The Major League Baseball 1^st Year Player draft took place on June 7^th, but teams and draft picks had until August 16^th to finalize their contracts.  The 2010 Draft saw Bryce Harper sign a 5-year $9.9 million contract that includes a $6.25 million signing bonus as the 1^st pick of the draft.  26 draft picks in the 1^st round signed multi-million dollar bonuses with two being former NWL players.  Various former and current NWL players signed contracts over the past two-plus months since the draft. 

The 2010 Major League Baseball 1^st Year Player draft was successful for the Northwoods as 162 former players were taken, 26 more draftees then 2009.  Former Logger Chris Sale was the highest NWL pick of the 2010 draft. The 6’5’’ 170-pound lefty was chosen with the 13^th overall pick by the Chicago White Sox.  Sale signed a $1.6 million signing bonus this June and became the 1^st member of the 2010 draft class to reach the Majors. 

Drew Smyly, a former Duluth Huskies, was drafted by the Detroit Tigers with the 68^th overall pick and also had a multi-million dollar signing bonus.  The left handed former Arkansas Razorback pitcher signed a $1.1 million bonus.  Former Mankato MoonDog and Brainerd Area Lakes Lunker, Mike Kvasnicka, was drafted with the 33^rd pick by the Houston Astros and recently signed a professional contract with a signing bonus just shy of $1 million.   

Ten players from the 2010 NWL season signed professional contracts with All-Star and home run leader Scott Schebler signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers.  Schebler, a Des Moines Community College product, signed his contract with a $300,000 signing bonus.  The Madison Mallards also had a 2010 player recently sign as Lucas LeBlanc, a JUCO All-American, signed with the Boston Red Sox with a $500,000 bonus. 

Four players drafted in rounds two thru four signed contracts with half-million dollar signing bonuses.  Pitchers Kyle Blair formerly of the Duluth Huskies and Jacob Petricka of the Mankato MoonDogs with American League Central teams with signing bonuses of $540,000 plus.  Outfielders Ryan LaMarre and Austin Wates who played for Alexandria and Rochester respectively signed impressive bonuses with National League teams.

Past NWL Most Valuable Player award winner Corey Jones, a former Rochester Honker in 2009, was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 7^th round.  The left handed hitting infielder signed a six-figure bonus with the Tigers.  Another notable NWL alum selected was former 2009 Batting Champion and La Crosse Logger, Rob Brantly, who was also selected by the Detroit Tigers in the 3^rd round.  Brantly was one of 27 former NWL players to sign contracts with six-figure signing bonuses as he signed for a $330,300. 

The 2010 MLB Draft saw the most Northwoods League players ever drafted in a single draft class. Follow the Northwoods at www.northwoodsleague.com.  The Northwoods League has more teams, plays more games, and draws more fans than any other Summer Collegiate Baseball League in North America.