WASHINGTON — Nationals president Stan Kasten acknowledged Saturday there is a “very real possibility” the team will not reach an agreement with No. 1 overall draft pick Stephen Strasburg despite offering him a record-breaking contract.
The Nationals face a deadline of midnight EDT Monday to sign Strasburg, a right-hander from San Diego State whose fastball has been clocked at 102 mph.
He is represented by agent Scott Boras, who has the top three players in this year’s draft — all of whom were unsigned as of Saturday afternoon.
“With 48 hours to go, I simply have no idea whether we’re going to be able to reach a deal,” Kasten said.
Kasten said the Nationals offered Strasburg a major-league contract worth more than the record $10.5 million pitcher Mark Prior got from the Cubs after being the second pick in the 2001 amateur draft.
Washington’s offer came more than a week ago during a face-to-face meeting in California that included Strasburg, Boras, Kasten, Nationals acting general manager Mike Rizzo and team owners Ted and Mark Lerner.
A-Rod returns
SEATTLE — Alex Rodriguez was back in the Yankees’ lineup, batting fourth and playing third base after missing consecutive games with a sore elbow and back.
His absence the first two games of the four-game series disappointed the thousands who always turn out to heckle the superstar whenever he returns to Seattle. Their signs and shouts of “A-Fraud!” have accompanied him since he spurned the team to become a $252 million free agent with Texas following the 2000 season.
Footnotes.
The Rangers placed catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia on the 15-day disabled list with recurring numbness in his right hand and called up Kevin Richardson from Triple-A Oklahoma City to serve as the backup catcher.
• The Red Sox recalled outfielder Brian Anderson from Triple-A Pawtucket and placed him in the starting lineup so ailing J.D. Drew can rest. The team optioned outfielder Josh Reddick to Pawtucket to make room for Anderson.
• The Orioles obtained minor-league first baseman Rhyne Hughes from the Rays, a move that completes the deal that sent catcher Gregg Zaun to Tampa Bay last week via a waiver claim.
• The Angels activated center fielder Torii Hunter from the 15-day DL and optioned outfielder Reggie Willits to Triple-A Salt Lake.
The Associated Press
