Schebler officially signs with Dodgers

CEDAR RAPIDS - When Scott Schebler was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 26th round of June's Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, he was quite certain he wouldn't turn professional and would head to powerhouse Wichita State for three years of college baseball instead.

The Dodgers gave him 300,000 reasons to change his mind. That's the well above-slot contract signing bonus (in dollars, of course) the team and the former Cedar Rapids Prairie prep agreed to Monday, the last day MLB clubs could sign their 2010 draft picks.

“Dream come true,” said Schebler, who played this past season for Des Moines Area Community College. “A life-changing decision. It was definitely difficult. I just did what I thought was best for me.”

An outfielder, Schebler raised his pro stock considerably this summer playing for the Green Bay Bullfrogs of the collegiate Northwoods League. He hit 10 home runs in 58 games and was named to the league's postseason all-star team.

The Dodgers also are paying for four years of college tuition for the 19-year-old left-handed hitter.

“They came up money wise,” he said. “That was the main reason (for signing). I just think this is a great opportunity for me.”

Cedar Rapids Xavier pitcher Jon Keller, meanwhile, did not agree to terms with the Seattle Mariners and will attend the University of Nebraska. Keller's father, Al, said late Monday night there was dialogue between the club and the family's adviser up to the 11 p.m. (Iowa time) deadline but the sides could not agree on a signing bonus.

The Mariners signed 16th-round pick Jordan Shipers - also a high school pitcher - to a contract Monday afternoon that included an $800,000 bonus. West Des Moines Dowling pitcher Jonathan Musser, a 21st-round pick, signed with the Philadelphia Phillies for a $300,000 bonus.

"It's been a long night," Al Keller said. "We just couldn't get (a deal) done."