Cardinals Sign Draft Picks Robertson, Rivera, Williams

(photo: Kramer Robertson (Bruce Thorson/USA TODAY Sports Images)

St. Louis Cardinals press release

The St. Louis Cardinals announced today (Sunday) the signing of three additional players from the 2017 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.

Kramer Robertson/Louisiana State University

Kramer Robertson, the Cardinals fourth round pick out of Louisiana State University, is a 5-foot-10, 166 lb., senior shortstop who was recognized as a Third Team All-American and Second Team All-SEC selection this season. Robertson was batting .319 with eight homers, three triples, 18 doubles, 43 RBI and a Division 1-leading 83 runs scored for the Tigers, who competed in the College World Series.  As a junior, Robertson was voted Second Team All-American and First Team All-SEC before selected by the Cleveland Indians in the 32nd round of the of the 2016 First-Year Player Draft. Prior to LSU, Robertson was an All-American and All-State infielder at Midway High School in Waco, Texas, also playing quarterback for the football team and point guard for the basketball squad. His mother, Kim Mulkey, is the head women’s basketball coach at Baylor University and was a 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist in basketball in Los Angeles, Calif. His father, Randy, played quarterback at Louisiana Tech.

Wilberto Rivera

Wilberto Rivera, the Cardinals eighth round pick out of the Carlos Beltran Baseball Academy in Florida, Puerto Rico, is a 6-foot-3, 207 pound, right-handed pitcher. The 18-year-old originally committed to play next season at Florida International University.

The team also announced they have agreed to terms with third baseman Donivan Williams, (14th Round), who will forgo his scholarship to Illinois State University.  The 6-foot-0, 190-pound Williams played shortstop at Harold L Richards (Ill.) High School, hitting .513 with 10 homers, four triples, 17 doubles, 47 runs and 49 RBI.

The Cardinals have until July 7 at 4:00 p.m. CT, to sign their selections from the 2017 MLB First-Year Player Draft.

Donivan Williams (Prep Baseball Report)

Brian Walton’s take

No surprises, as these signings had been previously disclosed by the media. The only suspense remaining is to learn which minor league clubs the new trio will be assigned.

With 34 of 38 draftees signed, it would seem the Cardinals signings from this draft class may be done.

Robertson was an underslot signing at $150,000, giving the Cardinals an extra $275,000, which they used all of and more in going overslot for Rivera ($194,400 over) and Williams ($175,000 over). Rivera’s was the highest over slot amount in this years’ Cardinals class.

Overall, the Cards have spent 103.3% of their total budget, meaning they avoided the stiff penalties that begin at 105%. Full draft financial details can be found at The Cardinal Nation’s members message board ($).

 

For more

Check the always-free Roster Matrix right here at The Cardinal Nation for the most up-to-date information on draft pick signings and roster details.


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Brian Walton can be reached via email at brian@thecardinalnationblog.com. Follow Brian on Twitter.

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