Owner conflict may have run off draftee
http://www.sptimes.com/2005/07/19/Rays/Owner_conflict_may_ha.shtml
By MARC TOPKIN, Times Staff Writer
Published July 19, 2005
BOSTON - Did the Devil Rays' unsettled ownership situation cost them a chance
to sign third-round pick Bryan Morris ?
Based on what Morris told the Tennessean, it seems as if it did, though
scouting/player development director Cam Bonifay said he still expected the
hard-throwing right-hander from Tullahoma, Tenn., to end up a Devil Ray.
Morris said he was close several times to an agreement on a $1.5-million
bonus, but the Rays didn't close the deal and he instead plans to attend
Motlow State Community College.
"They have two owners," Morris told the newspaper. "The new one (general
partner Stuart Sternberg ) wanted to give me the money, but the other one
(managing general partner Vince Naimoli ) didn't."
But Bonifay said he had "no clue about those comments" and was confident the
Rays would sign Morris.
Even if he plays for Motlow, where father Ricky is an assistant coach, the
Rays retain his rights until next year's draft and can sign him after the
season.
"We're planning on signing him," Bonifay said. "The timetable is the only
uncertainty."
Waiting until after the junior college season could be a gamble for both
sides. If Morris gets hurt or pitches poorly, his value could drop; if he
pitches well, his value could increase. That could cost the Rays more money,
though it also could help them get around the unofficial bonus guidelines
established by the commissioner's office.
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