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No. 1 draft pick signs MLB deal

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Published: Aug. 18, 2009 at 2:21 PM

CLEVELAND, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- Stephen Strasburg, the first player selected in this year's major league draft, led a slew of first-round picks who signed pro contracts.

The Washington Nationals reached a contract with Strasburg that various media reports pegged at more than $15 million for four years. The club didn't say how much it will pay the pitcher but if accurate, the amount would break the record $10.5 million the Chicago Cubs paid pitcher Mark Prior in 2001.

Strasburg, a 20-year-old who throws 100 mph-plus, went 13-1 with a 1.32 earned-run average in 15 starts this year for San Diego State. He struck out 195 batters, walked just 19 and was named the nation's top collegiate player.

Other first-round picks signed to major league deals ahead of the Monday night deadline included University of North Carolina first baseman-outfielder Dustin Ackley with Seattle, North Carolina right-hander Alex White with Cleveland, Missouri right-hander Kyle Gibson with Minnesota, Southern California shortstop Grant Green with Oakland, Georgia high school right-hander Zack Wheeler with San Francisco, California prep left-hander Tyler Matzek with Colorado and St. Louis left-hander Jacob Turner with Detroit.

Topics: Grant Green, Stephen Strasburg
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