Braves sign first-round pick Sims of Brookwood

As of Thursday, June 7, 2012
© Copyright 2013 Gwinnett Daily Post

The Atlanta Braves and Lucas Sims acted quickly on a contract, agreeing to terms on Thursday.

Now the Brookwood grad, a first-round pick in the Major League Baseball Draft on Monday, can begin his professional career without a long break for negotiations. Terms of the deal weren't disclosed but the slot money for the 21st pick bonus is roughly $1.8 million.

Sims is expected to report to the Gulf Coast League Braves, the club's rookie level team that plays out of the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex near Orlando in Lake Buena Vista.

While some prospects may take longer to sign, it seemed like a pretty easy decision for Sims, who turned down a scholarship to Clemson in favor of a large bonus from Atlanta.

"I've fantasized about playing for my hometown team," Sims said when he was drafted. "Now that it's happened, it's a dream come true. It's unbelievable."

The 6-foot-2, 195-pound is a power right-handed pitcher who went 8-1 with a 1.19 ERA this past season. He struck out 98 batters in 76 innings and also hit .358 with 32 RBIs as the Broncos reached the Class AAAAA finals.

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