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The deadline for signing 2010 draft choices has passed. Most first round picks have signed, including the hyped number one selection Bryce Harper. It is reported Harper has agreed upon a contract worth $9.9 million over five years. Although his .443 average, 31 home runs, and 98 RBI’s for the College of Southern Nevada is nothing to frown upon, the Dodgers’ newly signed Zach Lee could end up being the best signing of this draft.

Lee, a starting pitcher out of McKinney High School in Texas, was considered a top pitching prospect in the draft. The 18-year old had 90 strikeouts and a 2.05 ERA while winning 11 games last season. His fastball could reach 95 miles per hour while throwing an effective slider and changeup.

Despite being among the best pitching prospects, Lee dropped all the way to the Dodgers with the 28th pick. Why? It wasn’t due to attitude problems or anything negative, it was because he had accepted a football scholarship to play quarterback for LSU.

Originally, people thought owner Frank McCourt picked Lee because he knew the LSU bound quarterback was un-signable. McCourt went through an expensive divorce this summer, and picking Lee pretty much meant he wouldn’t have to spend 1st-round type of money. In fact, last week Lee told reporters the Dodgers haven’t spoken to him all summer.

But the Dodgers made a last-second push. Lee signed a deal worth $5.25 million over five years. This is the most expensive signing bonus by any Dodger, eclipsing Clayton Kershaw’s $2.3 million mark set in 2006.

“This was a very personal decision for Zach and his family.” said LSU head coach Les Miles. “This opportunity was just too difficult to pass up. We wish Zach and his family the very best. He’s an outstanding young man and we hope he develops into a great Major League pitcher.”

“I’m ecstatic for Zach, his family and for the entire Dodger organization,” said Dodgers Assistant General Manager Logan White. “We’re bringing an outstanding talent into the fold. I have tremendous confidence in this young man and it’s clear that he signed because he has a lot of faith in the Dodgers and in their tradition of developing young pitchers.”

Lee may end up to be the steal of the draft, but like always, we’ll have to wait to find out.

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