ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Rays wasted little time signing top draft pick Tim Beckham.

The No. 1 pick in this month's baseball draft agreed to a contract today that included a $6.15 million signing bonus, and the high school shortstop from Griffin, Ga., will begin his pro career with the Rays' Rookie League affiliate in Princeton, W.Va.

Both sides thought speedy negotiations were imperative, so Beckham could get started in the minor leagues as soon as possible. The Rays also had the No. 1 pick last year, but didn't sign pitcher David Price until mid-August — too late for the hard-throwing left-hander to get started in the minors last season.

Beckham's minor league deal is worth less than the $11.25 million, six-year major league contract that Price signed in 2007. He is currently at Class-A Vero Beach.

Price received a $5.6 million signing bonus and is guaranteed $8.5 million as part of his deal.