Deadlines

by Phil Wood

The deadline approaches. Just eight-plus hours to go.

Without getting into specifics, I expect there will be a deal done with Bryce Harper. They've already signed most of their top 25 picks, some to well above-slot contracts, so if Harper wants to play, he'll sign.

Waiting a year has no real payoff for the player; the team, however, gets a compensatory pick the following year in the first round slot that follows the unsigned one from the previous draft, and 2011 has some very high-ceiling prospects available.

August 16 makes me think of a number of events:

August 16, 1920 - Cleveland's Ray Chapman is beaned by New York's Carl Mays at the Polo Grounds and dies the next day, the only major leaguer ever killed by a pitched ball.

August 16, 1948 - Babe Ruth succumbs to cancer at age 53.

August 16, 1977 - Elvis Presley dies suddenly at age 42.

The word "deadline" takes on new meaning.

Bonus: Who's the only major league player born on the exact same day that Babe Ruth died? Here's a hint - he played 17 big league seasons, played for teams in both leagues, and once managed the Cardinals. Give up?

Former first baseman Mike Jorgensen.