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PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Pirates have agreed to terms with Boston College catcher Tony Sanchez, selected in the first round of the amateur draft earlier in the week.

Sanchez, the fourth overall pick Tuesday, will receive a signing bonus of $2.5 million.

"I'm so happy and excited to have signed my contract and get started on my ultimate goal of playing in the major leagues," Sanchez said at a news conference Friday before the Pirates played the Detroit Tigers. "It's surreal to be here. It's hard to believe I'm starting my professional career. It's something I've been dreaming about my whole life."

Last year, the Pirates did not sign first-round pick Pedro Alvarez, a third baseman from Vanderbilt, until Sept. 23 after acrimonious negotiations between the club and agent Scott Boras.

Sanchez, 21, helped Boston College to its first NCAA tournament berth in 42 years this season as he led the team in batting (.346), slugging percentage (.614), on base percentage (.443), home runs (14) and runs scored (63). He also had 19 doubles and 51 RBIs.

Sanchez will report to the Pirates' extended spring training camp in Bradenton, Fla.., on Monday then eventually make his pro debut with low Class A Charleston (W. Va.) in the South Atlantic League.

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press