"The Giants signed their second overall draft pick Wednesday - Wichita State's Conor Gillaspie - and three of their top four picks remain unsigned, including catcher Buster Posey, the Golden Spikes Award winner as baseball's best amateur.
Bobby Evans, director of player personnel and the Giants' chief negotiator, wouldn't characterize contract talks with Posey's representatives other than to say they're "ongoing," but general manager Brian Sabean said a resolution could "possibly" come down to the Aug. 15 deadline.
It's the second year the deadline has been in effect. Previously, players had to be signed before the first day of college or return to the draft the following year. Either way, signing deep into the summer delays a player's introduction to pro ball.
"I wish the deadline were sooner," Sabean said. "These kids are wasting a whole season. It wasn't that long ago that guys didn't go past the All-Star break (before signing). It's ridiculous."
Wednesday's signing of Gillaspie (for a reported $975,000), who was selected 37th overall, gives the third baseman time to begin his career in the Arizona rookie league this week and join one of the Giants' other minor-league affiliates shortly thereafter.
"He's a guy whose makeup is off the charts," Evans said. "He's a hard worker. He gets to the park earlier than anybody, and I've been told he's worked out every day since his team got eliminated from the College World Series."
The longer Posey and other unsigned draftees wait to sign, the greater the chance their pro careers won't start until next season. Also unsigned are the Giants' third and fourth picks, Texas Tech outfielder Roger Kieschnick (third round, 82nd overall) and UCLA shortstop Brandon Crawford (fourth round, 117th overall)."
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Gillaspie becomes first of top 4 picks to sign
Gillaspie becomes first of top 4 picks to sign
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