Yanks to sign first-round pick Clarkin

The Yankees have reached an agreement to sign first-round pick (33rd overall) Ian Clarkin, an 18-year-old LHP out of San Diego. Jon Heyman of CBS Sports originally reported the news.

Clarkin was ranked 17th on Baseball America's top 500 prospects leading into the draft. He possesses a plus fastball, sharp curveball and a changeup which could develop into an average third pitch. He made headlines on draft day not just for his pitching ability, but also for his comments about the team that selected him.

Clarkin, an admitted "Yankee hater," said he cried tears of joy when New York lost to the Diamondbacks in the 2001 World Series. Afterwards, Clarkin clarified that he was joking and that he was thrilled to be part of such a storied franchise. He will receive the maximum dollar amount assigned to the 33rd overall pick - $1,650,100. He had committed to playing at the University of San Diego in the fall.

Clarkin will go down to Tampa on Monday to take a physical before the deal is completed. He is the second first-rounder the Yankees have signed, joining 3B Eric Jagielo. Aaron Judge, a 6'7" OF from Fresno State, hasn't accepted the Yankees' offer just yet.

Yankees scouting director Damon Oppenheimer had this to say about Clarkin after he was drafte:

"He's a lefthanded pitcher with plus velocity and has a plus curveball. On top of that, he's a tireless worker. We think we got something special with him.''