ST. LOUIS (AP) - The St. Louis Cardinals signed second-round pick Carson Kelly, a high school third baseman from Beaverton, Ore., who had been seriously considering a scholarship at the University of Oregon.
A team official said Friday that the 17-year-old Kelly received a signing bonus well above the amount slotted for that spot in the draft. Kelly dropped to the second round due to signability issues.
Kelly suited up and showed no sense of awe in an impressive round of batting practice, with manager Mike Matheny and batting coach Mark McGwire watching from behind the cage.
Kelly will join the Cardinals' rookie league affiliate in Johnson City, Tenn., which opens on Tuesday.