Beckham signs with Rays

by JBImaknee on Jun 19, 2008 7:19 PM CDT

http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/draft/?p=379

This was fast - usually these things are dragged out for a long time. Of course, it was a lot of money that TB was willing to put up - I guess they were prepping for Posey's $10 million dollar demands so they were happy with anything that Beckham could throw at them that had only 7 digits...

I wonder if this will catalyze other high picks to sign? Last year's "everyone signs on August 15th" was a little annoying.

Speaking of which - do any of you with ears to the ground know about progress between the Rangers and Smoak, Ross, or some of the other tough-sign guys?

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I like how he possibly set the bar low.

A HS prospect is unproven in the pros and to throw out crazy money on one is foolish. But you have to admit, the Rays are set up for at least a decade long run once some of these guys develop.

I would think Smoak ends up signing for a little less, but not much less due to the fact that he is closer to the majors. Beckham still has a little while to develop.

The bloggerformelyknownasBigBaddBubbaJ

by NYTXFAN on Jun 19, 2008 7:42 PM CDT reply actions

More than a little while....

.... he’s allegedly got the tools, but he’s a kid.

There is no such thing as global warming. David Murphy was cold, so he turned the sun up.

by SarasotaRanger on Jun 19, 2008 8:29 PM CDT up reply actions

The good thing is

that it gets the ball rolling and sets a figure … a very high one, but a figure none the less.

I’d offer Smoak either 1.5 to 2 with a major league deal. If he’s not ready when his time is up I’d be surprised!!

by bstair on Jun 19, 2008 9:19 PM CDT reply actions

woops

starting figures… i probably take the major league deal off the table at 2.5.

I expect him to sign in that area but up to 4 wouldn’t surprise me.

by bstair on Jun 19, 2008 9:20 PM CDT up reply actions

A major league deal!?

Look at the sig, broseph!

The 40 Trumps All!!!

by thedirkatron on Jun 20, 2008 12:01 AM CDT up reply actions

ML deal

not likely to happen, unless they find him a way to start in A+.

by FirebatM3 on Jun 20, 2008 12:27 AM CDT up reply actions

I think he should start in High A

He is a polished hitter with an advanced approach at the plate.

Perhaps I’m too high on Smoak (literally) but if an advanced collegiate hitter like Alex Gordon can debut in AA, I see no reason why Justin Smoak should debut two levels down in Low A Clinton.

Baseball Time in Arlington

by jparks77 on Jun 20, 2008 1:45 AM CDT up reply actions

+1

and zing!

"Typical woman. 'Give me' 'Give me' 'Give me'

I’ll give ya something.

1. A backhand
2. A stuffing
3. $500 if you promise never to post here again"

~ The Immortal, BG

by inactive lsb user on Jun 20, 2008 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions

I can't imagine

him needing to do much in Clinton. The best thing for him if he can get signed early is to put him in Bakersfield and see how he does by the end of the season.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Jun 20, 2008 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions