CaliforniaRaisin

Looks like it's just Starlin from the big league team: [tweet] [/tweet]

They chose Stanton a year early. A bird in the hand.

Machado, maybe. But not Harper. They're not just going to completely ignore the luxury tax, and they've got their OF (and DH) pretty well covered now. Just brace for the pain now. Spoken like someone who doesn't know how painful the new luxury tax is.

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https://amp.mlb.com/263154584-ohtani-signing-changes-international-landscape.amp.html?__twitter_impression=true Juan Pablo Martinez had a showcase Friday. The Rangers and Yankees with their big 2017-18 pools had a big presence there. Also working out today were 16-year old Cuban 3B/OF Malcolm Nuñez and 19-year old 3B/OF Oscar Luis Marten Nuñez.

The Cubs did scout him coming out of HS but the two teams most likely to sign him back then were the Dodgers and Rangers (though San Diego GM AJ Preller was with Texas back then). FYI, no Japanese HSer has signed with a big league team due to a handshake agreement between MLB and NPB so the scouting of Ohtani out of HS was getting into tenuous territory. Some teams with good relationships in Japan might have been more wary of getting involved.

The Cubs have a World Series ring(Torres for Chapman) and Quintana(Eloy) because they got the very best IFAs in a particular class. They also got the top rated Cuban prospect (possibly the best IFA overall) in 2012 and turned him into Wade Davis.

Releasing a statement that you couldn't trade for a player seems like such a dick move: [tweet] [/tweet]

Really shocked Cardinals didn't just hack into the Astros' computer system and get tips from them since the Astros made Giancarlo's top 4.

He could've picked San Diego if he really wanted to hide. He'll be able to market to the LA metro's Japanese population (the largest Japanese population of any metro with an MLB team). The Angels missed the WC by 5 games. Full seasons of Upton and Ohtani should definitely make them competitive.

I just didn't want it to be the Dodgers but I do completely agree with this post.

Now the Mariners have tons of IFA money and Dee Gordon playing out of position!

I live 25 miles from Angels Stadium and sometimes forget Mike Trout exists.

Exactly my thought. The prospect cost to gain a million or two dollars and distinguish yourself from close competitors is totally worth it.

That's disappointing on Severino and Martinez. The Yankees also were linked to two top 20 prospects from the 2017-18 class they had slow played in case they needed funds for Ohtani. Do you know who those two are? According to MLB.com, SS Ronny Rojas (11th overall) is the only IFA prospect listed with the Yankees being the favorite. (Not doubting your recollection just wondering who it is.) Of the 6 remaining unsigned top 30 IFAs, only one is reported to be linked to another team. SS Jelfry Marte (3rd overall - released by the Twins because of vision problems) OF Raimfer Salinas (6th overall), C Antonio Cabello (8th overall), SS Osleivis Basabe (24th overall), OF Wildred Patino (25th overall) and Stir Candelario (29th overall linked to the Mariners) are all listed as unsigned by MLB.com. Obviously, unless some of them choose to wait until the next signing period, the Cubs are out on these guys. And with teams like the Mariners and Angels trading for 2017-18 IFA money (and other teams with money still left to spend), one or both of them (if they don't get Ohtani) will have funds to potentially sign some of them. EDIT - I guess the Cubs could be in on Marte. I think he was declared a free agent. It all depends on the severity of his vision issues. They've been linked to Salinas and Cabello, though they were considered wild cards even at the start of the signing period. Actually, they're also linked to Basabe but BA has him ranked 48.

I'm confused. Why? Is there some info on this guy I'm not seeing? Or are you thinking of Julio Pablo Martinez, who I agree isn't likely to make it that long? Oh whoops. I confused two 21-year old outfielders with a last name of Martinez.

[tweet] [/tweet] Doesn't look like he'll make it to 7/2/2018.

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Padres are restricted too. Could be the Angels, collecting pool space for their recent Braves free agent spree. Doesn’t that come out of next years pool? That's what has been assumed, yes.

that doesn’t bode well for us. Or the Dodgers. I think no one else has restrictions right? Padres are restricted too. Could be the Angels, collecting pool space for their recent Braves free agent spree.

The consensus amongst the Internet publications is this is a very deep draft. Callis said it might the best draft since 2011.

Same here. I am hoping beyond hope we get the 15 year old, 96MPH guy at this point. Severino and the Cuban OFer(Martinez) seem likely to wind up with the Yankees. They were mentioned today with them. I'd take a flyer on Contreras. But using 17-18 money. I'd like Bae. But, I'm not positive he's in the same position as the rest of these guys. His contract was voided. He may not be a guy we can give the extra 200k to. Not sure if we can use 18-19 money on him yet. That's disappointing on Severino and Martinez. The Yankees also were linked to two top 20 prospects from the 2017-18 class they had slow played in case they needed funds for Ohtani.

Damn. Severino and Bae are the only ones I care about now. Really was hoping for Rosario or Maitan to beef up the farm by the trade deadline.

Kevin Maitan signs with the Angels.

Heyman says 2/$15.5 million. I was very interested in him as a 5th starter.