Boras plays the waiting game

The Washington Post’s Chico Harlan reports:

“By Monday, at midnight, the Nationals will know: Either they'll have signed the most heralded pitching prospect to the richest contract in amateur history, or they'll have to explain why the deal didn't happen... But in the meantime, the Nationals, according to industry observers familiar with Scott Boras negotiations, are stuck in a holding pattern. The countdown clock ticks away, but the real action must wait. Executives who have dealt with Boras in the past say he strategically holds off all serious negotiating until the 11th hour. "That's his strategy," one executive said. "He's got his timetable. That's his M.O."

As devious as Boras’s plan may be, it's brilliant. The Nationals will be pinned in a position late Monday night where they will either have to match Strasburgs demands or let him walk, there simply wont be enough time for negotiation.

Some have speculated it may be wise for the Nationals to publicize a generous offer to the top overall pick. This would at the least save their ass publically, showing that they did more than enough to try and sign the elite prospect. At best it would put public pressure on Boras and Strasburg to be reasonable in their demands.

Although, Scott Boras has never been considered anything near reasonable.