Royals To Sign Fourth Rounder For $1.5MM
The Royals agreed to sign lefty Chris Dwyer to the biggest bonus ever awarded to a fourth rounder, according to Jim Callis of Baseball America. The Royals will sign Dwyer for $1.5MM, which tops the previous mark, set when the Yankees signed Brad Suttle for $1.3MM two years ago. The Royals have shown a willingness to spend recently, going over-slot by $1.25MM for Dwyer and reportedly offering Aaron Crow $3MM.
Callis says Dwyer throws his fastball between 90 and 94 mph and also goes after hitters with a hammer curve.
Stark On Smoltz, Reds, Strasburg, Thome
ESPN.com's Jayson Stark adds the Astros to the list of teams interested in John Smoltz. Here are the rest of his rumors:
- The Cubs could look for another bat and another starter, but it depends on how healthy Aramis Ramirez, Ted Lilly and Carlos Zambrano are.
- Stark points out that Aaron Harang's 2011 club option becomes a more expensive $14MM mutual option if he's traded. The Reds haven't seemed willing to take on cash in a trade involving Harang or rotation-mate Bronson Arroyo.
- The Yanks don't appear to have interest in either Reds starter, or John Smoltz, for that matter.
- Don't expect any serious negotiating to occur between the Nationals, Scott Boras and Stephen Strasburg before the last minute. Most execs who Stark surveyed expect Strasburg to sign in the end.
- The Braves could re-sign Adam LaRoche after the season, when the first baseman will hit free agency.
- Jim Thome still impresses scouts and should be able to find work as a DH after the season.
- Some teams doubt Vicente Padilla's character because the Rangers are ready to part with him even though they need pitching.
- Some of Alex Rios' former teammates question the outfielder's work ethic and desire.
- Stark hears that Andy Sonnanstine and Jeff Niemann were claimed on waivers and quickly pulled back by the Rays.
- The Braves made a quick run at Victor Martinez before the Red Sox acquired him, but didn't get very far.
- Though their negotiations with Aaron Crow could theoretically continue into late spring, the Royals may impose a deadline of their own to sign their top pick.
Epstein: Red Sox Pursued Halladay Hard
Red Sox GM Theo Epstein told WEEI that he made the Blue Jays multiple offers for Roy Halladay, but never blew them away. (Here's a transcript from DJ Bean of WEEI.com.)
White Sox Acquire Cannizaro From Indians
The White Sox acquired Andy Cannizaro from the Indians for cash, according to CBS Sports. The 30-year-old infielder was assigned to Triple A, where the Indians had him and where he`s played most of his pro career. He had a .698 OPS in the Indians organization this year, but hasn`t played at all in the majors. Cannizaro has ten MLB plate appearances, most recently with the Rays last year.
Royals Offer Crow $3MM To Sign?
ESPN.com's Keith Law hears that the Royals offered top pick Aaron Crow $3MM only to hear that it will take a better offer. The two sides have more time than most to work out a deal, since Crow played independent ball this year and isn't subject to Monday's deadline for signing picks.
Law doesn't see any reason for the Royals to boost their offer, which he calls "more than generous." Last year the Nats drafted Crow and failed to sign him; it`s hard to imagine anyone putting off his pro debut for two years, especially if there`s a $3MM offer available.
Odds And Ends: Hall, Tate, Trades
More links for the morning…
- Bill Hall explains to MLB.com that he's confident he can still play. Seems like Hall reacted like a pro upon hearing that he was designated for assignment.
- Baseball America's Jim Callis says the Padres wouldn't have chosen Donavan Tate if they weren't prepared to pay him what he's worth. Tate can always play college football if he doesn't sign, so he has more leverage than most picks.
- Over at the Hardball Times, Adam Guttridge determines which teams won their deadline deals from a value standpoint.
- Remember to follow MLBTR on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.
Pierzynski Hopes To Stay With White Sox
A.J. Pierzynski wants to stay with the White Sox when his deal expires after next season, according to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times. Minor leaguer Tyler Flowers has been hitting well in the upper levels of Chicago's system, so Pierzynski understands that he may have to play elsewhere, as much as he enjoys playing for the White Sox.
"Things are out of my control," Pierzynski said. "I've been traded before. I've been released. I've been through it."
Six years ago the Twins traded him to the Giants to make room for Joe Mauer, who will also hit free agency after next season.
Blue Jays To Sign First Rounder Chad Jenkins
Jim Callis of Baseball America reports that the Blue Jays agreed to sign first round pick Chad Jenkins for $1.36MM, which is $9k above slot. Callis says the college righty combines "a tremendous feel for pitching with quality stuff," specifically a fastball that touches 96 mph and a plus slider.
Odds And Ends: Tate, Draft, Tejada, Jays
Some afternoon links…
- Jason Jennings of 99.9 The Fan reports that Donavan Tate left the UNC football program and appears likely to sign with the Padres.
- The Orioles expect to know within two days whether they'll sign second rounder Michal Givens, according to Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun.
- The Mets expect to sign their top pick, Steven Matz, according to Adam Rubin of the New York Daily News. The lefty could command a seven figure bonus.
- Richard Justice of the Houston Chronicle says the Astros could bring Miguel Tejada back next year, though they haven't decided what they'll do.
- MLB.com's Jordan Bastian reports that Jays manager Cito Gaston isn't sure he wants to manage after his contract expires at the end of next season.
- Joe Posnanski says Alex Rios has the seventh worst contract in the game. Rob Neyer's take: Ricciardi has signed players to lousy contracts, but he may be the right guy in the wrong place at this point. My take: Posnanski's too hard on the deal.
Sidney Ponson Becomes A Free Agent
Journeyman right-hander Sidney Ponson became a free agent today when the Royals obtained release waivers on him, according to Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star. The Royals designated the starter for assignment ten days ago after a disappointing stint with the club.
Check out our complete list of current free agents here.