Angels right-hander Michael Kohn will have Tommy John surgery tomorrow and will miss the season according to Mike DiGiovanna of The Los Angeles Times (on Twitter). Here are some assorted links for Wednesday…
- The Rangers recently met with Mike Moye, agent for Josh Hamilton, but the two sides didn't get too deep into contract extension talks according to Jeff Wilson of The Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
- The Twins hope to replace Scott Baker internally, but there's a chance he might not pitch for them again according to MLB.com's Rhett Bollinger (Twitter links). Baker will miss the year with elbow surgery and the team holds a $9MM option for next season.
- Talks between the Reds and Brandon Phillips about a contract extension started last March according to ESPN's Jim Bowden. Phillips' agreed to a new deal this week.
- The Tigers have some hope that Victor Martinez will return late this season, according to Tom Gage of the Detroit News (Twitter links). The switch-hitting DH didn't need ACL reconstruction on his injured knee, and may return before the season's up. The Tigers won't know whether Martinez can play until they get MRI results in July.
- Tom Krasovic of Inside the Padres reports that Padres owner John Moores initially sought $600MM for the team in 2008 and explains why it may sell for more this time around. The Padres are up for sale again, Moores announced yesterday.
- Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram has the year-by-year breakdown for Ian Kinsler’s recent contract extension (Twitter link). The Rangers have a $10MM option for 2018 with a $5MM buyout.
- Jim Callis of Baseball America reports that most teams believe Georgia high school outfielder Byron Buxton is the best prospect available in this year's amateur draft. There's a growing sense the Astros don't want to make a risky pick, yet there's no obvious second choice behind Buxton.
Mike Axisa contributed to this post.
…Kevin Gausman?
Houston has the most to spend this upcoming June in the draft 12m as recall, but without going to look up the exact figure.. They only spent around 5m last season so don’t count on them making any “risky” pick, or going out and spending any money, new owner or not going by their scouting/draft/International track record.
As far as pre season projected #1? That almost always changes.. Players get hurt, they struggle Blah, blah.. Anthony Ranaudo from 2 years ago is living proof from 2 seasons ago.
That Detroit lineup would be horrifying.
And the slowest lineup in baseball. It would be nice to have more speed in the order apart from Jackson, however as long as they keep hitting thats no biggy.
The Astros should draft Kyle Zimmer #1 , Giolito is injured and very questionable , Mark Appel isn’t doing as well as he should be , and Bryon Buxton is just a high school player and while he is good , he’s not bet to the major leagues . Zimmer is the safest pick with his 99 MPH fastball and good breaking stuff .