August 14, 2007
Top pick Dominguez remains unsigned
By MIKE BERARDINO | South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Marlins first-round pick Matt Dominguez still wants to turn pro, but with Wednesday's 11:59 p.m. deadline looming, the California prep third baseman remained in baseball limbo."I'm pretty sure I want to sign," Dominguez, who signed to play at Cal State Fullerton, said Monday night. "But you have agents telling you some stuff and you want to listen to them."
Dominguez said the Marlins have offered him close to the management-recommended slot figure of $1.62 million, but his camp took notice this week when the Braves gave prep outfielder Jason Heyward $1.7 million. Heyward went 14th overall, two picks behind Dominguez.
"We're thinking a lot of other guys are going to sign for over slot," Dominguez said. "We've waited this long. Might as well wait a little longer."
While Dominguez waits, the Marlins have agreed to terms with second-rounder Mike Stanton, a high school outfielder from Sherman Oaks, Calif. A Southern California recruit as a wide receiver/linebacker, Stanton will receive a $475,000 bonus spread over four years because of his multisport status.
Third-rounder Jameson Smith, a catcher from Fresno (Calif.) Community College, signed for $310,000.
If the Marlins fail to sign Dominguez by Wednesday's deadline, they would receive a compensation pick as high as 13th overall next June.