As you read about the Strasburg deal, seeing it described as a "resonable deal", "fair compromise", etc., consider how Boras was able to completely reset the standards for a free agent contract. Before the hype machine, before the talk of $50m demands, before the talk of international free agency and the liklihood of missing a year... think back a few months and consider what $15m guaranteed actually means. Its a phenominal contract. The best ever. Outdone, perhaps, by Dustin Ackley's $7.5m guaranteed.
A summary of the first rounders:
Stephen Strasburg (#1, Nats) - Four-year major league deal, $7.5 million bonus, $7.6 million in salaries ($15.1 m guaranteed).
Dustin Ackley (#2, Mariners) - Five-year major league deal, $6 million bonus, $1.5 million in guaranteed salaries, another $2.5 million possible in salaries depending on how quick he reaches the majors ($7.5m guaranteed).
Donavan Tate (#3, Padres) - $6.25m over five years, permission to play football as well.
Turner (#9, Tigers) - Major league contract with a $4.7 million bonus (over six years) and a guaranteed value of $5.5 million. Incentives up to $7 million.
Washington (#30, TB) - Did not sign. Keeping them honest, I suppose.
MLB Trade Rumors is the place to go for more draft coverage and to see the rest of the first round contracts.
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