Red Sox first rounder Kolbrin Vitek said tonight that he has a "verbal agreement" in place with the Red Sox. Vitek, a 21-year-old college infielder, said on a conference call that he expects to start his pro career soon, since he and the Red Sox have exchanged figures and come to an informal agreement. Alex Speier of WEEI.com hears that Vitek will sign for slot money ($1.36MM in 2009).
GM Theo Epstein said the club is also close to an agreement with supplemental round pick Bryce Brentz. Nothing is official yet, but Epstein says the club could make an announcement or two soon.
"We might have something to announce in the next couple days, pending physicals," Epstein said.
The Red Sox spoke to Vitek, a two-way player in college, about playing third base and that's where he expects to play. Vitek says third base is a "pretty comfortable" position for him, since he played there his sophomore year.
The Red Sox expect to spend considerably more time negotiating a deal with supplemental rounder Anthony Ranaudo, a Scott Boras client.
