Deadline for MLB Draft Signings is Today

Anyone who was drafted in the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft must sign his contract by today or they are eligible for next year's draft. The Athens Banner Herald reports that the Dawgs aren't expecting any last minute signings so everyone who is going to ink has already done it.

The juniors who left early are:

Rich Poythress (1B)
Joey Lewis (C/DH)
Michael Demperio (2B)
Matt Cerione (OF)
Dean Weaver (Closer)

The recruits who signed with MLB teams are:

Zach Dotson (Pitcher)
Miles Head (1B/C)

The Banner Herald has a full list of who is gone and who is coming back. They have a separate article about the dramatically different look the team will have next year.

Based on their performances this summer, I think you're going to see a big contribution from Peter Verdin (C/OF) and Zach Cone (OF). Lyle Allen can play first base or outfield, and Jonathan Taylor may emerge as a steady lead-off hitter this year with a year under his belt.

I agree with Perno that we have enough pitching if Cecil Tanner and Michael Palazzone take the next step in their growth.

But as Perno says in the ABH article, the question is one of power. Chicks dig the long ball. Chase Davidson is probably the most important person on the roster to emerge with the big bat. He's got the body and the raw material. It just has to click for him.

PWD