Thursday, June 12, 2008

Mets agree to terms with first-round draft choice Reese Havens...

Jon Heyman, of Sports Illustrated, a frequent guest of SNY’s Mets’ pre-game shows, reports that...

The Mets have agreed to terms with first-round draft choice Reese Havens, a shortstop from the University of South Carolina.

Havens, the 22nd overall pick in last week's amateur draft, will receive a signing bonus of about $1.4 million.

Havens only has to complete a physical for the deal to be finalized.

The Mets also are apparently close to signing their third pick, pitcher Brad Holt, from UNC-Wilmington, the 33rd overall pick, and are said to be making progress with their fourth pick, outfielder Javier Rodriguez from Puerto Rico Baseball Academy.

Negotiations haven't yet begun with the Mets' first pick, first baseman Ike Davis from Arizona State University, whose team has been playing in the college playoffs. Davis was the 18th pick overall.

Havens hit .359 for South Carolina. He is considered a possible catcher down the road.

The $1.4 million is roughly "slot'' money for the 22nd pick.

During last night's SNY Mets' pre-game show, Kevin Burkhardt interviewed Tony Bernazard, the Mets' go-to guy for minor-league updates, and he reported that all 3 first round picks, Ike Davis, Havens, and Holt, will play in Brooklyn, once officially signed. It's good exposure to New York, for all 3 players. I'm sure they'll be brought over to Shea, to see what it's like at the major league level, and it's good public relations to let New Yorkers see the Mets' top 3 picks play ball, and get familiar with them, as prospects.

Let's get these guys signed, as well as the rest of the draft picks !!! We need some new faces, to get excited about, as Mets' prospects.

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