to Surprise, Ariz., on Sunday and begin play on Monday.
"Once there's a yes, I think things will happen fast because they know we have a timetable to work with," Picollo said.
Dick Kaegel is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
