Houston Tells Titans’ Nevin He’ll Be First Pick in Draft

Cal State Fullerton third baseman Phil Nevin said Sunday he has been informed by the Houston Astros that they will make him the No. 1 selection in today’s professional baseball draft.

Nevin, whose Titans lost to Miami, 4-3, Sunday night in the College World Series, said he hasn’t reached a financial agreement with the Astros but would begin negotiating after the Series.

The power-hitting infielder still plans to try out for the U.S. Olympic team later this month and wouldn’t turn professional until his obligations to Team USA were completed.

“I’m excited, it’s a great honor to be the No. 1 pick, and I’ll enjoy playing in Houston,” Nevin said. “But right now I want to keep my mind on this. I want to play out the World Series--that’s what’s fair to my teammates.”

Rumors continued to fly about Nevin as the draft approached. A report last week said Nevin had reached a deal with the Astros. Another report Sunday morning claimed Nevin had turned down $700,000 from the Astros and claimed Nevin would not be the No. 1 pick because he might be “unsignable.” But Nevin said Astros scout Ross Sapp put an end to the speculation when he called late Saturday night and told Nevin his club would be picking him.

“I have no idea how those things got started,” said Norm Nevin, Phil’s father. “There was absolutely no truth to them. Phil didn’t cut any deals with anyone, and he’s certainly not unsignable.”

Nevin, a junior who was a three-year starter on the Titan baseball and football (punter/kicker) teams, entered the College World Series with a .390 average. He hit his 21st home run--a grand slam--against Florida State in the first round Friday night and had six RBIs, bringing his season total to 81.

The El Dorado High School graduate would be the first Orange County player to be selected No. 1 in the baseball draft.