Rangers reach deal with top pick Ortiz

ARLINGTON, Texas - The Texas Rangers continue to lock up their picks from last week's first-year player draft.

Wednesday they signed their top pick, right-hander Luis Ortiz, to a deal that includes a $1.75 million signing bonus. That's just under slot for the 30th pick in the draft.

Ortiz will graduate from high school in California this weekend and they report to Arizona to start his professional career. Ortiz completed his physical Wednesday in Arlington.

"It means the world to me," Ortiz said of his deal. "It's just a start and I'm getting ready to go play professional baseball. No more high school. It's now the big leagues."

The 6-3, 220-pounder wanted to get the deal done as quickly as possible so he could start his career with the organization. He already has a tie for a former Rangers' player. He worked out in the offseason with Matt Garza and has talked with Garza since he was drafted.

The thing he's looking forward to most is working with a pitching coach.

"I've never really had a pitching coach," Ortiz said. "I've watched a lot of baseball and modeled myself after King Felix (Felix Hernandez). Hopefully I can get a pitching coach behind me and be a dominant pitcher and move up quicker."

With Ortiz in the fold the Rangers have reached deals with all but one of their top-10 picks. The lone holdout is seventh rounder Nick Green.