July 2 Thread

by Kinslerhomer on Jul 1, 2009 11:59 AM CDT Comment 67 comments

Here's a thread to put July 2 rumors and signings.

Teams in on Colombian P Jhonathan Escudero include #Rays, #Mets, and #Rangers

Teams in hunt for Colombian OF Leonardo Fuentes are #Yankees, #Giants, #Braves, #Rangers, #Rays, and #Mets

#Rangers appear to be closing in on Jurickson Profar. Looks like they'll give him $700,000 to play SS.

Santa will be delivering expensive presents tomorrow to the #Rangers, #Yankees, #Red Sox, #Mariners, #Cardinals and #Mets

From BA:

...It wouldn't be a surprise to see them make a late run at another prospect, though Perdomo, Profar and Sardinas would already make for an impressive haul.

Add more if you find it.

10 recs | Comment 67 comments

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good topic thread

gracias

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
-
"Call up Joaquin Arias? He had a legit spring training and seems to have cooled off a little bit in OKC but still a DH option. " -- kch tx

by knockoutking on Jul 1, 2009 12:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Dare I ask whats the deal with Pimental

We totally out of that sweepstakes now?

Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.

by bigsteve on Jul 1, 2009 1:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

over-hyped rumors

I’m sure they have been working out and hosting every single player they have ranked in their top 50 since January (or whenever they could start) and the 7 figure guys multiple times and for longer periods. However,

Additionally, as both Mateo(signed) and Pimentel project as LF, I can’t say i really care about signing either of them for 2-3 million. Totally not worth it – Sano is; Arguellez; is, de Paula is (if his age checks out) and G. Sanchez (signed) might be. I would rather pursue a couple or three of the other guys for that amount of money like: Vinicio(signed), Sardinas, D.Sanchez (if 16), Beltre, Perdomo, Profar (only as a pitcher), Jiminian, Ferreira, Payano(signed), Herrera, Ogando and Urbina.

I’ll have a preview up at M&M later tonight or early TR AM FWIW…

Minor Moosings

by Goyogringo on Jul 1, 2009 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Position

I’d like the talent Pimentel has no matter what position he projects to. The Rangers need more of that kind of bat in the system. OTOH, I’m a fan of the sign a bunch of guys and see who pans out school of thought, since these guys are so young and basically crap shoots. I’d love to add Pimentel, but I’m not going to cry if he goes to Seattle.

G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....

by t ball on Jul 1, 2009 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yah, as sexy as I find the idea of signing one superstud for 2mm, I'm also of the belief that maybe spending 300-500k on 5 different guys is perhaps the better way to go.

But I’m greedy.

I’d of course love to see us use the big net approach and sign a couple of bonus baby studs.

The 40 Trumps All!!!

Everyone needs to drive a vehicle, even the very tall. This was the largest auto I could afford. Should I therefore be made the subject of fun?

by thedirkatron on Jul 1, 2009 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

100% agree with this

i think you get more value out of signing several 500 K guys with the amount of guess work that has to be done looking at players projections… You just dont know how a 17 yr old is gonna develop

"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"

by blalock84 on Jul 1, 2009 3:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd go as far as to say that

from a need standpoint, the organization needs a Pimentel type as much as anything. There are virtually no high end corner bats below AA. I agree as a general rule that working to outscout other teams for a higher number of the midlevel guys seems to yield the best results. Just look at how successful Cleveland and Atlanta are with that approach. But Pimentel would have been really nice to add.

Arlington, TX: home of The Blue Blur

by Brett Perryman on Jul 1, 2009 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well

I’m not sold on either Mateo/Pimentel was my main point, speed, arm or their bat (but I like Pimentel much better than Mateo). They both sound like tweeners to me: they aren’t speedy enough to project to CF nor do they project for the plus power necessary for RF. Not everyone is convinced that their power will play up. And faced with the choice between an impressive LF, and a C, SS, 3B or RF, well, LF will loses 95% of the time (and every time for 3 million). My draft board will never be populated by many left fielders (or second basemen). However, if the consensus was that there was a lot of Tim Wheeler in Pimentel, I’d be all over him, but not for Justin Smoak money, how bout 1.5. We’ll see in about 5 years I guess…

It is still possible that we sign Pimentel. If he hasn’t taken himself off the market at this late date, he is still waiting for high bid. If Seattle gets him, I bet it is because they overpay.

Minor Moosings

by Goyogringo on Jul 1, 2009 3:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd agree that to spend that kind of money

you’d better really believe in the kid.

G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....

by t ball on Jul 1, 2009 3:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

BA says he is still likely going to Seattle.

Arlington, TX: home of The Blue Blur

by Brett Perryman on Jul 1, 2009 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like seeing that last bit from BA

Perdomo is one of the top pitching prospects out of the Dominican this year, and Profar has a great name—just wish he liked pitching. Sardinas I’ve seen described as a lanky, good hands type shortstop.

Per BA’s 7/2 top 25 rankings

6. Luis Sardinas, SS—Venezuela (3rd ranked shortstop)
15. Jurickson Profar, RHP/SS—Curacao (4th ranked righthander, 4th ranked shortstop)
19. Leonardo Perdomo, RHP—Dominican Republic (6th ranked righthander)

The top ranked lefty pitcher (8th overall), Juan Urbina, had previously been linked with the Rangers, though I don’t know how seriously. It would be awesome if we could get Sardinas, Profar, Perdomo, and one of Urbina/Pimentel (4th overall, 2nd outfielder). That wouldn’t just be an impressive haul; that would be an epic haul.

Also more info on top names here via Nationals Farm Authority

by naropean on Jul 1, 2009 1:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

how likely is it that we nab even half of those guys?

"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"

by Walter Sobchak on Jul 1, 2009 1:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The three ranked guys

are all listed as likely Texas signs by BA. They are the only team mentioned in those guys’ profiles.

Arlington, TX: home of The Blue Blur

by Brett Perryman on Jul 1, 2009 2:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I love these lists, if only for the names.

Cheslor Cuthbert, you complete me.

The 40 Trumps All!!!

Everyone needs to drive a vehicle, even the very tall. This was the largest auto I could afford. Should I therefore be made the subject of fun?

by thedirkatron on Jul 1, 2009 2:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Keep editing this if you find stuff

we’ll get it rec’d and keep it up for a while hopefully

"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"

by blalock84 on Jul 1, 2009 1:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

amusing tweets from Badler

@joe_kehoskie Beltre and Ogando are July 2 eligible still. They haven’t had any age issues.

@joe_kehoskie Ah ok. Now it makes sense. I was talking about Jacob Beltre and Jochy Ogando, two top J2 guys

Looks like JD has set Omar Beltre and Alexi Ogando free by changing their names. Not really obviously, but in the shady world of Latin American prospecting I’m sure weirder things have happened.

by naropean on Jul 1, 2009 1:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

i wish they would get let in

by knockoutking on Jul 1, 2009 2:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

they are both pretty old at this point

Minor Moosings

by Goyogringo on Jul 1, 2009 3:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What is a J2 guy?

"[Font} doesn't turn 19 until the end of May and his heater can already hit 99 on the gun. That's baseball porn." - Jason Parks

by hightowersmith on Jul 1, 2009 3:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

International FAs eligible to be signed July 2.

"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
Yes we can! November 04, 2008

by Rodney on Jul 1, 2009 3:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Happy July 2nd

"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"

by Walter Sobchak on Jul 1, 2009 1:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The big news

as it pertains to the Rangers from this BA report is that they are “expected” to sign him for a mil plus, according to “buzz.”

Overall, the biggest happening for them is probably losing Pimentel, but aside from that, this would be arguably the most significant signing they’ve made since Omar Beltre and at the very least since Martin Perez. BA says that Perdomo should stick at shortstop, which is an important distinction because a high number of guys who are listed as shortstops and center fielders have zero chance of sticking at those spots.

Arlington, TX: home of The Blue Blur

by Brett Perryman on Jul 1, 2009 2:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Sorry, meant Sardinas

Arlington, TX: home of The Blue Blur

by Brett Perryman on Jul 1, 2009 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

to clarify, so by expected to sign 'him' for a mil plus, you mean Sardinas

and is he a SS?

"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"

by blalock84 on Jul 1, 2009 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

oh ok, so by Perdomo you meant Sardinas,

but is he the guy who is signing for a million +?

"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"

by blalock84 on Jul 1, 2009 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yep

The 2009 Texas Rangers offense: sigh...

by Kinslerhomer on Jul 1, 2009 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

thanks

"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"

by blalock84 on Jul 1, 2009 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

who's on first

Minor Moosings

by Goyogringo on Jul 1, 2009 3:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

how much did beltre sign for?

Actually last year seems to be the turning point for TX with respect to paying 7 figure bonuses for Intl FA. They were in on Ynoa, Portillo,and Tazawa. We’ve hit the big time boys.

Minor Moosings

by Goyogringo on Jul 1, 2009 3:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

As long as MLB keeps paying them for us

by BuckyB on Jul 2, 2009 7:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Looks like a good year

even without Pimentel. Damn, adding some awesome names, Jurickson, Perdomo, Pinky Tuscadero, etc.

G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....

by t ball on Jul 1, 2009 2:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Pinky Tuscadero!

Tell me that’s real and not some made-up name for comic effect.

by naropean on Jul 1, 2009 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

or Fonz's girlfriend

by naropean on Jul 1, 2009 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was referring to

Jhonathan Escudero but, yes, referencing Happy Days.

G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....

by t ball on Jul 1, 2009 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Goyo...

Saw yr comment about Miguel on the insidecorner blog.

Do you have a link for that?

"[Font} doesn't turn 19 until the end of May and his heater can already hit 99 on the gun. That's baseball porn." - Jason Parks

by hightowersmith on Jul 1, 2009 3:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Link?

No there has been no official announcement. That has just been my reasoned speculation since all the rosters were posted the first week of April. I’m not sure MJH has a link either. The other notables likely involved are : Jairo Valdez, Juan Polanco, Wilson Ventura, Ariel Ventura. I think Polanco and the Ventura bro.s have been released. Miggie and Jairo are likely suspended for a year, but are allowed to pitch in the DR i guess (not state-side? – see beltre and ogando). They were probably not released because they are still young enough to be considered prospects after their real age was revealed (assuming it was). This was probably not the case for Polanco and the Venturas.

Of course, there is a chance that they could all still be under investigation, with the outside chance of being cleared but I doubt it. MLB has wide lattitude to suspened players they suspect are guilty of visa fraud if if they can’t prove it with 100% certainty. The player alone is responsible for clearing up any doubt. This might not be fair given the difficulty of obtaining documents (sometimes post facto) in the dominican, but Fall 08 so the league strictly applying their authority in all cases due to the infamous age/skimming imbroglios that happened after last year’s J2.

I think I talked about all of these guys in more detail at M&M in my roster previews of the full season and extended rosters (April 6 ish) and short season leagues (May 26ish) if you want more detail.

Minor Moosings

by Goyogringo on Jul 1, 2009 4:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

With Miggy

I think you’re right, just wondering if something official came out.

"[Font} doesn't turn 19 until the end of May and his heater can already hit 99 on the gun. That's baseball porn." - Jason Parks

by hightowersmith on Jul 1, 2009 4:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

that s/b " ...as of fall 08 mlb begain to strictly apply..."

grammar fail

Minor Moosings

by Goyogringo on Jul 1, 2009 4:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

what was your comment go yo?

by knockoutking on Jul 1, 2009 7:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here ya go.

Goyogringo @ July 1st, 2009 at 12:38 pm
He turns 21 in July based on his previous birth certificate…He’s probably 25

I hadn’t heard that if true. I think Goyo’s just making an off the cuff reference to him probably having had his age revised significantly up, since that’s the most common “Visa problem” for young LA kids t have.

I’ve heard from several sources that MDLS is being held over there, but it’s always been the uber-ambiguous “Visa troubles” and I’ve yet to hear anything more concrete than that.

It could very well be that Goyo’s right and he’s 25, or it could be that he mucked around with some sort of visa scam like Beltre.

I just don’t understand why they’d keep him over there if all that had happened was that he’d had his age revised up. If he’s worth keeping, isn’t he worth brining over, too? Seems like a lot of guys have their ages revised up and/or names changed or whatever and still come over the next year, but I suppose MLB could have decided to punish him for some sort of visa fraud, which is probably the case.

So, basically… I don’t know.

We need to get EG on this case, stat.

The 40 Trumps All!!!

Everyone needs to drive a vehicle, even the very tall. This was the largest auto I could afford. Should I therefore be made the subject of fun?

by thedirkatron on Jul 2, 2009 6:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh yeah, that was more of a snipe

at an MJH inaccuracy as he specifically said that Miggie “turns 21” in July (this was based on his published age/b-day last year, 20.7 a/o4/1/09) when it seems that his true age is actually up in the air right now.

I try to throw an MJH dig anytime I can to needle his telltale exaggerations in velo and “plus-plus” ptiches. Thats just me.

What is clear is that if Miggie is charged with fraud by MLB he will get an automatic1 yr suspension.

Minor Moosings

by Goyogringo on Jul 2, 2009 7:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yah, that's what I figured.

Thanks for the clarification.

The 40 Trumps All!!!

Everyone needs to drive a vehicle, even the very tall. This was the largest auto I could afford. Should I therefore be made the subject of fun?

by thedirkatron on Jul 2, 2009 8:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

sorry

wasnt sure WHO you were talking about — gracias DA Tron

by knockoutking on Jul 2, 2009 8:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm confused, who is the Miggy being discussed?

Sano?

"wORLD sEIRES HERE WE COMER!!!!!!!!!"by bigsteve on May 29, 2009 10:21 PM PDT
"Elvis Andrus has just performed a miracle." -Eric Nadel

by WestTxAg06 on Jul 2, 2009 1:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

de los Santos.

LHP with insane K-rate, but keeps hanging around in the DSL.

The 40 Trumps All!!!

Everyone needs to drive a vehicle, even the very tall. This was the largest auto I could afford. Should I therefore be made the subject of fun?

by thedirkatron on Jul 2, 2009 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

OT: Really digging the new feature on the homepage

w/r to “More Posts from Lone Star Ball” as you scroll to the bottom.

I think that will enable good posts to have the discussion continued, without being lost into the cavernous depths of the LSB archives.

"We're One Nation Under a Groove"
- Ayjayem

by Chase Irwin on Jul 2, 2009 2:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

From New Monsoon station ..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q48u656W-Tk&feature=related

"We're One Nation Under a Groove"
- Ayjayem

by Chase Irwin on Jul 2, 2009 3:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Nice little ditty there.

Uplifting, I should like to hear more.

"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
Yes we can! November 04, 2008

by Rodney on Jul 2, 2009 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

So, where's the news?

I haven’t seen any news at all, for any team, regarding LA signings. Do they typically happen on the first day?

"What is that — five out of six? The numbers say what they say. They own us." -- Torii Hunter, 07/01/09

by NorCalRangersFan on Jul 2, 2009 4:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

There have been quite a few

Check out the BA blog or Jorge Arangure’s and Ben Badler’s twitter updates. I haven’t heard anything that pertains directly to the Rangers yet, though.

Bob Sturm doesn't like baseball.

by Brett Perryman on Jul 2, 2009 4:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

From Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pirates beat writer Dejan Kovacevic

Orioles front-runner for Sano. Will take days to play out. Pirates, Twins have made offers. Rangers on fringe

.
link

The 2009 Texas Rangers offense: sigh...

by Kinslerhomer on Jul 2, 2009 8:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

well I guess we can safely assume the Rangers have money for Latin FA's

by naropean on Jul 2, 2009 8:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

weird

we are out on pimental but now all of a sudden looking into sano?

not that thats a bad thing, I just hadnt seen them linked to him once and this on the heels of hicks borrowing from mlb. Is anyone else starting to get a little worried that we may not be able to sign a bunch of our draft picks. It seems contradictory that mlb would loan hicks the money that could be directly used to sign some picks to over slot deals.

Charter member of the Dutch bandwagon

by rchawk12 on Jul 2, 2009 9:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

simple

we are not out on anyone

Minor Moosings

by Goyogringo on Jul 2, 2009 9:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

We've been on the fringes of Sano all along

sounds like we’re just hanging in there, rather than dropping out.

Bob Sturm doesn't like baseball.

by Brett Perryman on Jul 2, 2009 10:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Latin Signing

Seems Ive seen the Rangers name in the mix for most of the big guys, the presence they have in that area is just that good it seems.

"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg

by rentz on Jul 2, 2009 10:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i wouldnt say the big guys

like mateo, sano (apparently i was wrong on that one though), and sanchez. as far as the top LA signing bonus babies go we have been more hanging around the six figure guys lately as opposed to the million dollar plus guys which seems to be working out pretty well so far.

Charter member of the Dutch bandwagon

by rchawk12 on Jul 2, 2009 10:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I suppose my point was more that they seem to be in the mix more than most teams

"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg

by rentz on Jul 2, 2009 10:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nah that is not true

they have been tied to 3 7-figure guys now that they like; they clearly didn’t think Mateo was worth 3 mill, nor did a lot of teams, and NYY may have ranked Sanchez #1 on their list whereas other teams had him lower. There are a lot of variables so not too many assumptions can be made except that every team will value the talent differently.

One thing seems certain in my estimation: the longer questions persist re Sano’s age the lower his bonus will go. I bet he gets no more than 3.5 putting him right in line with Mateo and Sanchez

Minor Moosings

by Goyogringo on Jul 2, 2009 10:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

already tapped out on this one

see my post below. I had seen some where they talked about guys close to or around 1 million, but none that were over 1 or multi million dollar bonus babies. that wasnt to say they werent in on top level talent, i was just saying that i hadnt seen them in on any of the elite guys save pimental early on.

Charter member of the Dutch bandwagon

by rchawk12 on Jul 2, 2009 11:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

no worries

Minor Moosings

by Goyogringo on Jul 3, 2009 12:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yep, that 1st paragraph sounds about right

Sanchez certaintly didnt seem like the type of guy that would get 3 million, there didnt seem to be a ton of hype, but i guess the Yankees just fell in love with him

"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"

by blalock84 on Jul 3, 2009 1:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Badler's comment yesterday

The Rangers must have 100 scouts working in Latin America, as they have been mentioned as having at least some interest in nearly every high-dollar international prospect this year.

Bob Sturm doesn't like baseball.

by Brett Perryman on Jul 2, 2009 10:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

fair enough

maybe i didnt have my ear close enough to the ground so to speak.

and rentz, yea they are definitely in on more guys than most teams, I just kind of thought that it was everyone but the top guys, which i may or may not have been wrong on.

Charter member of the Dutch bandwagon

by rchawk12 on Jul 2, 2009 10:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs