Minor details: A look at the players the Twins signed on Monday

It was a frantic Monday around baseball as teams beat the 11 p.m, (central) deadline to sign picks from the June draft. In the end, clubs ignored MLB's bonus recommendations and set records for money spent, according to Baseball America.

Teams want to add good, young talent. I've long believed that, in the long run, an organization that is looking at signing a free agent for $10 million is better off taking half of that and spending it in the draft or on the foreign market. Sometimes you need that splashy free agent signing, but teams like the Twins need to have a strong farm system.

The Twins signed their three first-round picks for more than what the league recommended. They signed 11 players in all on Monday, and they are pleased with their results.

I gathered stuff from Baseball America and spoke with a couple Twins officials to produce some background on the 11 players they signed yesterday.

Round 1. Levi Michael, SS: His range has been a concern and his arm isn't the strongest. But the Twins - and other scouts - were encouraged by his play last year at UNC and feel he can stick at shortstop. Offensively, he's a patient switch hitter who runs well.

1s. Travis Harrison, 3B: One of the best power hitters in Southern California. Twins hope he can stick at third base but he could end up in the outfield. His power bat is why they drafted him..

1s. Hudson Boyd, RHP: Throws 90-94 and can touch 96. Has a good hard curve but needs to develop a change up if he's going to st.

10. Brett Lee, LHP: Fastball, slider, curve. change. Looks like the classic left-handed starter. Changes speeds well.

11. Tyler Jones, RHP: Has good stuff, touching 96 as a reliever. But was 5-0, 5.22 at LSU as he struggled with command. Milwaukee kid. Want to start but might be a better fit out of bullpen.

12. Matthew Koch, C: Has a good arm and very good power. But he's raw and really needs to work on plate discipline.

16. Austin Malinowski, LHP. The Centennial High product touches 90 and has to improve his other pitches. At 6-4, 205 pounds, he has good size to work with. Twins are confident he'll fill out and throw harder. He could start or relieve.

17. Josh Burris, RHP: Has a 92 mph fastball and might have the best curve of any player the Twins drafted. Was a second baseman but will focus on pitching, so Twins thinks there's plenty of upside. Reminds one official of Tom Gordon.