The Cardinals have signed second-round pick Charlie Tilson for $1.275 million. That's nearly triple MLB's recommended $457,200 for his No. 79 draft slot, and almost as much as what St. Louis paid first-rounder Kolten Wong ($1.3 million as the No. 22 overall pick).

An outfielder from New Trier HS (Winnetka, Ill.), Tilson was one of the biggest stars at the 2010 Area Code Games. He profiles as a leadoff hitter/center fielder with a line-drive bat and above-average speed. He had committed to Illinois.