Second-round pick RHP Jacob Thompson said in a text message to the Times that he plans to sign with the Rays Wednesday at Tropicana Field.

Thompson, a Long Beach State junior, had said from when he was drafted he was eager to start his professional career, so this doesn't come as a surprise.  

The Rays have raved about Thompson, with executive vice president Andrew Friedman saying last week that "We feel like he's got a chance to move through the system pretty quickly."

Thompson's signing would make eight picks signed so far, including first-round C Justin O'Conner and second-round SS Derek Dietrich. Five more picks signed Tuesday (see previous post).