MINOR-LEAGUE: Saints sign college star Drew<br>
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(c) 1997 Copyright Nando.net<br>
(c) 1997 Associated Press<br>
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ST. PAUL, Minn. (Jul 12, 1997 - 00:09 EDT) -- Unable
to come to terms with the Philadelphia Phillies,
outfielder J.D. Drew signed with the St. Paul Saints
of the independent Northern League on Friday.<br>
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Drew hit a two-run homer in his pro debut as St. Paul
beat Moorhead-Fargo 8-3.<br>
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Drew, selected second overall by Philadelphia in the
amateur draft last month, reportedly wanted a $10
million signing bonus from the Phillies.<br>
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"It's rare that any club has an opportunity to sign a
player as talented as J.D.," Saints president Mike
Veeck said. "It's a shame that the Phillies and J.D.
have been unable to reach an agreement in their
contract talks."<br>
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Drew was selected as college player of the year,
hitting .455 with 31 homers, 100 RBIs and 32 stolen
bases for Florida State.<br>
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