A quick Nationals draft update

After the Nationals signed three draft choices, including third-round shortstop Rick Hague, yesterday, the main targets of Bryce Harper and pitchers Sammy Solis and A.J. Cole remained.

The Nationals believe the negotiations for their three marquee picks - the first overall pick, a second-rounder out of San Diego and a fourth-rounder from a Florida high school - will take until the Aug. 16 deadline, but "we'll get it all taken care of in the end," Nationals scouting director Kris Kline said.

The Nationals remain confident they'll sign Harper, who is represented by super-agent Scott Boras. The Nationals have been in contact with Solis's father and agent. Kline recently visited Cole in Florida to watch him pitch in the bullpen, workout and to speak with his father.

Hague, a shortstop out of Rice, signed for a slotted contract. He will begin his professional career with the Nationals' Gulf Coast League affiliate, but only because he has not played since the end of his college season. Once the Nationals and director of player development Doug Harris determine Hague is back into playing shape, he will play for Class A Hagerstown.