Bortnick to sign with Rays

Former Coastal infielder Tyler Bortnick will sign his professional contract with the Tampa Bay Rays tonight in the Brooks Stadium suite.

Bortnick said he was given a $5,000 signing bonus by the franchise. As a senior he didn't have much leverage to negotiate a larger deal.

The Rays will assign Bortnick to the Hudson Valley Renegades of the Single A, short-season New York- Penn League.

"It's been a good ride," Bortnick said. "I think I made the best of my opportunity. Coastal was a great fit for me. I think the coaches got me ready for the next step. That's all I really needed."

Bortnick said he was given a $5,000 signing bonus by the franchise. As a senior he didn't have much leverage to negotiate a larger deal.

The Rays will assign Bortnick to the Hudson Valley Renegades of the Single A, short-season New York- Penn League.

"It's been a good ride," Bortnick said. "I think I made the best of my opportunity. Coastal was a great fit for me. I think the coaches got me ready for the next step. That's all I really needed."