Great Americans steal series

Only one 1st round series went the distance. The Cincinnati Great Americans and the Scranton Nittany Lions met in game 5 today with veteran Max Molina squaring off with fellow veteran Alex Martin. Martin lasted just 4 and 2/3 after his 8 inning, 118 pitch performance in game 1. Molina went just 3 innings after pitching on short rest to end the season and in game one.

But the real story was the base burglers. Down a run in the 7th, Manny Corey singled and stole both second and third before a Mota ground out scored him to even the score. Then, in the 8th with 2 outs and 1 on, Kevin Chang, a 23-year old, was called upon to close the door. He wasn't up to the challenge and a walk and a line shot double later, and the Great Americans were marching off to the Divisional Series.

Harmonies break the bank

B.J. Greene Nashville Harmonies Age: 21 B/T: R/R Born: Terre Hill, PA Position(s): P (SP4) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The Nashville Harmonies broke the bank in signing first-round draft pick B.J. Greene. Greene, a pitcher out of Rutgers selected with the 15th overall pick, inked a deal with a $10,075,000 signing bonus. Only one draftee has signed for more money in the history of Second City. In season 4, Cincinnati signed #5 overall pick, 2B Manny Corey, to a $16M deal. Corey debuted last season, winning the AL 2B Silver Slugger after hitting .276 with 26 HRs and 109 RBIs. He also stole 66 bases.

Greene, 6'2 right-hander features a heavy slider and solid curveball which he used to go 13-2 for Rutgers in the Big East. Harmonie scouting director Lil E' said, "we know $10M is a lot of dough, but this is a polished college pitcher. We see him moving quickly, possibly contributing to the Harmonie rotation in the next 2 years."

Greene, who represented himself in negotiations, said a childhood spent playing cards with his older brother helped his poker face. "Would I have signed for less? Who's to say? All I know is that I didn't. Ray Rice only wishes he could ink this kind of deal."