Hochevar Decides to Skip Classes

The suspense is over, but negotiations are not.

Despite not talking to the Dodgers for several weeks, pitcher Luke Hochevar decided Friday to skip fall classes at Tennessee, giving the two sides several more months to come to terms.

Hochevar, the first Dodger pick and 40th overall choice in the June draft, would be eligible to pitch for Tennessee by enrolling for the spring semester, so his decision did not give the Dodgers as much leverage as they expected.

Dodger General Manager Paul DePodesta and scouting director Logan White were under the assumption that Hochevar had to attend fall classes to be eligible for his senior season. However, the NCAA ruled he would be eligible even after sitting out the fall because he has accumulated enough credits.

DePodesta met with Hochevar’s advisor, agent Scott Boras, Thursday night and enough progress was made for both sides to determine an agreement might be reached over time.

“It was a show of faith in us,” DePodesta said. “It was a significant gesture on Luke’s part. It signals that we aren’t too far apart. I don’t think he could have said it any louder.”

The Dodgers have not formally increased their original offer of a $2.3-million signing bonus and a minor league contract but have indicated to Hochevar that there is wiggle room. It is believed they would increase the offer to close to $3 million.

Hochevar wants a $4-million major league contract or a slightly lower amount in a minor league deal because he would get the entire sum up front. The Dodgers want to close the gap.

“His decision gives us an opportunity to be more creative going into the off-season,” DePodesta said. “Luke is a very mature guy and his own guy. I think he’ll make his own decision.”

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