Posted on: Friday, June 11, 2004

Rainbows' recruit signs with Braves

By Stacy Kaneshiro
Advertiser Staff Writer

James Parr, one of the University of Hawai'i's blue-chip recruits, received a $230,000 bonus to sign with the Atlanta Braves.

Parr, a right-handed pitcher and infielder at La Cueva (Albuquerque, N.M.) High, was drafted in the fourth round (131st overall) on Monday.

"All we can do is wish him well and hope that he makes it to the big leagues," UH coach Mike Trapasso said.

Parr's bonus was revealed in Baseball America Online.

A comparable pick for a high school pitcher last year netted bonuses of $300,000 (128th overall) and $225,000 (133rd). In 2002, a prep pitcher in that range (130th overall) got $230,000. The bonus amounts are according to Baseball America Online.

The Rainbows now await the decision of third-round pick Greg Burns, an outfielder from Southern California. Burns was the 98th overall selection. Last year's 98th pick, a high school third baseman, got $400,000.

Trapasso feels Burns could improve his stock after three years at UH. Once a prep recruit enters the classroom in his freshman year, he does not become eligible for the draft until three years later.

Trapasso said Burns has the talent that with three years of college experience could make him a first-round pick in 2007.