2007 Draft signings update

Written by Greg Fertel | 23 July 2007

Round 1: Andrew Brackman (RHP): Unsigned because of Boras and over-slot potential, but possible TJ surgery is complicating things. If Brackman does in fact need surgery, he loses a lot of leverage, but Boras probably won't want to give the Yanks a discount. I bet he'll sign. Round 2: Austin Romine (C): Supposed to be a relatively easy sign, but still no news on him. Maybe he is getting an over-slot bonus, or perhaps Montero's return is complicating things. This one should get done. Round 3: Ryan Pope (RHP): Signed and has pitched a little for SI. Round 4: Brad Suttle (3B): An over-slot candidate, and the Yanks supposedly have made a deal with him already, which will be made official around the deadline. Round 5: Adam Olbrychowski (RHP): Signed and pitching for SI. Round 6: Chase Weems (C): Supposedly agreed to an over-slot deal, pending approval from the Comissioner's office. Round 7: Damon Sublett (2B): Signed and starting at 2nd for the SI Yanks. Round 8: Taylor Grote (OF): Another over-slot player who has supposedly come to terms with the Yanks. Round 9: Austin Krum (OF): Signed and playing in Staten Island. Round 10: Carmen Angelini (SS): Reportedly has come to terms with the Yanks, and his deal is waiting in the Commissioner's office. Round 11: Isiah Howes (OF): Signed and playing in SI Round 12: Manuel Barreda (RHP): Signed and pitching well for the GCL Yankees. Round 13: Nick Chigges (RHP): Signed and pitching in SI Round 14: Braedyn Pruitt (3B): Signed and hitting well in SI since returning from injury. Round 15: Dave Williams (OF): Signed and playing for SI.

Intriguing late-round talents

Round 18: Chris Carpenter (RHP): Left Cape Cod league after feeling elbow tightness. Yankees have yet to make him an offer because they are unsure about his health. It wouldn't surprise me if he's not signed because of his elbow problems, although he is the type of high-upside talent they covet.

Round 21: Justin Snyder (2B): Signed an above-slot deal and is raking in SI, playing 2nd, 3rd and CF.

Round 24: Greg Peavey (RHP): Peavey has been asking for sandwich-round money, and the Yankees have been following his performance in summer ball (so far he has not been dominant). Has a strong commitment to Oregon State, and it wouldn't surprise me to see him join the 2-time defending champs.

Round 34: Drew Storen (RHP): Storen is an intriguing high school pitcher with great upside for this round, but he has a commitment to Stanford, which scared teams off. Stanford has not lost a recruit in years, and I expect Storen to continue the streak.

Round 35: Greg Holle (RHP): A tall projectable righty who can hit the low to mid 90's with his fastball and also a talented hitter, Holle must be considered a tough sign to fall to the 35th round. He has a commitment to TCU, but I wonder if the fact that he is from New York will give the Yanks a chance to sign him.

Round 38: Erik Komatsu (OF): Drafted out of junior college, Komatsu will otherwise transfer to Big West powerhouse Cal State Fullerton. I can't imagine he will sign, but maybe the Yanks will throw some money at him if the like his bat enough.

Round 45: Pat Venditte (RHP/LHP): The switch-pitching Venditte is not expected to sign, and has said so himself that he wants to go back to school. Nonetheless, it would be cool to have Venditte in the system.