Waiting For… Cleveland’s First-Rounders

Earlier today, we discussed the reported agreement between Christian Eyenga and DKV Joventut.  And while the three sports are arguably different in terms of rookie signing structure, Eyenga is the most recent of the Cleveland draft picks.  The Browns’ first-rounder (Alex Mack) and the Indians’ first-rounder (Alex White) remain unsigned.

The Browns start camp in nine days, with rookies set to report this Friday.  The team has inked their sixth-round picks, as well as fourth-rounder Kaluka Maiava.  However, all four players selected within the first two rounds all remain unsigned. 

While this may concern a lot of fans as said rookies are expected to report tomorrow, it should be noted that the majority of all first-day selections still remain unsigned.  Quarterbacks Matt Stafford (6-years, $72M – $41.7M guaranteed) and Mark Sanchez (5-years, $50.5M base; $60M max – $28M guaranteed) are the only first-round picks to be signed. If it is any consolation, the Oakland Raiders have only signed one player to this point in tight end Brandon Myers who was a sixth-round selection.

While those that are signed will be arriving to Berea within 24 hours, Tony Grossi reports that the July 31st veteran reporting date is a more viable option.  Mack will have a position battle ahead of him as he attempts to snag the starting center spot from Hank Fraley.  This attempt should not come with much friction, but the longer that the rookie remains out of camp, the more ground he will have to make up.

Alex White, on the other hand, may be a bit more difficult to sign.  While only three of the top 15 players selected in the recent MLB draft have signed, the deadline of August 17th is quickly approaching.

The concern regarding the Tribe’s first-rounder is two-fold.  He just finished tossing a decent amount of pitches in the College World Series.  Thus, the team may not be in a big rush to get him to one of their minor league affiliates.  The issues, however, fall back on the traditionally tight wallet front office. 

Right out of the gate, the staff mentioned that they would like to groom White (and his power pitches) to be a back-end of the bullpen guy.  Perhaps this was just impulse as the team’s bullpen was blowing a massive amount of opportunities.  Perhaps the team was simply saying this to get White’s price tag down, as a top shelf starter could command more money.

The contract issue was brought up third-party as Arizona State’s head coach was ahead of the curve by calling out the Indians quickly following his team’s win over UNC.  

“Cleveland needs to pay him even more than they set out to pay him.”

Assistant general manager Chris Antonetti has deemed the team’s relationship with White’s agent as “positive.”  We have mentioned the range that White will most likely command in the past.  As of now, it seems that the onus will be put on the team to get things done if they want to get his progress moving sooner than later.

Not that White is destined to be the next Tim Lincecum, but I would hate to read a drafts hit-or-miss piece in five years and see White winning Cy Young awards for another squad.