Yankees Sign No. 1 Pick

From Baseball America:

Yanks Get Brackman Done

Posted Aug. 15, 2007 3:16 pm by John Manuel
Filed under: Signings

The Newark Star-Ledger’s Dan Graziano and Ed Price–a former BA staffer, in the interest of full disclosure–have reported that the Yankees have signed their first-round pick, righthander Andrew Brackman. Baseball America has confirmed the contract’s details with another source with knowledge of the deal.The former North Carolina State two-sport talent signed a major league contract, worth a guaranteed $4.5 million with a $3.3 million bonus.

However, that’s the low-end guarantee. Even though Brackman might need elbow surgery–he’s in Birmingham, Ala., right now to see Dr. James Andrews–the Yankees have signed him to a deal that could be worth up to $13 million when escalator clauses and team options are included.
It’s a significant contract for the 6-foot-10 pitcher and Boras Corporation client, who went 6-4, 3.81 for the Wolfpack this spring in a career-high 78 innings. Brackman played basketball and baseball his first two seasons at N.C. State, limiting him to 71 innings combined. He appeared to wear down under the heavier workload this spring, withering down the stretch. However, at his best, Brackman had some of the best stuff and athleticism of any pitcher in the draft, touching 99 mph at times with his fastball and flashing a plus spike curveball.

Brackman’s deal leaves seven unsigned first-round picks: Nos. 1 (David Price, Devil Rays), 2 (Mike Moustakas, Royals) and 3 (Josh Vitters, Cubs) overall; No. 5 pick Matt Wieters (Orioles); and Nos. 9 (Jarrod Parker, Diamondbacks), 11 (Phillippe Aumont, Rockies) and 12 (Matt Dominguez, Marlins).

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