TOUGH LUCK...

[FDT67AG]

...ver sorry to hear that Loux is having trouble with his physical in trying to sign his pro contract...

The article implies he may still sign but at less than his draft position should guarantee...hope they're not just jerking him around to save some money...

Hope it works out for the best for him...if not, I hope he can still take the option of returning to A&M and going out next year...

Report: D-Backs break off negotiations with Loux after failed physical
Published Sunday, July 11, 2010 6:31 PM

Eagle Staff Report

PHOENIX -- The Arizona Diamondbacks have broken off contract negotiations with their top draft pick, Texas A&M right-handed pitcher Barret Loux, according to a FoxSports.com report Sunday.

Multiple outlets reported late Saturday that Loux, a junior this past season with the Aggies and the No. 6 overall pick in June's Major League Baseball amateur draft, failed a physical examination.

Loux, who had surgery in 2009 to remove bone chips from his right elbow, went 11-2 with a 2.83 earned run average for the Aggies this year.

According to FOXSportsArizona.com's Jack Magruder, a Diamondbacks official declined "commenting on the situation until the process is completed." In the same story, interim general manager Jerry DiPoto didn't comment other than to say, "We love the player."

The failed physical increases the possibility that the Diamondbacks will decline to sign Loux. Major League Baseball's suggested slot money for the No. 6 pick is approximately $2.6 million, but the team now appears to have negotiating leverage on its side.

The two parties have until Aug. 16 to strike a deal. If the Diamondbacks don't sign Loux, they will receive the seventh pick in next year's draft as compensation.

Loux has a season of eligibility remaining should he elect to return to A&M.

Loux was expected to be a late first-round or second-round pick going into the draft. According to FoxSports.com's Tracy Ringolsby, then-Diamondbacks general manager Josh Byrnes and then-professional scouting director DiPoto overruled scouting director Tom Allison and his staff's desired choice and selected Loux with the team's first pick.

Byrnes was fired July 1. DiPoto is now the team's interim general manager.

[Lonestarr54]

"then-Diamondbacks general manager Josh Byrnes and then-professional scouting director DiPoto overruled scouting director Tom Allison and his staff's desired choice and selected Loux with the team's first pick."

It sounds like maybe Tom Allison and his staff are trying to re-assert themselves after Byrnes' departure. Or maybe the D-backs are just trying to save a buck. Either way, I hate it that Loux has found himself in this situation. I hope the best for him!