Bob Pompiani

That's why it'll be above that.

early on with this deal.

You're placing your bets that he's going to be what we think he can be.

Therefore, as this contract expands down the road, it's going to cost us less, not more.

I think the parameters are already set.

It's just a matter of fine-tuning, I bet.

If they're truly deep in a conversation and this is close to coming to fruition, then I think they'll have an opportunity.

to get it done sooner, and we'll see.

I'm optimistic that he could be everything, because he's a very mature kid.

I know Pony Muller, Donny, they went out there to Indianapolis Victory Field, saw him.

The kid is so poised, and when you see a 19-year-old that polished with the kind of talent and the maturation of his body, I mean, he's a big dude.

with a speedy ass.

These are all natural things that if you're like, for example, an NFL combine guy, you have to make decisions based on what you see, potential, blah, blah, blah.

That's what they've done here.

He was a ninth overall pick.

We may look back someday and look at the teams that passed on him and said, how can you pass on this guy?

But they did.

It happens in all sports.

So I'll be anxious to see what happens tomorrow, where he bats, all that sort of stuff.

We've had a discussion about where he should hit in the lineup.