If the Nationals think Lucas Giolito needs any convincing to sign with them instead of enrolling at UCLA this fall, they certainly picked the perfect weekend to bring their top draft pick to town.Giolito was at Nationals Park today getting a grand tour of the facility from owner Mark Lerner and general manager Mike Rizzo, hanging out on the field during batting practice and otherwise getting to experience what life could be like as a major leaguer in Washington.
It didn't hurt that Giolito's weekend in D.C. happens to coincide with the Yankees also in town for perhaps the biggest series the Nationals have hosted in eight years.
The 17-year-old right-hander, selected 16th overall in the country 10 days ago, has until July 13 to either sign with the Nationals or elect instead to accept his scholarship to pitch at UCLA.
The Nationals have believed all along they can sign Giolito, who could cost a majority of the team's $4.4 million draft signing bonus pool. The young pitcher, who was plagued by an elbow injury during his senior year of high school in Southern California, will have to decide whether he believes he can move up in the draft in future years (and thus merit a larger signing bonus).
Giolito (who was not made available to reporters) also met several Nationals players last night during Ryan Zimmerman's charity "A Night at the Park" event.
8 comments:
Giolito, do the right thing. You know that this is the hottest thing going in the sport right now and that you'd be a great addition to the rotation.
I believe he'll get signed. In Rizzo We Trust!!!
Does Mr. Giolito (meaning his family) have to pay for such a visit? If not, how does it square with him retaining his amateur status if he were to opt for UCLA over the Nats? As Joe Nocera has been documenting in the NYT, the NCAA has been going after basketball and football players for some pretty absurd reasons that would seem to involve accepting 'expenses' way, way below the airfare and hotel bills that must be involved in this kind of a trip.
Taken me a long time to say this, "That is smart marketing"
Giolito: do the Smart thing: go to college.
Save the Nats from signing a high school pitcher who already has elbow problems.
Go to School, please!!!
i hope he didn't stay for the game
He stayed alright. He was quoted as saying this: "What dumbass manager would bring in a washed up reliever to pitch in a key situation like that? I think I'd rather play at UCLA."
Giolito: do the Smart thing: go to college.
Save the Nats from signing a high school pitcher who already has elbow problems.
Go to School, please!!!
I can't believe a Nats fan would say this.
Good solid plan by the Nationals. http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/06/18/nationals-wont-forfeit-future-draft-pick-to-sign-lucas-giolito/
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