The Athletics have strong interest in five-tool Cuban outfielder Jorge Soler, according to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle. She says Yoenis Cespedes' price tag is too high for the A's, and his desire for either a four or ten-year deal doesn't work for them.
Soler, 19, has also been linked to the Yankees, Phillies, Nationals, Cubs, and Rangers this offseason. Nationals Director of International Scouting Johnny DiPuglia has watched Soler for years, and told Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post, "He’s got a Hanley Ramirez-type body. Plus arm. Plus bat speed. He’s a good kid, a good-energy kid." Though Soler would need more minor league seasoning, it's been written he could have more upside than Cespedes. Soler is younger and more talented than the Rangers' Leonys Martin, wrote Baseball America's Jim Callis, so he figures to beat Martin's $15.6MM contract. Callis notes that the $2.9MM international signing cap installed in the new CBA doesn't begin until the 2012-13 signing period, so as long as Soler signs before July 2nd, there are no limitations.
Slusser also adds to the A's-San Jose story in another article. She talked to former Giants general managing partner Peter Magowan, who thinks San Jose is "wishful thinking" for the A's. She also learned from A's owner Lew Wolff and others that the stadium issue is not on the agenda for the owners' meetings in two weeks.
if the a’s could pull soler….i would be absolutely….just….amazingly thrilled for lack of a better word…without this comment being deletable
edit: what level would he start out at? high-A? low-A?
I think the A’s would prep him for 2014 or 2015. Slow roll through the minors with a callup right before the new stadium opens.
that makes sense, i just also think they won’t want to baby him along either, so i think starting him at High-A makes the most sense
He’s Cuban = White Sox
Peter McGowan has nothing better to do..
The Giants are such a bunch of backstabbers. The most deplorable team in America. They would be in Tampa if it wasn’t for the kindness of the A’s.
$15-20MM may sound like a lot of money for Oakland, but combine that with next year’s projected payroll and it should be still less than 2011. I think Fuentes is going to be the high roller at around $5MM.
Man, Oakland is going to be bad for the next couple years. I really hope that we get a favorable decision soon to move to San Jose. We have waited long enough, just give us a damn decision already Bud!!
Beane is bound by the revenue-sharing laws, so he HAS to spend on someone, or maybe thats his goal: dont spend a dime in protest until he gets a stadium resolution.
I think he’s going to do what he did last year and try and buy all these high risk guys like Harden & McCarthy, or just pick over the scraps in Feb as players rush to grab jobs. Maybe he can find takers for Bailey, Balfour, Suzuki and Fuentes in exchange for some overpaid RF or DH. I’m not entirely sure the A’s will stink too, Seattle still has no offense and the Astros are in far worse shape. With the talent they currently have, they could actually surprise if Barton, Allen, Carter, Sizemore, Weeks, Cowgill etc all hit their ceilings. I mean the obvious thought is “no that wont happen” but this is baseball, it doesnt often play by logic and luck plays a huge part.
Maybe Taylor will finally figure it out
Remember the A’s bid 19.1M last year on Iwamura that was returned when a contract couldnt be worked out. That amount should put them squarely in the mix for Soler and with the influx of new players they dont need to add salary which also opens up more cash, even with the little fan attendance they get.
What are we talking here? Low A like a Gary Sanchez? AA/AAA/Chance of being called up later in the season like Chapman? Where is Solar expected to play?
i wanna say high-A, he’s only 19, but if he’s really that good, he should perform fine in a hitter’s league like the cal-league. maybe midway through the season (depending on performance) a promotion to AA
I think they space it out so he debuts in late 2014.
that would mean something like, high-A-AA in 2012, AA-AAA in 2013, AAA-MLB in 2014?
Now this guy sounds like a way better fit for the A’s than that Iwakuma pitcher.
here come those tricky A’s again!!
Yes please. That is all.