Bumgarner, Fairley sign

Bumgarner, Fairley sign

As expected, The Giants signed their two unsigned first round draft picks before Wednesday's deadline. Madison Bumgarner, the hard throwing, high school lefty from South Carolina received a $2,000,000 bonus which was just under The Giants record for a drafted player (Tim Lincecum, 10th overall 2006 draft, $2,025,000). His holdout worked to some extent, his bonus exceeded the slot for the 10th overall pick by $200,000. However, it took him over 2 months to get .2 mil when he could be in Rookie ball becoming a better player and winning over Giant's coaches. As the deadline for signing draft picks approached there were rumors that Bumgarner was demanding $2,300,000 and if he did not sign, would attend community college so he could enter the 2008 Draft. Only hours after this was first reported, he signed and everything was well.

The Giants also signed their last first round pick, Wendell Fairley. The flashy outfielder from Mississippi received an even $1,000,000 bonus. Fairley's holdout was less successful than Bumgarner's. Instead of taking the recommended slot bonus of $990,000 he chose to holdout and only got a whopping $10,000 more. Its also very important for picks who aren't at the very top of the first round to sign early and report to camp so that they can set themselves up to succeed. On a more positive note, I am more excited about Fairley than any other of the Giant's picks. He has shown that he has the tools to be a top 10 or even a top 5 pick but wasn't considered one because he never showed any interest in going to any scouting showcases.

In Other Giant's News...

Randy Messenger broke his left hand while punching some type of an equipment cart. It was initially reported that he broke his hand while being struck with a line drive during batting practice before August 15th's game against The Braves but he fessed up to the truth a few days later. I remember reading about the trade that sent Randy Messenger to The Giants and Armando packing, that Messenger was considered a hard player to coach and that he had a short temper. I hope he can learn from his mistake and just focus on pitching.