Prep’s Deal With A’s Put at $1.2 Million

OAKLAND —  Todd Van Poppel of Arlington, Tex., who had said for months that he would pitch for the University of Texas next spring, Monday agreed to a $1.2-million contract with the Oakland Athletics that included a $600,000 signing bonus.

Deron Gustafson, an assistant coach at Texas, said he didn’t talk to Van Poppel, but added that he thought the teen-ager did the right thing.

“My initial reaction is that he didn’t have any choice,” Gustafson said. “Why go to college when you can be set for life when you’re 18 years old?”

Van Poppel, 18, was the A’s top selection in the first round of the June amateur draft and the 14th player picked overall. Oakland was awarded the selection when Dave Parker signed with the Milwaukee Brewers last December.

The right-hander is guaranteed a three-year major league contract, the longest ever for a draft pick. He will report to the A’s Class-A Medford, Ore., team Wednesday.