Diamondbacks sign top pick Bauer to Major League deal
Jul 25, 2011, 11:10 PM | Updated: Jul 26, 2011, 12:23 am
Well that was painless.
The Arizona Diamondbacks announced they have agreed to terms on a Major League contract with top draft pick Trevor Bauer. He’s been placed on the 40 man roster.
Bauer, the 3rd overall pick in the 2011 draft out of UCLA, will report to Single-A Advanced Visalia Tuesday.
“We are excited Trevor is officially a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks and will get the opportunity to begin his professional career very soon,” D-backs Senior Vice President, Scouting & Player Development Jerry Dipoto said. “We identified Trevor as an impact player, both on and off the field, and a perfect fit for our organization. This signing is a testament to both parties’ willingness to work together in the player’s best interest and to position the organization for future success. We are confident Trevor will have a tremendous impact in the years to come.”
The Diamondbacks have plenty of reason to be excited.
Bauer, a Golden Spikes Award winner (given to the best amateur player in the country, was 13-2 with a 1.25 ERA for the Bruins last year, collecting a NCAA-best 203 strikeouts in 16 starts. He tossed 10 complete games, including nine straight to end the season.
As for how quickly he’ll advance through the farm system, even Bauer said he just needs to pitch well.
“Obviously performance on the field will dictate how I move, if I move,” he said. “I wouldn’t want it any other way, I’ve always had to earn everything I’ve been given.
“I’d like to go out there and have a shot to prove that I can help this organization, whether it be this year, next year or whenever in the future.”
This year? Could Bauer find his way onto the big league club during the race for the NL West crown?
That would certainly be a surprise, but if the 20-year-old has immediate success his ascension to Big Leagues may be quicker than most anticipate.
