Brewers Sign First-Round Pick
SUNDAY, 1:06pm: The Brewers official announced the signing of Arnett this morning along with 20 other draftees. Here's the press release.
SATURDAY, 3:44pm: According to MLB.com's Adam McCalvy, the Brewers have a press conference scheduled for 10:30am CST tomorrow, presumably to announce the signing of first-round pick Eric Arnett.
Odds & Ends: Donald, DeRosa, Tigers, Boras
Three years ago today the Diamondbacks cut ties with righthander Russ Ortiz. With $22MM remaining on the four year, $33MM deal he signed before the 2005 season, Ortiz became the highest paid player ever to be released by a Major League team.
On to the links…
- Despite his knee injury, Jason Donald remains one of the Phillies' best trade chips according to Scott Lauber.
- Derrick Goold writes that Mark DeRosa's trade value is rising with the team's recent hot streak.
- The Detroit Free Press polled it's readers, and 32.7% want to see the Tigers trade for a bullpen arm to stay in contention.
- Bill Shaikin writes about master negotiator Scott Boras and his affect on the draft.
- Kurt Streeter reports that 36-year-old Jose Lima is still hoping to make it back to the big leagues. Lima Time is currently 1-1 with a 3.16 ERA for the independent Long Beach Armada, and last pitched in the big leagues for the Mets in 2006.
- ESPN's Jorge Arangure tweets that the Padres are targetting Dominican outfielder Jose Alberta Pena.
- Miami linebacker Glenn Cook was surprised when the Cubs drafted him in the 48th round because he hasn't played baseball in six years.
Bryce Harper Enrolls In Junior College
According to Matt Youmans of The Las Vegas Review-Journal, 16-yr old phenom Bryce Harper has enrolled at the College of Southern Nevada, and plans to attend classes this August. He will also get his GED this fall. Because CSN is a two-year institution, the move allows Harper to be eligible for the 2010 draft rather than waiting for 2011, when he would graduate high school.
Harper was introduced to the masses in a SI feature last month, and at the moment is the odds on favorite to go first overall in either the 2010 or 2011 drafts.
Morosi’s Latest: Orioles, Cardinals, Rangers
FoxSports.com's Jon Paul Morosi writes that with the Orioles buried in fifth place in the AL East, look for the team to start moving some of their veterans. Morosi cites an "industry executive" who says that several teams have called about Aubrey Huff and Luke Scott, both lefthanded bats with some thump. He suggests that the Reds, Tigers, Giants and Braves could match up in a deal, noting that the Tigers pursued both Huff and Scott three years ago.
Here's the rest of Morosi's rumors:
- Triple-A outfielder Wilkin Ramirez is one of Detroit's best trade chips.
- Morosi echoes reports that the Cardinals are looking for a bat.
- One scout says that Miguel Tejada's defense has been better than most give him credit for. I can't imagine that will play a big role in determining his trade value, though.
- Texas is looking for an upgrade for their rotation, and would likely be in on Cliff Lee and Roy Oswalt if they are made available.
- It's increasingly unlikely that the Red Sox will make a move for a shortstop with Nick Green holding his own and Jed Lowrie close to returning from a wrist injury.
Cardinals Looking To Add Bat, But No Deal Imminent
Joe Strauss of The St. Louis Post-Dispatch spoke to Cardinals president Bill DeWitt Jr., who acknowledged that the team is looking to add another bat, but says not to expect a move anytime soon.
"There are possibilities here and there, but nothing compelling," DeWitt said regarding a middling pool of available trade possibilities. "There remain some clubs that now perceive themselves in the race that may fall out and move talent. But you can't be certain of the market."
Strauss mentions that the Indians, A's and Astros all have been playing better of late, so they could be the clubs that DeWitt is referring too. He also acknowledged that the team's better than expected attendance gives them some financial flexibility "if the right situation were to occur."
The Cards have been connected to Miguel Tejada recently, but it's unknown if the team has that kind of flexibility.
Mets Acquire Javier Castillo
Bart Hubbuch of The New York Post tweets that the Mets have acquired infielder Javier Castillo from the White Sox, and have assigned him to Triple-A Buffalo. The 25-yr old Castillo hit 262-.319-.387 in 182 plate appearances for Triple-A Charlotte this year, playing third base exclusively. He also has experience at shortstop, but hasn't played the position regularly since 2006. No word on what Chicago receives in the deal at this time.
Castillo has never played in the big leagues.
Diamondbacks Sign Supplemental First Rounder
KTAR.com's Craig Grialou reports that the Diamondbacks have agreed to terms with California high school third baseman Matt Davidson, the 35th overall pick in last week's draft. Davidson was Arizona's third selection, one of five players they drafted before the end of the supplemental first round. Bob McManaman of The Arizona Republic says Davidson was given a tour of Chase Field and took batting practice with the big league club after signing.
Financial terms of the deal are unknown, but MLB's recommended slot bonus for the 35th overall pick is expected to be right around $1MM.
Orioles, Cardinals Interested In Sano
Jeff Zrebiec of The Baltimore Sun reports that the Orioles will attend a three day workout for Dominican prospect Miguel Angel Sano later this month. John Stockstill, the O's director of international scouting, confirms the team's interest:
"We've seen him a few times, but it gets back to our commitment of seeing the top players," John Stockstill said. "We're going to make sure we give him a thorough look and evaluation. We have legitimate interest, but we have to be sure of what we're seeing."
The Orioles worked Sano out just over a week ago, but apparently they still want to see more. Meanwhile, Dejan Kovacevic of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette passes along word that the Cardinals have also scheduled a workout for Sano later this week. It certainly looks like it will be a very competitive market for the 16-yr old shortstop, by our count no fewer than 12 teams have expressed interest in the youngster.
You can follow all of the Sano rumors here.
Braves Acquire John Halama
According to a press release, the Braves have purchased lefthander John Halama from the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs of the independent Atlantic League. Halama pitched to a 2.05 ERA in 66 IP while working as a starter, and was named the league's pitcher of the month in both April and May. He last pitched in the big leagues in 2006, allowing 51 baserunners in just 29.1 IP for the Orioles.
Odd & Ends: Penny, Reds, Nationals, Buchholz
The College World Series kicked off today, with Arkansas knocking off Cal State Fullerton in Game One of the double elimination event. Virginia is taking on LSU tonight. You can see the game on ESPN.
Anyway, here's some Saturday night linkage:
- The Angels have signed nine draft picks, including 48th overall pick Tyler Kehrer according to Mike DiGiovanna.
- Jon Heyman tweets that teams have called the Red Sox about Brad Penny, and even though the Dodgers are looking "they wouldn't take him back."
- John Fay of The Cincinnati Enquirer spoke to Reds GM Walt Jocketty, who said he's looked outside the organization for help, but "there’s not a lot going on right now." Jocketty also said that the team is not looking for a third baseman, despite reports.
- Chico Harlan of The Washington Post says that the Nationals signed righthander Trevor Holder, their third round pick, to a below slot bonus.
- Rockies reliever Taylor Buchholz suffered a setback in his return from a right elbow injury according to Patrick Saunders, and could be out for the year. Could Buchholz's injury impact the Rockies' decision to move closer Huston Street if they maintain their current hot streak?
- The New York Times' Joe Brescia wrote about the Yankees and how they've used Mexico as a source of talent recently.
- Personal fave Chris Britton caught on with the independent York Revolution according to Jim Seip. The Padres released Britton last month after allowed 47 baserunners and had a 10.45 ERA in 20.2 IP between Double-A and Triple-A. (h/t Chad Jennings)