A's Sign Stassi

With the signing deadline for 2009 draft picks swiftly approaching, the Oakland A's announced that they had come to terms with Yuba City high school catcher Max Stassi, the team's fourth round pick. The A's have until 9pm Pacific to sign any other unsigned draft picks.

The Oakland A's made waves during the draft when they took catcher Max Stassi out of Yuba City, California, with the team's fourth round pick. Stassi was expected to be a first rounder at the start of the draft, so it was known from the beginning that Oakland would need to offer the high school standout an over-slot amount to sign him.

Oakland has done just that, as the A's have reportedly spent $1.5 million to sign Stassi, according to Baseball America. The team announced Stassi's signing without releasing terms. The $1.5 million figure was the one that had been bandied about since draft day and, if accurate, is a new record for a fourth-round bonus.

Stassi appears to be well-worth the extra dough. He hit .538 with 11 homeruns during his senior season of high school and is considered one of the best hitting catchers to come out of high school in this draft.

The A's are continuing to negotiate with other unsigned picks, most notably first-round pick Grant Green. They have until 9pm Pacific to get the deals done.