An update on the draft, which is now just four days away…
- Steve Melewski of MASN.com spoke with Orioles president Andy MacPhail and heard that the O's don't expect to shy away from players who figure to demand large bonuses. MacPhail repeats a line we've heard him say before: "You can buy the bats, but you have to grow the arms."
- There's been lots of commentary on Stephen Strasburg's blazing fastball. But as ESPN.com's Keith Law reports, Strasburg complements his heater with an out-pitch curve and a major league average fastball. Law says Strasburg's repertoire would allow him to compete in the majors now. For $15MM, $20MM or even more, the Nationals can have him in their rotation next spring.
- Players who have a legitimate shot at playing more than one sport have increased power in negotiations because they have more options. Law says Donovan Tate, a top high school player whose father Lars played in the NFL, had dropped football before realizing it would give him more leverage in the draft.
- MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo points to some draft-eligible pitchers whose arms have been overused. Mike Minor, who could be a top-three pick, threw 134 pitches in a game a week ago. That's more than any major leaguer's thrown in a game this year.
