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CHICAGO -- The Chicago Cubs and No. 3 overall draft pick Josh Vitters agreed to a contract with about a $3.2 million signing bonus just before the midnight deadline Wednesday.

The third baseman from Cypress High School in California was among the most touted prospects in the country this year. Vitters hit .352 with nine homers in his senior season.

The Cubs announced the deal just minutes before the deadline.

Under a new baseball rule, the sides had until Wednesday to agree on a contract. After that, draft picks would not be allowed to sign with the clubs that selected them in the June draft. Many unsigned players could go back into next year's draft pool.

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

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