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By MARC TOPKIN
© St. Petersburg Times, published August 24, 2001
ST. PETERSBURG -- Having made their pitch to top pick Dewon Brazelton in lengthy negotiating sessions over the past week, the Rays still are waiting for a response.
Brazelton, his family and adviser Bo McKinnis are reviewing the offer and the alternatives, and could do so for several days. Brazelton has held off returning to Middle Tennessee State to allow the discussions to continue.
"We are talking among ourselves," McKinnis said.
The Rays are believed to have offered Brazelton, the No. 3 pick overall, a signing bonus of about $4-million and a major-league contract as part of a five-year package.
"He's agreed not to go to class and we're optimistic this can be done quickly," scouting director Dan Jennings said.
The right-handed pitcher is the only one of the top five picks who hasn't signed.