The Tampa Bay Rays say they're not optimistic about signing their top two picks in this year's draft.
The AL champions took Florida high school outfielder LeVon Washington as the 30th overall pick in the first round in June. The Rays selected California prep infielder Kenneth Diekroeger in the second round.
The AL champions have until midnight Monday to sign them.
"We are disappointed that LeVon has chosen not to sign with the Rays. We offered him a bonus consistent with late first-round picks," Rays executive vice president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said Monday. "Immediately following the draft, he seemed eager to sign but it has not materialized. We wish LeVon great success with his baseball career."
Washington, of Gainesville, Fla., hit .400 at Buchholz High School as a senior and was considered one of the fastest players in the draft.
Diekroeger hit .586 with four homers and 20 RBIs for Menlo High in Atherton, Calif.
"When we drafted Kenny, we went in with our eyes wide open, knowing he had a strong desire to attend Stanford University," Friedman said. "We knew that we would either be signing a top talent or receiving a comparable pick in the 2010 draft. We wish Kenny all the best at Stanford."
Copyright 2009 AP News
