http://www.cw.ua.edu/vnews/display.v/ART/2003/06/12/3ee8e9983f284
BREAKING NEWS: Pavkovich signs with Angels By Drew Champlin Sports Editor June 12, 2003
Adam Pavkovich, who would have been Alabama's leading returning hitter next season, has signed to play professional baseball.
The Anaheim Angels drafted the Crimson Tide shortstop in the 11th round of the Major League Baseball amateur draft following his junior season, in which he hit .338 with 11 home runs. Pavkovich also led the SEC in doubles with 27. He didn't disclose the bonus for which he signed, but said negotiations were tough.
"The negotiations were tough, because I didn't have an agent," Pavkovich told The Crimson White. "They (the Angels) put a lot of pressure on me, but that's their job. It took about a week and a half for us to come to terms."
Pavkovich was scheduled to play in the Cape Cod League this summer with the Hyannis Mets, but instead will fly out to Salt Lake City on Saturday and then drive to Provo, Utah, where he will start at shortstop for the Provo Angels. The team is in the Pioneer League, which is the Advanced Rookie League team of the Anaheim Angels.
Pavkovich said Alabama coach Jim Wells was the first person he contacted after signing. While Wells would love to have his bat in the lineup for next season, Pavkovich said the coach was pleased for his young shortstop.
"He was happy for me," Pavkovich said. "He was happy to see that I get the chance to go on and play. He wished me the best of luck."
Wells could not immediately be reached for comment Thursday.
Pavkovich was one of three Tide players drafted. Outfielder Beau Hearod was selected in the 10th round by the Houston Astros, while pitcher Brian Reed got picked by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 27th round.
Pavkovich's departure leaves a hole at shortstop. Possibilities to replace him include Allen Rice, Evan Bush and Carlos Sosa. Rice started every game at second base, while Bush platooned with Nathan Meiners at third base. Sosa saw action at shortstop in 2002 before taking a medical redshirt this year due to a torn ACL suffered in spring practice.
Roll Tide! Rick
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