Abomination

Nick Franklin with a bomb

The last I've seen is at least 2 weeks before he starts rehab assignment.

I'm really happy with what I've seen so far, outside of losing command to the last 2 batters slightly. Delivery looks really smooth and effortless.

It could have some implications though, especially for A-Rod who could possibly see his contract voided if the transgressions are around the time he signed his extension. I don't know about you, but I really want them to have to eat that salary rather than get out from under it.

It might also dramatically drop his price in free agency. That's good if he signed with us, really bad if he resigns with the Yankees at a reduced price.

Bautista

I think there was a thread where a lot of us made predictions on the payroll for this year (before we knew about the marlins trade). Someone should dig those up and post them.

I've had insiders for a few years, but I don't think I'm going to renew it. I mostly use it for the Keith Law stuff, but I can't really justify the cost ($80 for 2 years) just for that. (I don't want the Magazine, so that part of it is useless to me).

I think Rasmus + Boni (or Izzy) for Murphy + Rafael Montero would be a better fit. Tapia may have better upside, but Montero should be able to step into the rotation right now if needed, and certainly should be ready next year as the depth we've been missing. He probably has #3 or #4 upside, but I think he's almost guaranteed to reach it. Fastball in the low 90's, but incredible control with 1.4 walks / 9 the last 2 years and 1.5 over his minor league career. Good k rate too, although it's hard to tell if that will translate as well to the majors.

Keith Law has an interesting little draft tool (I believe it's ESPN Insider Only): http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/draft/tool/index

I wonder if the Mets would consider something like Rasmus + Boni for Murphy + Rafael Montero

I think I hear the Buffalo management licking their lips from here over a rotation next year of Hutch, Drabek, Nolin, Jenkins, and Stroman under that scenario.

I would think it'll be available on mlb.com regardless.

That might definitely cost Gray a few slots, but I doubt he'd fall as far as 10 so it shouldn't affect who is available. If he's there though, I think you take him and assign Kawasaki to follow the other GM's around for a few days bowing every 10 seconds and saying thank-you. As for the bonus demands, we could presumably trade for a competitive balance pick, pick someone who would sign for the minimum, and use the extra money for Gray.

There's no way 1.5 years of Rasmus would get us Cingrani, but maybe there could be framework for a deal there somewhere. It also looks like they're going to use Hamilton as a center fielder, so how much need they have may be up in the air.

Btw, I sent you a trade proposal the other day. Are you interested in it, thinking about it, or should I cancel it? I hate leaving them open for too long.

I think I'll pass, but I'd be game for us all submitting what we think the first round will look like. One point for each slot we miss by, low score wins. I'd also be game for something where we choose who we would take each time the Jays pick, and then look back in a few years and see if we can pick better than AA can

I wonder if Arizona would consider moving Prado, or the Nats Rendon? Daniel Murphy could have some appeal - at least his bad defense comes with a nice bat. Overall, I really think Kinsler makes the most sense for us to go after (if he's at least partially available).

I think it's too early to really get a feel for a lot of this (for example whether Lind can maintain his new approach, whether Lawrie can pick it up again, whether Rasmus continues the recent trend of using the whole field or not, etc). As of right now, the only really identifiable problem spots on the team are at C, 2b, and SP. Catcher can be solved with McCann (preferably) or possibly Ruiz. Assuming Zobrist's option is picked up, the 2b free agent market is terrible next year outside of Cano who will likely stay with the Yankees. I suppose we could gamble on Utley staying healthy too. The starter market is pretty slim, but Garza would be a nice fit. Resigning JJ would be a possibility too, and Halladay would look real nice if he returns from surgery in September with his normal velocity again. I don't think Kuroda would play outside of the Yankees, a west coast team, or Japan but Hudson could be interesting. The way I see it, catcher should be filled on the FA market. 2B will probably have to be filled via trade, and pitcher may be fillable by either.

Is this for who we think teams will take, or who we would take (the results of which can't really be evaluated for a few years)?

- The KC idea doesn't make much sense for KC unless they're in it at the deadline (which is looking unlikely). - I doubt Detroit could take on Reyes contract - I'm not convinced Texas could take on Bautista's, unless it was something like Bautista for Kinsler. - Stl almost certainly can't take on Buehrle's contract.

I think Bautista's back is too sore for that. You see him grab at it periodically throughout the game at at the plate. Otherwise I would 100% agree.

Finished bouncing off the walls yet?

Guess that depends on how his shoulder feels. Has some extra zip on the ball, so maybe it's feeling better.

Holy smokes DeRosa hammered that one. Boy did we need that.