July 25, 2009  

The Brewers signed one of their two supplemental first-round draft picks, right-handed pitcher Kyle Heckathorn. He was the 47th overall pick in June’s draft.

The Brewers gave Heckathorn $776,000 instead of the slotted $739,000 for that spot, but Heckathorn said the "big capper" was the Brewers inviting him to big-league spring training next year, which hadn’t been done since the Brewers signed Rickie Weeks in 2003.

Heckathorn went 4-1 with a 3.44 ERA in 866 1/3 innings and 13 starts at Kennesaw State last season. He was assigned to rookie-level Helena on Monday.

"Hopefully I can get through the minors as quick as I can and get up here and help the Brewers win a World Series," Heckathorn said. "I'll keep my eyes and ears open and do what they instruct me to and get here as quick as I can. That's my goal."

The Brewers have now signed 27 of their 53 drafted players, including 14 of their top 17 picks.