In brief: Mariners sign SS Franklin

Baseball: The Seattle Mariners signed shortstop Nick Franklin, the second of their two first-round draft picks, on Sunday.

Franklin’s agent David Meter told the Associated Press that Franklin will get a $1.28 million signing bonus.

The Mariners would not say Sunday whether they will sign Dustin Ackley, the second overall pick, before tonight’s deadline. If he isn’t signed by then, the University of North Carolina hitting star would go back into the draft next year.

Franklin, the 27th pick overall, starred at Lake Brantley High School in Longwood, Fla. He says his goal is to be in the major leagues “as quickly as possible.”

“That’s my ultimate goal – to be a Seattle Mariner,” Franklin said.

He will report today to Seattle’s team in the Arizona Rookie League.

Franklin was in attendance for the Mariners game against the New York Yankees on Sunday with his parents and brother.

Associated Press

Redskins rookie Jarmon a big act

Football: From Macduff to the NFL?

Washington Redskins rookie Jeremy Jarmon is one of those rare athletes who dabbled in drama at college. He even took part in the University of Kentucky’s spring game on the same day he appeared on stage at the campus theater.

Jarmon had planned to pursue a second degree in theater at UK, but he tested positive for a banned substance and lost his final year of eligibility. He was selected by the Redskins in July’s supplemental draft.

Now he’s one of the surprises of training camp. Defensive coordinator Greg Blache says Jarmon could be regular contributor “a little sooner than we thought.”

Jarmon says theater and football are similar – he gets nervous before a show and before a game, but the nerves are gone once the action begins.

Associated Press