I'm not sure I agree that they've got a deal already worked out with Ackley. Not sure if Z would go along with having him signed but not announcing it as some kind of favor to Bud Selig giving up a chance at some good press while they've slipped out of the playoff race... or getting him to a minor-league team as quick as possible. Not only that... but announcing the deal and how much over slot Ackley got from the Mariners could therefore make it harder and more expensive for other teams to sign their draft picks which would be a benefit to the Mariners.

I think if there was a deal done, everyone involved would want it out there and would have a hard time keeping it hushed.

Signing deadline waiting game in full effect by Yahoo! Sports Tim Brown