Yankees Could Have Had Daniel Bard for $2 Million After Drafting Him in 2003

The Yankees certainly aren't an organization afraid to throw money around for players. In January, they signed set-up man Rafael Soriano to a three-year, $35 million deal.

As WEEI.com's Alex Speier points out, though, they weren't willing to give Daniel Bard $2 million, when they drafted him in 2003, so Bard instead went on to the University of North Carolina. After that, he was drafted by the Red Sox.

"I think I told them I wanted $2 million, and if it happens, great," Bard said, according to WEEI. "They never even made an offer. I think they would have. But they knew I was geared towards going to college."

As a senior in high school, Bard, armed with a fastball in the mid-90s, was regarded as one of the premier prospects in the country. He was also selected as the North Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year.

His college coach, Mike Fox, was glad to work with the right-hander and prepare him for the pros.

"I can remember the first time he threw a bullpen session for us," Fox said. "All I kept thinking was, 'Gosh, I'm glad he didn't sign. Gosh, I'm glad he didn't sign. I'm glad he's in my program.'"

After college, the Red Sox drafted Bard with the No. 28 pick giving the flame-thrower a $1.55 million signing bonus.

In 73 appearances last season for Boston, Bard had 32 holds, good for first in the AL, with a 1.93 ERA and 1.00 WHIP.