International Free Agent Update: Friday
Some updates on teams' moves and strategies as the international signings continue:
- Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports that the A's are focusing on Venezuela, rather than the Dominican Republic this year, since they believe prices are too high in the Dominican.
- In Derrick Goold's St. Louis Post Dispatch article, Cards GM John Mozeliak admits there's risk in signing a 16-year-old like Wagner Mateo to a bonus of $3.1MM, but says he's serious about being "more aggressive" in Latin America because the payoff can be huge.
- Kiley McDaniel of Baseball Prospectus says Yankees signee Gary Sanchez will start his pro career this year, unlike most international prospects.
- ESPN.com's Jorge Arangure Jr. reports that the Astros signed lefty Kirby Pena for $350k.
- Arangure Jr. reports that the Red Sox signed a second player named Alcantara, this time it's righty Mario Alcantara. He receives a $350k bonus.
Odds And Ends: Blue Jays, Cotts, Indians
Manny's back to help celebrate the Fourth of July weekend! Here are some links to start the day off…
- Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports that Blue Jays execs will decide what course of action to take this month once they see how the team performs on its ten-game road trip against divisional rivals.
- Jamey Newberg ranks this week's top 20 Rangers prospects for MLB.com. Texas just keeps churning out quality players; this week it's Julio Borbon.
- Cubs reliever Neal Cotts underwent Tommy John surgery, according to the Sports Network, via the Miami Herald.
- Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times says the Mariners and Angels have a serious advantage over the Rangers when it comes to making deadline deals now that the Rangers are borrowing money from MLB.
- Steve Kornacki of MLive provides five reasons why the Tigers may not make the playoffs and five reasons why they're in first.
- As Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel notes, Seth McClung's preformance has made the Brewers' need for a starter more glaring.
- Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer says the Indians would need a "staggering" return for either Cliff Lee or Victor Martinez.
Mariners Sign Guillermo Pimentel
The Mariners signed Guillermo Pimentel to a bonus of $2MM, according to ESPN.com's Jorge Arangure Jr.. Pimentel signed the contract as the clock struck midnight on July 2nd, the earliest moment he was eligible.
D’Backs Trade Candidates
The D'Backs are out of the playoff hunt and they have a number of players who could appeal to contenders, as Bob Young of the Arizona Republic notes. GM Josh Byrnes says he's not looking to reinvent the team's core, but he does want to build "talent for the long term." He recognizes that the D'Backs are out of the race and is now open to making deals. Here are some D'Backs trade candidates:
- There's no market for Eric Byrnes and his salary, so Young wonders whether it could be time for the D'Backs to eat the remainder of what they owe the left fielder.
- Felipe Lopez has value; Young mentions Atlanta as a possible fit.
- Young says it's time to move Chad Tracy if the D'Backs find a taker.
- In a thin pitching market, Jon Garland and Doug Davis will appeal to contenders.
- Nick Piecoro reports that Garland doesn't want to be traded and, not surprisingly, wants to wait and see before deciding whether he wants his 2010 option exercised.
- The D'Backs will be looking for affordable young talent in any deals they make, but they already have some in the minors. Piecoro takes a look at the D'Backs' system.
Miguel Angel Sano Rumors: Friday
The Orioles will likely make Miguel Angel Sano an offer in the coming days, though they haven't yet done so, according to Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun. Orioles president Andy MacPhail said the team wants to see how MLB's investigation into Sano's age turns out. The O's have decided Sano's worth a certain amount, but, obviously did not disclose the number.
Angels Aren’t Close To Making A Deal
Angels GM Tony Reagins told Kevin Baxter of the LA Times that he's talking to other clubs, but those discussions haven't brought him any closer to making a trade than he was a month ago. The Angels could use help in the rotation and in the bullpen and could deal from depth in the middle infield and behind the plate. However, Reagins says there's no point in trading for the sake of trading.
Blue Jays DFA Russ Adams
The Blue Jays have designated Russ Adams for assignment to make room for David Dellucci, according to MLB.com's Jordan Bastian. Adams, 28, has been a major disappointment in Toronto since the Blue Jays took him in the first round of the 2002 draft. The converted infielder picked up four hits in 20 at bats, hitting almost exclusively against righties.
Morosi On Yankees, Qualls, Tigers
Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports has a few more rumors worth passing along:
- The Yankees' bullpen has been performing well, but that's not stopping the team from keeping a close eye on D'Backs closer Chad Qualls.
- If Brian Bruney doesn't start pitching more consistently, the Yankees may feel more pressure to acquire Qualls, who won't be a free agent until after next season and makes an affordable $2.5MM this year.
- The Tigers are still looking for an outfield bat as Magglio Ordonez's hitting woes continue. The haircut may not have been the answer, as he has just two hits in his last 20 at bats.
Recapping A Busy July 2
Ben Badler, who's done an excellent job covering the first day of the international free agent signing period, now has a recap of the day's transactions up on Baseball America's website.
For MLBTR's list of today's signings, check here. We'll keep tabs as they continue to pour in over the next few weeks. Keep in mind that Miguel Angel Sano has yet to sign.
Angels Sign First Round Pick
According to Eric Schwartz of the Newark Star-Ledger, the Angels have agreed to terms with first round pick Michael Trout. He was handed a $1.215MM signing bonus and will head to rookie ball in Arizona on Friday.
Trout, selected 25th overall in the June First-Year Player Draft, hit .531 with 49 runs scored, 18 dingers and 45 RBI as a senior outfielder at Millville High School in New Jersey. He also went 5-1 with a 1.71 ERA as a starting pitcher.