BY RICH CAMPBELL
WASHINGTON--
After signing three of their top five draft picks in the last three days, the Washington Nationals' front office has turned its focus to signing first-rounder Aaron Crow, a right-handed pitcher from the University of Missouri, before Saturday's midnight deadline.Negotiations haven't been fruitful so far, but the Nationals are hopeful that deadline pressure will facilitate an agreement. Crow is believed to be seeking a multimillion-dollar major-league contract, and the Nationals aren't eager to give him one.
General manager Jim Bowden declined to comment on negotiations yesterday, but he told the team's Web site on Monday that the Nationals won't give out major-league deals to draft picks. If the Nationals don't sign Crow, who was drafted ninth overall in June, they'll receive an extra draft pick in the top 10 in next year's draft.
"We hope to sign Crow, we're going to work hard to sign Crow, but it is good to know that at the end of the day if you don't do it, you're still going to get two of the top 10 next year," Bowden said.
Draft picks are rarely signed to major-league contracts, which are guaranteed in most cases. Washington's first-rounder last season, left-hander Ross Detwiler, did not sign a major league deal but received a $2.15 million signing bonus after being drafted sixth overall.
Signing Crow, however, isn't just about dollars. For a franchise that has emphatically stated its mission to build a championship-caliber club through the draft and player development--as opposed to free agency--not signing the first-round pick would wrinkle a fan base that is growing increasingly impatient with the last-place team's on-field struggles.
"Within reason, you have to sign all your players," Nationals director of scouting Dana Brown said. "That's the main thing. We want to sign him. It would hurt if he doesn't sign. You get a pick [next year] for not signing Crow, but you'd rather sign the guy you drafted."
As of last night, only two of the top nine overall picks in the draft had signed with their respective teams. Florida Marlins catcher Kyle Skipworth, the sixth-overall pick, received a bonus of $2.3 million. The 10th pick, Houston Astros catcher Jason Castro, signed for $2.07 million. Crow is believed to be seeking more than the recommended slot amount of $2.15 million.
The Nationals believe Crow, once he signs, will quickly ascend to the big leagues. They like his power fastball and slider that helped him go 13-0 with a 2.35 ERA and 127 strikeouts in 107 innings during his junior season at Missouri.
The Nationals have invited Crow to Washington several times to meet front-office members, players, coaches and to visit the ballpark and the city, but Crow hasn't accepted. Brown said he doesn't know whether Crow will come to town this week.
"It was one of the best drafts I've ever been a part of," Brown said. "Once we get Crow signed, I think it's pretty special."
A traveling man
Garrett Mock's back-and-forth season continued yesterday as he returned to the bullpen following Monday's spot-start.
The Nationals have said they consider Mock to be a part of a future starting rotation, but they are committed to using him out of the bullpen for the time being. Mock has started three times this season and made four relief appearances. All the bouncing around doesn't bother him, though.
"For me, I think experience, it doesn't matter starting or relieving because experience comes from one at-bat where you learn something," he said.
Mock, 25, has been called up from Triple-A four different times this season. He has pitched 124 innings combined at Triple-A and Washington, which is well short of his career high of 174 in 2005. Nationals manager Manny Acta said yesterday that Mock could pitch in the Dominican winter league if the team decides it wants him to get more work.
But for now, it's back to the bullpen.
"He'll go in a starting role if we have a spot [in the rotation]," Acta said. "If any of these veteran guys are moved or whatever, not that that's what we're trying to do, but we are very comfortable with him."
EXTRA BASES
Infielder Aaron Boone is close to returning from a strained left calf, Bowden said. Boone played his second game for Triple-A Columbus last night on his rehabilitation assignment. The Nationals are planning to place shortstop Alberto Gonzalez (glut muscle contusion) on the disabled list in the coming days. Bowden would not say whether placing Gonzalez on the DL and activating Boone will be corresponding roster moves.
Stafford native John Maine is scheduled to start tonight for the New York Mets against Washington.
Rich Campbell: 540/735-1974
Email: rcampbell@freelancestar.com