Nannini inks deal with Astros

In a room decorated with memorabilia depicting legendary stars, pitcher Mike Nannini took a major step toward becoming one himself Wednesday.

After weeks of negotiation, Nannini, the area's highest selection in last month's major league baseball amateur draft, signed with the Houston Astros in a suite at the Hard Rock Hotel.

"I'm excited and relieved to finally get it done," said Nannini, a right-hander who graduated from Green Valley High School last month. "I can't wait to get out there and start playing."

Nannini, who signed a deal for a $595,000 signing bonus plus incentives, will report to summer Class A squad Kissimmee (Fla.) of the Gulf Coast League on Sunday.

"I'm thrilled to death," said Nannini's father Mike. "Other than the day my kids were born, this is probably the most satisfying day of my life. My son is a professional ballplayer."

Armed with a fastball clocked in the mid-90s, the 5-11, 170-pound Nannini dominated the local prep scene, compiling a 19-2 career record and finishing his senior year with a 0.58 ERA.

He was taken 37th overall in the draft in the "sandwich round" between the first and second rounds.

"I think he's got a real legitimate chance to be in the big leagues one day," said Green Valley coach Rodger Fairless, whose club won state titles all three years Nannini pitched for it. "He has to become more consistent with his off-speed pitches, but he's the type of kid that will work hard to do it."

Nannini's father said he received a call from Astros scouting director David Lakey earlier this week and was given what Lakey termed "a final offer."

After consulting with agent Bill Berman -- who also represents Astros stars Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell -- the Nanninis decided to hold out for a slightly better deal.

On Wednesday, they got it, when Berman and Lakey hammered out the details of the final contract.

"Three days ago, I didn't think this would happen," Nannini's father said. "I wasn't very optimistic."

But Wednesday at the Hard Rock, the Nannini family was all smiles as Mike, Berman and Houston regional scout Darren Brombeck met to seal the deal.

"Last night I saw the Las Vegas Stars play, and just knowing I can be there in a few years really pumped me up," Nannini said. "I still have a lot to prove to all the people who say, 'He's only 5-11. He can't do it.' "

Nannini's signing came less than 24 hours after the Astros inked their top choice, Notre Dame pitcher Brad Lidge. The right-hander, taken 17th overall, reportedly signed for $1.07 million.

Houston has yet to come to terms with its other Las Vegas-area selection, Bishop Gorman outfielder/pitcher Jason Van Meetren.

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