MLB Draft 2012: Washington Nationals Pay the Price When Dealing with Scott Boras

The Washington Nationals doing business with Scott Boras is as much a part of baseball as the seventh-inning stretch. And so the 2012 MLB Draft would not be complete without the Nationals signing another client—or three—of the notorious super agent. 

This clearly signifies that the Nationals are drafting some of the very best players available.  But it also means they are paying for it.  After last season's draft, the Nationals paid out a total of $11 million in signing bonuses to three Boras clients:

• Anthony Rendon, 3B: 1st Round, 6th Overall, $6 million Bonus. 
• Brian Goodwin, OF: 1st Round, 34th Overall, $3 million Bonus. 
• Alex Meyer, P: 1st Round, 23rd Overall, $2 million Bonus. 

These draftees are in addition to the 2012 Washington Nationals, eight of whom are also clients of Scott Boras:

• Jayson Werth, RF: 7 Years/$126 million. 
• Stephen Strasburg, P: 4 Years/$15.1 million.
• Edwin Jackson, P: 1 Year/$11 million.
• Bryce Harper, OF: 5 Years/$9.9 million.
• Rick Ankiel, OF: 1 Year/$1.25 million.  
• Jesus Flores, C: 1 Year/$0.815 million.  
• Xavier Nady, OF: 1 Year/$0.7 million.  
• Danny Espinosa, 2B: 1 Year/$0.5 million. 

And the Nationals are expected to add to their respectable roster—and payroll—at the 2012 MLB Draft.  Washington will pick 16th, 80th, 111th and 144th through the first four rounds and the compensation round.  In a mock draft by MLB Draft Insider, Washington is expected to draft Marcus Stroman, a right-handed pitcher out of Duke.  The Nats could also select pitcher Michael Wacha from Texas A&M or shortstop Gavin Cecchini from Barbe High School In Louisiana. 

If the Nationals' selection with the 16th pick—or any pick for that matter—is represented by Scott Boras, then Mike Rizzo and the Nationals front office will have to be ready for some tough negotiations.  They should be ready with the checkbook, too. 

Fortunately for Mike Rizzo, he works for Ted Lerner, the second-richest owner in baseball.  Unfortunately for Rizzo, the Nationals have a signing budget of only $4.4 million.  

Mike Rizzo may need to borrow some of Ted Lerner's $630 million in liquid assets just to pay the signing bonuses.