The Chicago Cubs tabbed Albert Almora, a high school outfielder out of Miami, with the No. 6 overall selection in the 2012 MLB Draft on Monday. The pick came as a surprise to few, as the Cubs were tied to Almora throughout the process. Now comes the matter of signing Almora and convincing him to join the North Siders' farm system instead of going to play college ball for the Miami Hurricanes, where's he's committed.
On Tuesday, Almora said college is his main priority right now. Negotiating ploy, anyone?
From Daily Herald Cubs beat reporter Bruce Miles:
#Cubs top pick Almora says "my main priority now is college" (University of Miami).
— Bruce Miles (@BruceMiles2112) June 5, 2012
Fret not, Cubs fans: there probably isn't a chance in hell the Cubs' new Ivy League-educated brain trust would have selected Almora if they really thought he'd turn down millions to go to college. This is always a risk with drafting high school players, though, and the same slotting rules that prevented the North Siders from picking Mark Appel will also make it hard for them to twist Almora's arm with a couple added zeros.
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