PHOENIX (AP) -The Arizona Diamondbacks failed to sign 2006 first-round pick Max Scherzer by Wednesday night’s deadline, sending the right-hander into the June 7 draft.
The Diamondbacks, who chose Scherzer 11th overall last June, had no comment after a 9 p.m. MST deadline passed. They will receive the 65th pick in the draft as compensation for losing Scherzer, the only unsigned 2006 first-rounder.
The former University of Missouri ace is represented by Scott Boras, known for his tough negotiations. The two sides were believed to be far apart.
A message left with Boras’ office Wednesday was not returned.
The 22-year-old from Chesterfield, Mo., has been pitching for the independent Fort Worth Cats this season. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Scherzer has a fastball that has been clocked in the mid-90 mile-per-hour range.
It’s the second time in three years the Diamondbacks have gone down to the wire with their top pick. In May 2005, they signed shortstop Stephen Drew – another Boras client – minutes before they would have lost his rights. Drew signed a $5.5-million, five-year deal.
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