Reds officials believed their group of selections from June's amateur draft could be among the best in franchise history — as long as the top picks were signed. That condition may not be met.

        General manager Jim Bowden said Friday that prospects appeared bleak for signing any of the organization's first three choices — shortstop David Espinosa from Miami Gulliver Prep, right-hander Dustin Moseley of Arkansas High School and catcher Dane Sardinha of Pepperdine University.

        Bowden's pessimism stemmed not just from stubbornness in negotiations but also from an anticipated attendance shortfall. He said the Reds probably will finish with a paid attendance of 2.5 million, contrasting with projections of 2.9 million.

        This made the franchise's newest attendance record ring hollow. The Reds will exceed 2 million today in their 61st home date, the fastest they have ever passed that level.

        “With the decrease in revenue, it doesn't look like the budget is going to allow us to be able to afford to sign our picks,” Bowden said. “I'll never say it's over until it's over. But at this point, I'm not optimistic about any of them.”

        The Reds' chances to sign Sardinha could end quite soon. Bowden said Sardinha is scheduled to begin classes at Pepperdine Aug.28. A team loses signing rights to a draftee once he enters a four-year school.

        The window of opportunity could remain open with Espinosa and Moseley, who are said to be considering junior college. The Reds would retain rights to them until next year's draft if they enter a JC. Espinosa, the 23rd pick overall, also has been offered a full scholarship to the University of Miami.

        Scott Boras, the agent who has been advising the Espinosa and Sardinha families, said he had nothing to report except that negotiations were “ongoing.”

        Each draftee legitimately can command a signing bonus of $1 million or close to it, though Espinosa has been rumored to be seeking between $2 million and $3 million.

        The players drafted immediately before and after Espinosa — Boston left-hander Phil Dumatrait and St.Louis right-hander Blake Williams — received bonuses of $1.275 million and $1.375 million, respectively.

        Moseley was sandwiched by Toronto pitcher Dustin McGowan ($950,000) and Texas outfielder Tyrell Godwin ($1.2 million). Right-hander Peter Bauer, selected immediately ahead of Sardinha, took an $800,000 bonus.

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