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Nationals Spend Big On Solis, ColePosted Aug. 15, 2010 1:08 am by Jim CallisFiled under: SigningsThe Nationals likely will go down to the midnight deadline Monday to sign No. 1 overall pick Bryce Harper, who's expected to break the record for the largest guarantee ever given to a position player in the draft ($9.5 million by Mark Teixeira from the Rangers in 2001). But Washington already has gotten a huge start on spending by agreeing to terms with fourth-round pick A.J. Cole for $2 million and second-rounder Sammy Solis for $1 million.Cole broke the fourth-round bonus record of $1.5 million set by Athletics catcher Max Stassi a year ago. Cole and Solis received the first two seven-figure bonuses given to 2010 draftees after the supplemental first round. MLB's recommendations for their draft slots were $694,800 for Solis (No. 51 overall) and $258,300 for Cole (No. 116).A righthander from Ovieda (Fla.) High, Cole entered 2010 as a near-lock first-rounder before inconsistency and signability concerns dropped him to the fourth round. At his best, the projectable 6-foot-5, 190-pounder works at 92-93 mph and touches 96 with his fastball. He also flashes a plus curveball and a changeup with late fade. He had committed to Miami.After a herniated disc in his back limited him to two starts in 2009, Solis bounced back to go 9-2, 3.42 with 92 strikeouts in as many innings this spring as a redshirt sophomore at San Diego. The 6-foot-5, 228-pound lefty throws a lively 88-82 mph fastball and quality secondary pitches in his curveball and changeup.