August 15, 2007

Chatsworth's Moustakas, Dominguez sign before deadline
BY GERRY GITTELSON Staff Writer

Welcome to the local millionaires' club, also known as the Chatsworth High baseball team.

Chatsworth's star infielders, Mike Moustakas and Matt Dominguez, both drafted in the first round by the Kansas City Royals and Florida Marlins, respectively, signed lucrative contracts Wednesday on the final day for major-league picks to sign.

Moustakas, picked No. 2 overall, accepted a deal that included a $4 million signing bonus, just 11 minutes before the 9 p.m. PDTdeadline. That came a few hours after Dominguez, selected 12th, signed for $1.8 million.

Moustakas turned down a USC baseball scholarship, while Dominguez passed on Cal State Fullerton.

Under a new rule this year, if the sides had not reached agreement by the deadline, teams would have lost the rights to their draftees.

"I feel great. It's finally over, and I'm relieved," Dominguez said. "Honestly, I'm not a big school guy. I've played baseball my whole life. I love it. I haven't got the money yet, but I think my credit just went up a little bit."

Moustakas and his agent, Scott Boras, did not return phone calls.

Dominguez, who turns 18 this month, has one day to enjoy his newfound wealth - "I'm not sure yet but I'll probably buy a Silverado, charcoal gray," he said - before flying Friday to Miami.

The following day, Dominguez is slated to participate in a Marlins news conference, then take batting practice with the team before a game against the San Francisco Giants before leaving Sunday for rookie ball in Jupiter, Fla.

"I was anxious this morning, sitting around waiting with nothing to do," Dominguez said. "My dad was stressed but I think he's glad now, a lot more easygoing."

It has been tougher for players to bargain this year because of a new rule awarding compensation picks in next year's draft to teams who don't sign draftees.

Among the first to salute Dominguez after the news broke was Moustakas.

"He called and congratulated me," Dominguez said. "I (was hoping) he would sign, too, and get it all done."

Dominguez, a top-fielding third baseman, batted .443 with 13home runs this past season.

Moustakas, the national Player of the Year, batted .577 with a state-record 24 home runs. His 52career home runs also are a state record.

Associated Press contributed.