Omaha signs 3 picks, but fails to sign both 3rd round draft choices(38.52)

[niles08]

Mixed news in Omaha today as the club announced they reached agreement with top pick Gilberto Nevarez on a minor league contract that will pay Nevarez a $6,000,000 signing bonus. Nevarez was the 26th pick in the first round and projects to be a top of the line anchor in a rotation in future seasons.

Also signing with Omaha was 2nd round pick Roberto Puente, who is receiving a $410,000 signing bonus. Puente has an above average bat and the potential to stick at shortstop when fully developed.

4th round pick Bob Cummings is also joining new draftees in Denison, as he agreed to a $180,000 signing bonus. Cummings is expected to be a very good bullpen arm for the club in upcoming seasons with great movement on his pitches and the ability to induce ground balls.

In troubling news, Omaha failed to sign either of their third round draft picks Ernesto Martas or Alfonso Trinidad. Trinidad looked to be a solid third base prospect with an excellent arm and Martas looked to be an excellent reliever but both will not be doing so with the Omaha organization.

“We felt we had a good draft with potential solid contributors from top to bottom. It’s obviously disappointing when you are unable to match a players expectations and come to an agreement, but one we are comfortable walking away from” said Hawks GM Justin Niles

[recte44]

Nevarez was #1 on my draft board based on who I thought might be available. LOVE him.