Talking Chop, an Atlanta Braves community

Two sources said that Minor could have signed months earlier if not for interference from MLB. Minor and the Braves agreed in principle on the $2.42 million bonus before the draft—but before Atlanta received official word that the slots were reduced. The commissioner’s office pressured the Braves not to make the above-slot deal official so they wouldn’t hurt the Reds in their attempt to sign Arizona State righthander Mike Leake, the No. 8 pick, to a below-slot bonus.

It would seem like [2009 Atlanta Braves first round pick] Mike Minor and [Reds 1st round pick] Mike Leake, at 7 and 8, wouldn't be tough signs, but things are taking a little longer. My guess is Leake's camp is waiting to see what Minor signs for and perhaps neither wants to set the "college arm" bar.

There's some surprise that [Braves first round draft pick Mike Minor] hasn't signed yet, but he could be waiting for the market to establish itself a little more. [The Orioles first round pick, fifth overall, Matt Hobgood] really could be the first domino to fall in a number of signings to come.