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Dodgers Designate Ramon Hernandez For Assignment

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The Dodgers have designated Ramon Hernandez for assignment, according to Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times (on Twitter). The move allows the Dodgers to re-instate A.J. Ellis from the disabled list and keep Tim Federowicz on board as a backup.

The 37-year-old Hernandez came to the Dodgers on April 6 in exchange for Aaron Harang, who had been designated for assignment himself. The veteran backstop saw only 55 plate appearances for Los Angeles, batting .208/.291/.438. He did hit three homers and throw out two of the six potential base stealers he was faced with.

In parts of 15 Major League seasons between the A's, Padres, Orioles, Reds, Rockies and Dodgers, Hernandez is a .263/.327/.417 hitter. He is currently in the final year of a two-year, $6.5MM deal he signed with the Rockies in the 2011-12 offseason. Hernandez has just a .628 OPS and eight homers in 69 games over the life of that deal.

Draft Signings: Tarpley, Dixon, Bellinger, Smith

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Here are Thursday's notable signings from Day 2 and Day 3 of the draft (all slot info courtesy of Baseball America) …

  • The Orioles have agreed to terms with Scottsdale Community College lefty Stephen Tarpley, the team's third-round choice, according to Baseball America's Jim Callis (via Twitter). Tarpley, who reportedly touches 95 with his fastball, was signed for just $500 under the recommended $525,500 bonus for the 98th overall choice.
  • Third-round draft choice Brandon Dixon has signed with the Dodgers for the slot recommendation of $566,500, tweets Callis. The University of Arizona third baseman could become a corner outfielder, according to Callis, and is noted for his power potential.
  • The Dodgers have signed fourth-round choice Cody Bellinger, a high-school first baseman, for $700k, tweets Callis. Los Angeles pried Bellinger away from the University of Oregon with the largest over-slot signing to date (by percentage), nearly doubling the recommended $409k bonus. Bellinger is being advised by the Beverly Hills Sports Council.
  • The Blue Jays have agreed to terms with their fourth round pick, left-handed high-schooler Evan Smith, according to Callis (on Twitter). Smith, who stands at 6'5", has reportedly touched 93 with his fastball. $96.1k 
  • Cody Dickson, a "projectable" left-hander out of Sam Houston State, will sign with the Pirates for $375k, Callis says on Twitter. The fourth-round pick's bonus falls $54,200 under the slot recommendation.
  • The Reds have signed fourth-rounder Ben Lively for $350k, Callis tweets. The righty mixes four pitches, including a 90-93 MPH heater. His signing bonus comes in at a modest $17.9k under slot. 
  • The Rockies inked fifth-rounder Blake Shouse for $353,900, his exact slot allocation, according to a Callis tweet. Per Callis, the two-way player sits in the low-to-mid 90's with his fastball and also features a hard curve.
  • Third round pick Patrick Murphy signed with the Blue Jays for $500K, Callis tweets.  The Arizona high school right-hander missed the year after undergoing Tommy John surgery.  In the past, he has displayed a 93 mph fastball and solid curveball.  Murphy is advised by Jonathan Pridie of Sosnick Cobbe.
  • The Yankees signed third-rounder Michael O'Neill for $501K, according to Callis (via Twitter). The Michigan outfielder is quick and could wind up in center field.
  • Rangers fourth-round pick Isaiah Kiner-Falefa signed for $202K, per Callis (on Twitter). The Hawaiian high school shortstop is a solid defender with a contact-oriented approach. He signed for nearly $184K under slot.
  • Catcher/right-hander Tanner Murphy, a fourth-round pick of the Braves, agreed to a $250K bonus to forego his commitment to Southern Illinois, Callis tweets. Murphy has power in his bat and a strong throwing arm behind the dish, and he's also been clocked at 92 mph on the mound. He signed for a healthy $125K below slot.
  • The Angels have signed third-round pick Kenyan Middleton for a bonus of $450K, tweets Callis. Middleton is a two-sport athlete out of junior college in Oregon who touches 95 mph with his fastball and features a tight slider as well. He signed $91K under slot.
  • The Rays have signed fifth-round selection Johnny Field for a bonus of $250K, Callis reports (on Twitter). Field, an outfielder out of the University of Arizona, will convert to second base and provides most of his value with his bat. He signed for nearly $45K under slot.

Draft Signings: Ledbetter, Rhame, Westbrook

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Here's a look at the latest notable draft signings from Day 2 and Day 3..

  • The Mariners inked sixth-rounder Corey Simpson to an above-slot $400K deal (suggested value: $245K), Callis tweets.  The Texas high school catcher/first baseman possesses massive power and a strong arm.
  • The Rangers signed third-round right hander David Ledbetter, tweets Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News.   Ledbetter's deal comes with a $350K bonus, less than the slot amount of about $521K, tweets Anthony Andro of FOXSportsSouthwest.com.
  • Dodgers sixth-round pick Jacob Rhame agreed to a deal worth $300K, according to Jim Callis of Baseball America (on Twitter).  The right-hander, who boasts a solid sinker, got about $70K more than the suggested value for his slot, per BA's rundown.
  • The Diamondbacks went well above slot to sign shortstop Jamie Westbrook, according to Callis (on Twitter).  The fifth-rounder got $450K, more than the suggested $318K for his draft position.
  • One of the fastest players in the draft didn't waste much time in putting his name on the dotted line.  The White Sox inked third-round pick Jacob May to a $525K deal, tweets Callis.
  • Orioles 16th round pick Randolph Gassaway agreed to sign, Callis tweets.  The high school first baseman will get a bonus of $100K.
  • Outfielder Charcer Burks signed for $170K with the Cubs, tweets Callis.  That's slightly more than the suggested ~$149K for where he was taken in the ninth round.

Dodgers Sign First-Rounder Chris Anderson

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The Dodgers have signed first-rounder Chris Anderson for a signing bonus of $2,109,900, according to Jim Callis of Baseball America (on Twitter). The Jacksonville University right-hander is advised by ACES. Anderson's bonus matches the assigned pick value (per Baseball America) for the No. 18 selection exactly.  Anderson-2

Anderson, who turns 21 late next month, ranked as the draft's 16th-best prospect according to MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo, the 25th-best prospect per ESPN's Keith Law and the 45th-best in the eyes of Baseball America. Prior to the draft, Mayo wrote that Anderson, whose fastball touches 97 mph, may have boosted his stock more than any arm in this year's college class. Law notes that he faded down the stretch, perhaps due to over-usage, but has the potential for two plus pitches.

Anderson is the second college pitcher selected by the Dodgers in the past three drafts, as they also selected Stanford left-hander Chris Reed back in 2011 with the No. 16 overall pick. Both Anderson and second-round pick Tom Windle are Minnesota natives. Windle, a left-hander who attended the University of Minnesota, agreed to terms with Los Angeles last week. Anderson's deal means that there are now seven first-round picks who have signed just six days after the draft.

Photo courtesy of Jacksonville University.

Draft Notes: Judge, Yankees, Bryant, Dodgers

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Here’s a look at today’s draft news..

  • Yankees first-round pick Aaron Judge says that he’s “real confident” that he’ll be signing soon with the Bombers, tweets Bryan Hoch of MLB.com.  The Fresno State outfielder is known for jaw-dropping batting practice displays according to Baseball America and got to show off a bit as he took BP with the club today.  Judge was one of three late first-round picks for the Yankees along with Eric Jagielo and Ian Clarkin.
  • Jim Callis of Baseball America only sees two draftees this year becoming the top prospect in their respective organizations.  Third baseman/outfielder Kris Bryant had the best power in this year’s draft and even though it’s an extremely close call, Callis ranks him ahead of shortstop Javier Baez and outfielders Albert Almora and Jorge Soler in the Cubs system.  He also puts righthander Jonathan Gray over outfielder David Dahl in the Rockies system.
  • The Dodgers’ prospects are making an impact in the big leagues and there are even more on the way, writes MLB.com’s Austin Laymance.

July 2 International Prospect Update

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It's been a busy time for the minds at Baseball America recently with the MLB Draft taking place last week, but BA's Ben Badler has a different focus in his most recent piece, profiling more of the top names available in this year's class of July 2 international prospects. Here's a look at some of the highlights, though Badler's actual piece offers far more depth and information, as well as scouting videos…

  • The Red Sox have shown heavy interest in left-handed hitting Venezuelan outfielder Freddy Rodriguez, who is training at Carlos Guillen's baseball academy. Rodriguez runs the 60-yard dash in 6.8 seconds and some scouts think he projects well enough to play center field.
  • The Nationals have shown strong interest in Dominican third baseman Anderson Franco, although he will have to wait until Aug. 15 to sign due to the fact that he's not yet 16 years of age. The switch-hitter has big raw power and a strong throwing arm.
  • Dominican shortstop Lucas Tirado has become one of the Dodgers' main targets. The 16-year-old played in the Under Armour All-American game at Wrigley Field last season and figures to be in line one of the summer's biggest bonuses. Badler notes that he has a nice left-handed swing, but his other tools are questionable.
  • The Brewers are very intrigued by Dominican outfielder Nicolas Pierre, who many project to be able to stay in center field. Badler notes that he doesn't have one standout tool but is solid across the board.
  • Badler also profiles shortstop Carlos Hiciano and right-hander Mayky Perez, though he doesn't list specific suitors for any of those highly regarded talents.

NL West Notes: Gonzalez, Dodgers, Padres

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Here's a look at the latest out of the National League West..

  • Cuban right-hander Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez, who has drawn the attention of the Dodgers, has been declared a free agent and will have a showcase in Tijuana, Mexico on June 20th, a source tells Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com (via Twitter).  The Cubs, Rangers, Twins and Red Sox have also been linked to the promising hurler.
  • Yasiel Puig is the talk of the baseball world and his Arizona League manager had some very high praise for him, writes Scott Miller of CBSSports.com.  "I said, 'He's [reigning NFL MVP] Adrian Peterson.' That's how much God-given ability this guy has," Martin said. "That's the comparison I had to give. He's Adrian Peterson."
  • On the heels of the 2013 draft, MLB.com's Corey Brock took a peek into the Padres' war room.  With the No. 13 overall pick in the draft, San Diego tapped Mississippi State outfielder Hunter Renfroe.

Cafardo On Lowe, Blue Jays, Ross, Pirates, Norris

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A few notes from Nick Cafardo's latest column in the Boston Globe:

  • Free agent Derek Lowe seems to have retired, telling Cafardo that he asked agent Scott Boras not to look for opportunties for him. Lowe pitched in nine games for the Rangers this year before being released in late May.
  • The Blue Jays' situation is "a nightmare," Cafardo says, noting that some in the organization don't know whether GM Alex Anthopoulos will stick with the team he has. Toronto is 27-35 after bringing in R.A. Dickey, Jose Reyes, Josh Johnson, Mark Buehrle and others last offseason.
  • Catcher David Ross says the Rays, Yankees and Rangers pursued him, and the Pirates would have been interested in him if they hadn't signed Russell Martin instead. Ross signed a two-year, $6.2MM contract with the Red Sox in the offseason.
  • The Pirates, whose rotation depth has been damaged by injuries to Wandy Rodriguez, Jeanmar Gomez, James McDonald, Jeff Karstens, Kyle McPherson and Phil Irwin, "would now have to be interested in" Astros pitcher Bud Norris, Cafardo says. Cafardo also notes that talent evaluators wonder how Norris, a competitive player currently pitching for a last-place team, will do if placed on a competitive team.
  • It's unclear what the Tigers would do if they lost Jhonny Peralta to a suspension. Peralta has been connected to the Biogenesis scandal, and his production at shortstop would be tough to replace internally or in the trade market, Cafardo notes.
  • The Dodgers have already received calls about Andre Ethier's trade availability, Cafardo says.

Rosenthal On Roenicke, Freese, Ethier, Mets

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Here are some notes from a new video by FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal …

  • Despite the Brewers' 23-37 record, manager Ron Roenicke does not appear to be in immediate danger, Rosenthal says. The Brewers have struggled with injuries, and Rosenthal suggests that Brewers principal owner Mark Attanasio and GM Doug Melvin don't like firing managers during the season.
  • Second baseman Matt Carpenter of the Cardinals is emerging as a top hitter for the Cardinals, who have another second baseman, Kolten Wong, waiting in the wings. That leads Rosenthal to wonder about the possiblity that the Cardinals could deal David Freese in the offseason and move Carpenter to third. Freese will make $3.15MM this season, and will almost certainly receive a raise in arbitration in the offseason.
  • The Mets would make sense as a destination for Andre Ethier of the Dodgers, Rosenthal says. With Johan Santana, Jason Bay and Frank Francisco coming off the books, the Mets could have the financial flexibility to deal for Ethier and a chunk of the four years and $71.5MM that will be left on his contract by the time this offseason rolls around.

Stark On Miguel Cabrera, Kershaw, Nolasco, Stanton

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Jayson Stark's latest Rumblings & Grumblings column for ESPN came out yesterday; here are some highlights.

  • There have been enough informal conversations between Miguel Cabrera and the Tigers on a contract extension that both sides expect a deal to get done, a friend of the player tells Stark.  The tricky part is that a new deal would begin with the 2016 season, at which point Cabrera will be 33.  It seems likely that Cabrera would need an average annual value in the $30MM range, but Stark's sources picture anywhere from three to five additional years.
  • Some of Stark's sources don't consider Yankees second baseman and #1 2014 free agent Robinson Cano the type of player to build a team around.  One exec, though, told Stark, "I can't imagine him leaving."
  • Stark hears Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw seeks a ten-year deal, which would be the first for a pitcher since Wayne Garland signed a ten-year, $2.3MM deal in 1977 (those were different times).  One exec can't possibly see Kershaw leaving L.A., and could picture $200-210MM over seven years.  Even that would be well beyond C.C. Sabathia's record seven-year, $161MM deal, which was signed on the open market with the Yankees after the '08 season and included an opt-out clause.  I feel that Kershaw's agents at Excel Sports Management have to score an opt-out in any new deal, especially with the Dodgers giving them to Zack Greinke and Hyun-Jin Ryu.
  • One exec suggests the Angels offer Mike Trout the Buster Posey deal, which amounted to eight years and $159MM in new money.  Stark says "folks around the game" do not see Trout signing, however.
  • The Orioles and Yankees are "leading the parade of teams that already have interest" in Miami's Ricky Nolasco.  The 30-year-old is easily the highest-paid Marlin, and should have about $7.7MM remaining on his contract at the trade deadline.  Nolasco has a 3.61 ERA in 82 1/3 innings, and sports his best strikeout rate since 2010.
  • Would anyone sign Alex Rodriguez, if the Yankees end up releasing him?  "No chance," says one executive.
  • The Marlins have shown no interest in dealing right fielder Giancarlo Stanton midseason, say clubs that have inquired, though Stark thinks Marcell Ozuna's emergence could push them toward trading Stanton this winter.  Stanton should return from a hamstring injury next week.  
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