August 16, 2007

Top-pick Dominguez signs for $1.8M bonus

By Mike Berardino And Steve Gorten | South Florida Sun-Sentinel

MIAMI GARDENS - Even as the Marlins proved stubborn negotiators over the past nine weeks, Matt Dominguez never lost faith, never believed he was headed for college.

His optimism was rewarded early Wednesday evening when the Marlins agreed to terms with their top draft pick, a California prep third baseman taken 12th overall.

"It took a long time but it finally got done, and I couldn't be happier," Dominguez said. "I knew it was going to get done."

Dominguez will receive a $1.8 million signing bonus, which was in line with last year's management-recommended slot figure. Until Wednesday the Marlins had held firm to an offer of $1.62 million, as per the 10 percent rollback the commissioner's office tried to install across the board.

That stalemate was broken when a pair of high school players taken just ahead of Dominguez signed earlier Wednesday for last year's slot number. In signing Dominguez, who committed to play at Cal State Fullerton, the Marlins exceeded this year's slot figure for their top three picks.

"The family and Matt had always taken the position that as long as they were treated fairly within the round and the market, he would not be difficult to sign," said Steve Schneider, who advised Dominguez along with his uncle Gus Dominguez. "Then the issue became: What's the market?"

Dominguez and his parents, Fernando and Cindy, will fly to South Florida on Friday in advance of a Saturday news conference. Dominguez will take batting practice with the Marlins before Saturday's game against the Giants, then head to Jupiter to begin his career in the Gulf Coast League.

Dominguez, who turns 18 on Aug. 28, also could get a taste of the New York-Penn League before Jamestown's season ends Sept. 7.

"Matt is going to be on a fast track with them," Schneider said. "It's an organization where they obviously see a need for him and he sees a real opportunity. If he plays well and is healthy, he could make an impact, and rapidly."

EXTRA HITS
Entering Wednesday, shortstop Hanley Ramirez was leading the NL in batting average (.343) and third baseman Miguel Cabrera was third (.336).

"It'll be great if it goes down to the last week and they're one and two or right there," manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "It's going to be fun." …

Right-hander Daniel Barone, who will make his second major league start tonight, said the feelings of his debut haven't rubbed off.

"I wasn't too nervous the first time. I was more anxious," said Barone, who allowed three runs in 4 2/3 innings in New York and threw 104 pitches. "I couldn't wait to get out there, and I feel the same way now. … Hopefully, I throw a lot less pitches. I was getting ahead, but they were fouling stuff off and it's like, 'Dang, miss one time.'" ...

Right-hander Ricky Nolasco (elbow) allowed three runs (two earned) over three innings in a rehab start for Double-A Carolina on Wednesday. Nolasco, making his eighth rehab outing and sixth start, gave up two hits and a walk while striking out one.