
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, July 17, 1990                   TAG: 9007170159
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: From San Francisco Chronicle and Associated Press reports
DATELINE: OAKLAND, CALIF.                                LENGTH: Medium

A'S GET THEIR MAN

The Athletics got the better of the baseball world again on Monday by signing pitcher Todd Van Poppel, the outstanding high school player who had vowed to attend college before playing professional ball.

The signing of the 18-year-old right-hander from Arlington, Texas, to a three-year contract was announced at the Oakland Coliseum.

Financial terms were not disclosed, but the deal was thought to be worth $1.2 million, including a signing bonus.

Generally regarded as the best player available in the June 4 draft, Van Poppel had been adamant about his plans to postpone a professional career so he could attend the University of Texas.

The Atlanta Braves, who had the No. 1 pick in the draft, did not think they could change Van Poppel's mind, nor did any of the other teams who drafted before the Athletics, leaving the 6-foot-5 pitcher for Oakland to scoop up in the 14th pick of the draft.

"They just showed a lot of class after they drafted me," said Van Poppel. "They didn't talk bad about the University of Texas, and that is what really swayed my decision."

Van Poppel's father, Hank, and adviser, Scott Boras, handled the negotiations.

A visit from Oakland's roving instructor Harvey Dorfman, general manager Sandy Alderson and director of player development Karl Kuehl started to change the family's position.

Alderson said: "We know some people are going to portray us as the money bags coming in taking away from education. But that's not the case. We believe in education. Pro baseball isn't right for every high school player, but we felt it is for him."

Van Poppel had an 11-4 record this year at Martin High School in Arlington, with a 1.04 earned run average and 169 strikeouts in 101 innings.

Earlier Monday, the Toronto Blue Jays persuaded pitcher Steve Karsay of New York to skip college and pursue professional baseball. Karsay, 18, said he received a large signing bonus as part of his one-year deal.

"It was a substantial amount of money," Karsay said, refusing to disclose the figure. "It was higher than the first pick in the nation."

That was shortstop Chipper Jones, chosen by the Atlanta Braves. Jones was reported to have been offered between $250,000 and $300,000.

by CNB