Scherzer signs with Independent League team

[realmofotalk]

Scherzer Signs With Independent League Team
By J.J. Cooper
April 18, 2007

Max Scherzer will try to follow in Luke Hochevar's footsteps in Fort Worth.

Scherzer, the only remaining unsigned first rounder from last year's draft, has signed with the independent Fort Worth Cats (American Association), the same team that Hochevar signed with last spring. After several strong outings in Fort Worth, Hochevar, the 40th pick in the 2005 draft, went No. 1 overall to the Royals last June.

Several other Boras clients have also signed with independent league teams before signing new deals with the teams that had already drafted them. The Diamondbacks signed Stephen Drew after a 19-game stint in the Atlantic League while Jered Weaver signed but did not pitch for an Atlantic League squad.

Scherzer, taken 11th overall last June by the Diamondbacks, is represented by Scott Boras, as is Hochevar. When Boras looked to place Scherzer in Fort Worth, Cats director of player personnel Barry Moss said that he didn't have to think too hard before accepting the offer.

That's the spirit, Maxy. The Diamondbacks aren't worth your time.

[HollywoodLeo]

So that's what the baseball world is coming to these days?

Now even the unproven rookies can hold out on teams and demand a huge payout?

**** that. Teams shouldn't let these people get away with crap like this.

When guys like Jake Peavy can be found in the 17th round unproven rookies shouldn't be able to have this kind of leverage.

[realmofotalk]

If this keeps the Dbacks from grooming an ace pitcher next to Brandon Webb, that's fine with me.

[Witlon]

Ah, Realm is still bitter about losing Hochevar I see.

I don't undestand the point in this one, though. Hochevar was vastly underpicked in his spot and got more money out of holding out. Scherzer won't make any more money, and probably won't find himself in a better situation than he would in Arizona.

[realmofotalk]

Ah, Realm is still bitter about losing Hochevar I see.

Not really. I figured we had only 50/50 chance of signing Hochevar.

[MarinersFan87]

Ohhhh, Max would be awesome if he falls to the 11 spot.