2011 Draft Signings: Howard likely to sign ~ Indians Prospect Insider

Thursday, June 30, 2011

2011 Draft Signings: Howard likely to sign

6:04 PM Tony No comments

Dillon Howard

Some interesting comments from Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Dave Van Horn where he believes that Indians 2nd round pick right-handed pitcher Dillon Howard will sign a pro contract. According to the report Van Horn says, "We’re still hopeful, but just hearing things through the grapevine I think he’ll probably end up getting the money he wants. I don’t think Cleveland will let him get away.”

This sounds like a man who knows something but is unable to say what he really wants to say. Until a decision is made or a signing is official, the players, teams, and anyone else associated with them typically are unable to say anything about a signing. The signing process can be a bit ridiculous with how players and teams are held hostage while MLB approves overslot signings, and it sounds like a deal may already have been struck between Howard and the Indians but that MLB won't make it official until closer to the signing deadline due to an expected way overslot price tag. The same thing occurred with a Tribe pitcher taken in a recent draft who was signed in early July but was not officially announced until closer to August due to the overslot amount of the signing.

So we wait and we wonder on Howard, but it looks like the chances are good that he will sign with the Indians, which should really be no surprise as like Van Horn said the Indians drafted him with every intention of signing him.

In the same report, Van Horn also commented on another player of his drafted by the Indians, 43rd round pick left-handed pitcher Geoffrey Davenport. Davenport had Tommy John surgery in March and it may make sense to sign a pro contract to continue his rehab with a big league organization. Van Horn said, "I think he knows he’s got a tough route to get on the field next year. He’s got to get healthy enough to pitch and we’ve got some good pitchers returning. If the Indians want to give him enough money and take over his rehab, and get him ready, that might be the best route. I think they’ll make a good run at him before it’s over with.”

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