D'Backs' First-Rounder Fails Physical

[Gallen5862]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

D'Backs' First-Rounder Fails Physical
By Luke Adams [July 10 at 10:52pm CST]
Barret Loux, Arizona's first-round pick in this year's draft, has failed his physical exam, reports Tracy Ringolsby of FOX Sports. According to Ringolsby, the Diamondbacks have broken off negotiations with Loux, who they picked sixth overall last month.

When the D'Backs selected the Texas A&M right-hander, John Manuel wrote that it was the first pick of the draft Baseball America didn't like. Manuel noted that Loux wasn't considered a consensus first-rounder and that the right-hander had surgery to remove bone chips from his elbow at A&M. Loux also received a heavy workload leading up to the draft, throwing 123+ pitches on four different occasions between May 6th and June 4th.

Considering slot money for the sixth overall pick is approximately $2.6MM, the D'Backs seem unlikely to reach an agreement with Loux if his health is a concern. Ringolsby indicates that the decision to draft Loux was made by Josh Byrnes, and that the move may have played a part in the Arizona GM losing his job.

If the D'Backs do not sign Loux, they'll receive the seventh overall pick in next year's draft as compensation.

[Gallen5862]

Should the Reds consider drafting Loux next year? Will he be able to pitch at Texas A&M next season?

[PuffyPig]

Wouldn't that depend on a number of things, including (1) whether Arizona signs him;(2) how his health is next year at the draft;(3) how he pitches next year; and(4) what else is available at the time we are drafting?

Which information isn't available now and won't be until the next draft.

[fearofpopvol1]

Looks like Zona will have 2 top 10 picks next year.

[IslandRed]

A few possibilities, I guess:

* The guy really is hurt.

* He's hurt just enough to provide cover for not signing him, since the new guys don't like him anyway.

* One wonders if Byrnes' overdraft of an overworked, previously injured pitcher was a punt in the first place, since this was considered a weak draft and it would save some cash.

[medford]

Do they have to offer him slot, even injuried in order to get a comp pick next season? Depending on the injury, slot money for the 1st round might be a better option for the kid than the likelyhood that he'll get drafted higher next season. Not to mention as a senior next year he wouldn't have the leverage that he has as a junior. If they offer slot, I think the kid's got to take it. If the DBacks have to offer slot in order to get compensation, then they're in a real pickle.