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Reds Sign Leake, Boxberger

Posted Aug. 15, 2009 2:36 pm by Jim Callis
Filed under: Signings

The Reds have signed their top two picks in the draft, Arizona State righthander Mike Leake (first round) for $2.27 million and Southern California righthander Brad Boxberger (supplemental first) for $857,000.

Leake becomes the 16th of the 32 first-rounders to sign and just the fourth of those 16 to exceed MLB’s bonus recommendation. MLB’s guideline for the No. 8 pick was $2,043,000, and he received last year’s slot number.

Leake pitched the Sun Devils to the College World Series while leading NCAA Division I in wins (16-1) while ranking second in ERA (1.71) and strikeouts (162 in 142 innings). He has very good command of a lively 88-92 mph fastball, and his slider and changeup are also plus pitches at times.

Boxberger’s bonus also came in above MLB’s $789,300 recommendation for his slot (No. 43). His best pitch is his 91-94 mph fastball, and his curveball and circle changeup also have a chance to become above-average pitches.

This entry was posted on Saturday, August 15, 2009 at 2:36 pm by Jim Callis and is filed under Signings. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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12 Comments

Any chance the Reds sign Deven Marrero or Stephen Perez at the last minute?

Posted by creds | August 15, 2009 at 2:39 pm | Shortcut

Would be nice pickups for the Reds but not hearing anything along those lines.

Posted by Jim Callis | August 15, 2009 at 2:48 pm | Shortcut

Do you see the Braves signing any more players? It’s disappointing seeing their draft spending drop so much in the last few years, especially last year, missing on Anthony Rendon, Cecil Tanner, and Michael Palazzone.

Posted by John | August 15, 2009 at 2:51 pm | Shortcut

Wouldn’t count on it. Their budget isn’t what it used to be.

Posted by Jim Callis | August 15, 2009 at 2:58 pm | Shortcut

What the chances of Dustin Ackley and Alex White returning to UNC if they don’t sign

Posted by BeanTownHeel | August 15, 2009 at 3:14 pm | Shortcut

Re Ackley and White: Prominent draft picks usually play independent ball rather than return to school. I’ll be very surprised if they don’t sign anyway, and I’m sure the Tar Heels aren’t counting on them.

Posted by Jim Callis | August 15, 2009 at 4:16 pm | Shortcut

Do the Reds have any interest in signing 20th round pick Valaika from UCSB? They were close to signing him earlier this summer but wouldn’t pay for him to finish school, according to the reports out here, so he kept playing for the SB Foresters.

Posted by FullertonBaseballFan | August 15, 2009 at 4:50 pm | Shortcut

Have not heard on Valaika.

Posted by Jim Callis | August 15, 2009 at 4:52 pm | Shortcut

What do you think of the undrafted pitcher Alaniz? I think, the Astros just signed for 160,000? Is he worthy? What other teams were in on him? Also any news of the Stros signing any of their late round High schoolers? Thanks.

Posted by Logan | August 15, 2009 at 9:07 pm | Shortcut

Re: I had Alaniz’ name on a looooooooong follow list of Texas HS pitchers for the draft but he didn’t catch my attention (or anyone else’s for that matter). All I know is what I read today, that he’s a 6-foot-4 righthander who can touch 95 mph. Sounds like a great sign for $160,000. Don’t think the Astros are going to do much more in the draft. They’ve signed 24 of their top 25 picks.

Posted by Jim Callis | August 15, 2009 at 10:07 pm | Shortcut

Looking at the Padres-do you think they will sign the 3 top remaining unsigned picks they have from rounds 1, 2, and 4? Looking to see those high schoolers in Fort Wayne next year with the TinCaps!

Posted by Mike | August 16, 2009 at 10:27 am | Shortcut

Re the Padres: I’d be surprised if they didn’t sign at least two out of Tate, Williams and Sampson.

Posted by Jim Callis | August 16, 2009 at 11:18 am | Shortcut

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