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Horizon ace Alderson signs with Giants
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Horizon right-hander Tim Alderson, the 22nd player chosen in Major League Baseball’s June Amateur draft, has signed with the San Francisco Giants.
Alderson was the Tribune’s two-time Player of the Year and led the Huskies to two state championships.
He went 12-0 with a 1.05 ERA this season, striking out 111 and walking just four batters.
He will report to the Arizona Giants in Scottsdale, the team’s short-season club, on Monday.
If he performs well there, Alderson could get some quick work at Class-A Salem before its season ends.
“I’m ready,” Alderson said. “I’ve just been working out and waiting. I’m ready to pitch again.”
“I don’t think he’s not played baseball this long in quite awhile,” said Bob Alderson, Tim’s father. “He’s been anxious to go.”
Alderson signed for the slot money recommended by Major League Baseball, a signing bonus in the neighborhood of $1.3 million.
The negotiations heated up after the draft picks around him began signing, making clear his market value.
Alderson — who had a college commitment to Oregon State — said the decision to turn professional was a little tougher than it may have seemed.
“Once Oregon State won (the national title) again, I had second thoughts,” Alderson said.
“It just looked so cool. (But) I wasn’t going to turn the money down.”
Alderson said the toughest part was calling Oregon State coach Pat Casey and letting him know of his decision to turn pro.
“I love all those guys,” Alderson said.
Alderson is the highest drafted player out of Arizona since Phoenix Thunderbird’s Mike Jones went 12th overall to Milwaukee in 2001.
In 2003, Horizon shortstop Brandon Wood was chosen 23rd overall by the Angels.
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