Though the 2012 MLB Draft ended just hours ago, the Atlanta Braves have already reached agreements with each of their top six picks in the draft, including first rounder Lucas Sims.
Per Carroll Rogers of the Atlanta Journal Constitution:
The Braves wrapped up the draft Wednesday, knowing they'll have their top six players on the field soon. Scouting director Tony DeMacio revealed that the Braves they have reached agreement with each of their top six picks, and among those, fourth-rounder Justin Black has already officially signed.
That top group includes right-hander Lucas Sims, the first-rounder from Brookwood, left-hander Alex Wood, the second-rounder from Georgia, catcher Bryan De La Rosa, the third-rounder from Olympic Heights (Fla.) High, Black, the center fielder from Billings, MT, right fielder Blake Brown, the fifth-rounder from the University of Missouri, and catcher Josh Elander, the sixth-rounder from TCU.
Draftees are signing much quicker in recent years, partially because of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, which moved up the signing deadline to July 13.
The early signings are beneficial both to the Braves and to the draftees. The Braves will be able to develop the players properly during 2012, and the draftees will get their first taste of professional baseball, sooner rather than later.
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