With a mere 11 days to go until the deadline for 2010 draftees to reach agreement with their respective teams there are a number of interesting stories worth monitoring. As of this morning, 25 of the first 50 picks have yet to sign a contract \u00e2\u20ac\u201c including 7 of the first 10. The surprising part of this, however, is how little we\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve heard as far as negotiations between pick and team.<\/p>\n
First overall pick\u00c2\u00a0Bryce Harper<\/strong> is a prime example. For months leading up to the draft it was widely known that Harper would be selected by the Washington Nationals. By all accounts he was the top talent available in the draft and at a premium position to boot. Yet, immediately upon drafting the 17-year-old (he won\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t turn 18 until October) the team announced that they\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll move Harper from behind the plate to right field in an effort to both prolong his health and expedite his ascension to the Major Leagues. But, before any of this can happen they need to get him on the field.<\/p>\n To date there has been zero news about negotiations between the two sides. Harper\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s agent, Scott Boras, made waves leading up to the draft that he\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d be looking for a record bonus for the young player, perhaps even seeking the highest agreement ever for a position player. Nationals GM Mike Rizzo was aware of these potential demands and didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t seem bothered by them, all-the-while knowing that he\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d have a challenge on his hands to get the pick signed. Time is running out for both sides but presumably a deal will be reached as the deadline draws nearer.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, 6th overall pick\u00c2\u00a0Barret Loux<\/strong> has taken a much different path since the Arizona Diamondbacks selected him. The starting pitcher from Texas A&M came out early to enter this year\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s draft with the hopes of being taken in the first round. The D\u00e2\u20ac\u2122backs went the safe route with their first selection and chose Loux higher than most experts predicted and were rewarded by Loux\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s willingness to both sign quickly and for less than the recommended bonus. Yet, a routine physical prior to completing the deal showed a number on injury concerns \u00e2\u20ac\u201c a torn labrum in his shoulder and signs of an eventual need for Tommy John surgery, both major red flags.<\/p>\n