Odds & Ends: Parker, Okajima, Kikuchi, La Russa

I actually agree with Mellinger, trading Soria could be a good move for them, although I'd be worried about Moore screwing it up.

They really don't need an elite closer with so many other holes, and Soria still has a lot of trade value.

They could potentially land a legitimate long-term shortstop and/or catcher, and they could use some more good outfield and pitching talent in the farm system.

"Baseball America's Jim Callis believes it's not far-fetched to think Bryce Harper could fall out of the first round in 2010 due to financial demands (hat tip River Ave. Blues)."

If Strasburg demanded $15M and still was drafted first, then what is Harper asking for?

I know that the risk is bigger with a high school catcher than a college pitcher, but Harper seems to be the best high school catching prospect in a long time, maybe the best ever.

No possible way Harper falls out of the first. The big market teams would kill to sign him in the late 1st.

Posted by: QuadBravesFan | October 22, 2009 at 11:18 AM

Truer words may never have been spoken. No way he makes it past the big market clubs.

This is a joke. Trading Soria is the worst possible move the Royals could ever do, considering the closer market this year isn't all that bad.
Bobby Jenks will probably be available, Mike Gonzalez, Jose Valvrade, Billy Wagner, Rafael Soriano, Fernando Rodney, Eric Gange, JJ Putz, and LaTroy Hawkings. Plus I'm sure some more will be available in the trade market.

Soria, Greinke, Butler, and obviously Bannister :) are the building blocks of this Organization. Not even Hochevar and Gordon.

Well AJ I think the Red Sox would give up their rights to every Japanese player if the Yankees agreed to not overpay for whoever they want lol. Plus, the Yankees got Matsui when he was the biggest thing coming out. Anyone could have got Okajima a couple years back, and last year Tazawa and Saito were low cost options.

But yeah there is no chance Harper falls out of the first round. The kid clearly isn't going to any school (he finished high school early so he could play baseball) and the Red Sox wouldn't pass on him for the chance that the Yankees sign him (which they obviously would). Even if he demanded $20-25 million, I think a big market team would jump all over it.

No way Harper falls out of the 1st round. Tigers, Bo Soxs, Yanks, Royals, Mets and LAA just to name a few would love to draft Harper. Some teams are more likely than others but i dont see how he falls past all of these teams

It's been said before about the big market clubs generally, but specifically the Mets, who will be drafting fairly high- the fan base would absolutely revolt if they passed on Harper. Mets may dread the prospect of it happening, but if he falls to them, they HAVE to draft him. Now, that isn't to say that they have to sign him- the Mets will make a "credible" offer, probably in the Strasburg range, maybe a little more, and if Harper wants to sit out a year, so be it, Mets will take the extra 1st round pick next year (which I believe would be protected). The fans would understand the Mets refusal to over pay. What they would not understand is letting the opportunity go and then the Yankees getting this guy.

Does anybody have an idea of the kind of money that Harper is asking for?

"Does anybody have an idea of the kind of money that Harper is asking for?"

He's represented by Boras if that's an indication. You probably won't hear the supposed $50M mark that was tossed around during the whole Strausburg situation, but I wouldn't be shocked to see Boras set a hard line above $10M and a major league deal.

"Hahaha, the Mets signing an elite prospect over-slot. Good one."

Completely agreed Scribble; that's why I made the statement I did. It couldn't be more frustrating to be a Met fan these days.

From Harper's past comments I don't think that money is his main goal. He really wants to big in the big leagues ASAP. Now that could change with Boras as his "advisor". However, I agree that he probably won't be seeking or getting anywhere close to what Strasburg received. Arod signed for around $3 million and this kid is younger. It will all depend on what he and other do to see if the Nats pick him as #1, but I think he would sign for something around $5-6 million and would rather sign with a team that he has a chance to make it to the ML's faster. The Yankees, Mets, Sox etc he might not have that opportunity - you don't want to rush him and have him falter in NY or Boston. I agree he doesn't fall out of the first round. I think, as of now, the Nats should choose him.

What do you guys think about trading Dioner Navarro and Desmond Jennings for Joakim Soria? Or some variation Dioner Navarro and Sean Rodriguez?

Posted by: wcg1380 | October 22, 2009 at 02:33 PM

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Jennings has too much upside for the Rays to trade him now. He looks extremely promising. Why trade him for Soria of all people? I don't see why some people think he has so much value. Yes, he's got stuff, but he pitches for the Royals. One of, if not the smallest market teams in the MLB. Put him on a big market team, who knows what could happen.

I think the Rays will be better next year than this year. Their key to 08 success was their starting pitching, and their pitching was quite inconsistent last year, especially Shields and Price, both of which I think will be much better next year. Garza improved greatly last year and should continue to improve. And with a 4/5 with Niemann, who was strong last year and upcoming Wade Davis, it's hard to argue that their pitching staff won't have success next year. Keep Zaunn around, put Zobrist in right and put Rodriguez at 2nd. Trade Iwamura for some good pieces (not sure what he could bring back) and their team should be looking pretty darn good next year. I can see them surprising the AL East next year.

Well, Aj, you may remember all the flap about the Sox being manipulated by Boras for a $50MM posting fee for Matsuzaka. The usually frugal Sox spent the money not just for Daisuke, but for a premium position among MLB teams in the Japanese market. It worked, as it brought Daisuke, Oki, Tazawa, Saito, could have brought Kawakami, and now maybe Kikuchi or Darvish. and others. This trend will continue as long as the Sox take care of their players well, provide full media access, and continue to contend.

If the Sox follow through, the success in Japan will eventually be replicated in China and Korea. Pacific Rim teams have traditionally dominated this market, but Boston's involvement has leveled the playing field for MLB.

Look on the bright side, you're not a Pirates fan.

Posted by: start_wearing_purple | October 22, 2009 at 02:21 PM

At least the Pirates farm system is VASTLY improved compared to what is was at this point two years ago. Huntington has made many enemies here in Pittsburgh during his tenure thus far, but it's hard not to admit he's put us in a far better situation to succeed in the future. Especially when you consider how many years Littlefield set us back with his numerous blunders.

"Yeah, honestly, I'd rather be a Pirates fan than a Royals fan, at least the Pirates didn't lock up Dayton Moore as their GM through 2014."

Wow Scribbletone, please remember that they are still under the guidance of Neal Huntington and he is always 1 phone call away from giving away the best player they have for a handful of garbage.