Batter's Box Interactive Magazine

Rounds 11-40 of the 2014 MLB Draft.

Blue Jays Selections & Scouting Reports...

R11 #324 - Jake Latz LHP, Lemont HS (Illinois) 6-2,185 04/08/1996. Low 90's fastball, curveball and improving circle changeup according to this story. MLB.com scouting video.

R12 #354 - Tanner Houck RHP, Collinsville HS (Illinois) 6-5, 215 06/29/1996. From MLB.com - Some scouts look at his frame and high-effort delivery and see Max Scherzer, while others point to his long arm action and the high elbow in his mechanics and see Justin Masterson. Houck already touches 93 mph and works at 89-92 with his fastball, which figures to gain velocity as he gets stronger. His heater is also notable for its heavy sink and also features some armside run at times. Both of his secondary pitches show promise. He sells his deceptive split-changeup with fastball arm speed, though he doesn't need to use it often against high schoolers, and he shows some aptitude for spinning a slider. He's committed to Missouri, which is where Scherzer blossomed into a first-round selection. Scouting video.

R13 #384 - Gunnar Heidt 2B College of South Charleston (South Carolina) 5-11 195 09/12/1992 - Heidt shook off a subpar summer in the Cape Cod League to post a strong junior season. It ended prematurely when he injured his hand in late April. While Heidt doesn't have a true carrying tool, the right-handed hitter does a little bit of everything and offers versatility, as well. He'll be more of a second baseman than a shortstop at the upper levels of pro ball, and he could become a super utilityman also capable of playing on the outfield corners. Heidt has more strength and bat speed than most middle infielders, and his ability to barrel balls should translate into decent batting averages with gap power. He's a solid runner whose range and arm strength are decent on the left side of the infield. Scouting video.

R14 #414 Chase Mallard RHP Alabama-Birmingham 6-2, 185 11/22/1991.

R15 #444 Ryan McBroom 1B West Virginia 6-3, 240 04/09/1992.

R16 #474 Michael Papierski C, Lemont HS (Illinois) 6-3, 195 02/26/1996.

R17 #504 Quinn Carpenter RHP, Iowa Western CC, 6-4 195 03/20/1994.

R18 #534 Dusty Isaacs RHP, Georgia Tech, 6-1 190, 08/07/1991 - Isaacs pitched in the rotation and the bullpen during his four years at Georgia Tech, but he was much more effective as a reliever. He filled a bullpen-ace type role this spring, appearing in 29 games, often for more than one inning. Isaacs throws his fastball in the low-90s with good tailing action. He has learned to pitch off his fastball and does a good job of working it in on the hands of hitters. Isaacs’ slider is inconsistent, but it is a solid offering at its best. He is likely to remain in the bullpen as a professional because his changeup lags behind his other two offerings and he has fringy control.

R19 #564 Cliff Brantley CF, Adelphi (New York), 5-9 170, 09/15/1992.

R20 #594 Aaron Attaway SS, Western Carolina, 5-8 170, 03/06/1992.

R21 #624 Drew Lugbauer C, Arlington HS (New York) 6-3 220, 08/23/1996. MLB.com scouting video.

R22 #654 Todd Isaacs CF, American Heritage School (Florida) 5-11 175, 05/22/1996. MLB.com scouting video.

R23 #684 Zachery Pop RHP, Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School (Brampton, Ontario) 6-4 225 09/20/1996. MLB.com scouting video.

R24 #714 Conor Fisk RHP, Southern Mississippi, 6-2 230, 04/04/1992.

R25 #744 Rob Winemiller RHP, Case Western Reserve University (OH), 6-1 195 09/28/1992.

R26 #774 Bobby Wheatley LHP, USC, 6-5 225 05/12/1992.

R27 #804 Owen Taylor 1B, Grand Junction HS (Colorado), 6-2 200, 06/09/1995.

R28 #834 Chris Carlson CF, Cal Poly Ponoma, 5-10 185 04/29/1991.

R29 #864 Chris Murphy RHP, Billerica Memorial HS (Massachusetts) 6-4 260 02/11/1996.

R30 #894 Kevin Garcia C, Loyola Marymount (California) 5-10 190 09/17/1992.

R31 #924 Dave Pepe 2B, Pace University (New York), 5-9 170 10/15/1991.

R32 #954 J.T. Autrey RHP, Lamar University (Texas), 6-5 225 05/12/1992.

R33 #984 Chase Wellbrock RHP, Houston, 5-10 200 01/06/1992.

R34 #1014 Brandon Hinkle LHP, Delaware, 5-11 180 11/15/1990.

R35 #1044 Joey Aquino RHP, San Diego Christian College, 6-0 195 08/13/1990.

R36 #1074 Yan Rivera SS, Colegio Catolico Notre Dame HS (Puerto Rico) 5-10 146. MLB.com scouting video.

R37 #1104 Michael Kraft LHP, Texas-San Antonio, 5-11 175 09/03/1991.

R38 #1134 Keith Weisenberg RHP, Osceola HS (Florida), 6-5 195 12/06/1995 - It's rare for a top high school right-hander out of Florida to be described as projectable, but it's a label that fits Weisenberg well. He has already seen his velocity jump in the past year, and scouts think he can make more gains, thanks to his long, lanky frame. Weisenberg's fastball now sits in the low 90s and can touch 95 mph, with good life. He has also made strides with his slider and shows an improving feel for his changeup. He repeats his easy delivery well and throws a lot of strikes as a result. Weisenberg earns praise for his makeup and intelligence. MLB.com scouting video.

R39 #1164 James Lynch RF, Pima CC (Arizona) 6-2 195 04/05/1992.

R40 #1194 Trent Miller OF, Middle Tennessee State, 6-1 215 08/05/1991.

All Blue Jays picks can be found here.

Posted by #2JBrumfield on Saturday, June 07 2014 @ 05:42 PM EDT.

Draft Day 3 | 118 comments | Create New Account

The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.

Richard S.S. - Saturday, June 07 2014 @ 06:51 PM EDT (#287941) #

Drafting Keith Weisenberg wasn't expected.

Richard S.S. - Saturday, June 07 2014 @ 08:58 PM EDT (#287943) #

So far:
#9: Jeff Hoffman will sign, for how much no one knows.
#11: Max Pentecost will sign, how much is unknown except he's in the College Post Season with a sudden death game this weekend.
A poster on this site was nice enough to let us know #144 Lane Thomas will sign, but amount unknown.
16 Seniors were drafted so they will sign.
Of the 15 others taken between Pick 11 and 40, at least one third will sign.
So that`s a quick total of 24 Draft Picks signed. About 9 more should sign by deadline but more, I don`t know.

Richard S.S. - Saturday, June 07 2014 @ 10:49 PM EDT (#287945) #

Nick Wells is signing http://www.insidenova.com/sports/prince_william/nick-wells-scheduled-to-sign-with-toronto/article_95321040-ede2-11e3-b349-001a4bcf887a.html
apparently for about Slot.

Richard S.S. - Saturday, June 07 2014 @ 10:52 PM EDT (#287946) #

Gunnar Heidt is signing http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20140607/PC20/140609339
for how much I'm not sure (Slot - $100K)?

Richard S.S. - Saturday, June 07 2014 @ 11:07 PM EDT (#287947) #

As mendocino reports, Lane Thomas is signing http://www.wbir.com/story/sports/baseball/2014/06/07/several-vols-local-players-selected-in-mlb-draft/10172041/

mendocino - Sunday, June 08 2014 @ 06:26 AM EDT (#287949) #

Matt Morgan will sign
http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2014/06/alabama_commit_matt_morgan_wil.html

Cliff Brantley ready to sign
http://www.silive.com/sports/index.ssf/2014/06/staten_island_outfielder_cliff_1.html

Lugbauer going to school
http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/story/sports/high-school/2014/06/07/mlb/10169267/

bpoz - Sunday, June 08 2014 @ 08:43 AM EDT (#287950) #

I hope we can sign Jake Latz. His talking about control 1st and velocity 2nd sounds the same as Hutch when he was interviewed by Gerry.

Mike Green - Sunday, June 08 2014 @ 08:55 AM EDT (#287953) #

Latz and Houck both look good to me in the scouting video.

John Northey - Sunday, June 08 2014 @ 11:34 AM EDT (#287958) #

Now that the draft is over, which players did the Jays draft who were ranked by B-A in their top 500?

Round	Pick	BA Rank	Name	Position
1	9	13	Jeff Hoffman	RHP
1	11	10	Max Pentecost	C
2	49	19	Sean Reid-Foley	RHP
3	83	119	Nick Wells	LHP
4	114	151	Matt Morgan	C
5	144	172	Lane Thomas	RF
6	174	309	Grayson Huffman	LHP
11	324	208	Jake Latz	LHP
13	384	230	Gunnar Heidt	2B
18	534	370	Dusty Isaacs	RHP
22	654	378	Todd Isaacs	CF
38	1134	70	Keith Weisenberg	RHP

So the Jays have 4 guys who were top 100 picks,3 in the 100-199 range, and 5 more in the 200-399 range. None of the 400's were picked. Looking at this I doubt the Jays will do what I suggested as a possibility - namely go way over budget and toss away 2 future first round picks. It would be worth doing if you had a handful of guys in the 11th and beyond who were top 50 or even top 60 but the only big risk after the first 3 picks was Weisenberg who is ranked high but not super-high. He has a commitment to Stanford and is viewed as a near impossible sign. Of course, others have been as well before (most famous being Bo Jackson, for the Jays the biggest was John Olerud who was drafted in the 3rd round then signed and went straight the majors). The only way Weisenberg signs is if he really, really wants to play but just gave too strong a 'no thanks' message to MLB teams and the Jays have tons of spare cash by signing the big 3 to well below slot deals. I don't see that happening but who knows?

Mylegacy - Sunday, June 08 2014 @ 12:03 PM EDT (#287960) #

I really like this draft.

To my (woefully under informed) eye there's 10 to 12 of them that are seriously interesting. However, I think the top three are ALL absolutely delicious. Personally, I'll be a happy man if we sign these three - even if we miss on many of the other 7 to 9 guys I also think are quite good. Unfortunately, if I were AA and these top three needed 100% of the money allocated to them (85% of 9, 85% of 11 and 130% of 49 - or some similar disbursement of the money available for those three) I'd blink and do it - even if it meant having to pass on an unacceptable number of the other tasty delights.

I'm a lousy bluffer - and that top three ALL have too serious a chance of making it to the Show for us to play Russian Roulette and pass on them.

Richard S.S. - Sunday, June 08 2014 @ 01:23 PM EDT (#287962) #

Jeff Hoffman (JR) is a Top 3 talent, with Max Pentecost (JR) being Top 10 and Sean Reid-Foley (HS) being Top 20. That's some serious Talent, and there's $7,097,900.00 available to get them signed. Any savings accrued here would be appreciated.

Nick Wells (HS) is Top 120; Matt Morgan (HS) is basically Top 150, and Lane Thomas (HS)is Top 175. That's a lot of Talent, and there's $1,462,800.00 available to get them signed. Any signings accrued here would be appreciated.

Grayson Huffman (J1), Zach Zehner (JR not SR), Justin Shafer (JR), Ryan Metzler (JR) and Jordan Romano (JR) look like stretches and while there's Talent here, I expect some savings to come as they have $897,800.00 available to get them signed.

Any monies accrued from the above signings will go to sign as many 11-40 as possible. There is another reserve available, the 4.999% over-budget amount of $ 472,830.41. That I'd like to throw at Keith Weisenberg - $572,830.41, that's 3rd Round money.

Gerry - Sunday, June 08 2014 @ 01:35 PM EDT (#287963) #

Jays have signed #4 Matt Morgan and #8 Justin Shafer.

Richard S.S. - Sunday, June 08 2014 @ 02:08 PM EDT (#287965) #

For Matt Morgan and Justin Shafer to sign this fast, there might be savings. If not, they won't be overslot by much.

jensan - Sunday, June 08 2014 @ 02:34 PM EDT (#287966) #

Jays will not pay over slot for any draftee from 1 to 10 except for #2.

Even Wells has agreed that he was excited about the monies and he would say, if he received over slot for #3, he would have said so. As well, he was expecting to get over slot from the Twinkies for a #4 draft, which would have been over 480,000. So figure he received 500,000 to 550,000 is my guess.

jensan - Sunday, June 08 2014 @ 02:51 PM EDT (#287967) #

Figure Hoffman and Pentacost sign for between 2.25 and 2.6
million with Harrison and Gatewood slotting Reid Foley at 1.8 million. A savings of around 350,000.
The rounds 3-5 should save you around $250,000.
Rounds 6-10 will save you 630,000. Reserve will be around 472,800 and that will total almost 1.7 million dollars.
Time will tell, but that is what i belIeve.
Dont see too many over slot except for #2 and Zach Zehner. at #7. in the first 10.

finch - Sunday, June 08 2014 @ 03:02 PM EDT (#287969) #

I will not be shocked to see Keith Weisenbery sign. I can see a scenario that the Jays sign him for $1.5 Million going $1.4 over allotment. plus offer him a 4-year Stanford education at $62,000/year for an out of state student. Total value of $1.74. I trust AA to save enough from the first 10 picks.

metafour - Sunday, June 08 2014 @ 03:18 PM EDT (#287970) #

Where exactly are you going to get an extra $1.3 million from to give Weisenberg? Remember that we will need about ~$700K extra just to get Reid-Foley signed as it will likely take at least ~$1.8 million to get him signed.

metafour - Sunday, June 08 2014 @ 03:21 PM EDT (#287973) #

Jays will not pay over slot for any draftee from 1 to 10 except for #2.

Lane Thomas claims that he has an over-slot deal in place. I dont expect it to be over-slot by much, but it is over-slot.

jensan - Sunday, June 08 2014 @ 03:52 PM EDT (#287977) #

My estimate is that they can save 1.7 million. Huffman and Pentacost costs 4.75 and Our 2 nd round pick is 1.8. Savings around 500,000. Believe our 3-5 pick saves 150,000.
6-10 rounds - saves $600,000
Reserve 450,000.

jensan - Sunday, June 08 2014 @ 03:55 PM EDT (#287978) #

Weisenberg will only cost you $50. Because SP is Weisenberg

Richard S.S. - Sunday, June 08 2014 @ 04:34 PM EDT (#287981) #

I expect the 1st and 2nd Round Picks to be signed by whatever means possible without exceeding the $7,097,900.00 available. Until they are signed, any saving are moot.

I'd like $97,900.00 in savings from them, at a minimum, more would be nice but not expected.

I expect the 3rd, 4th and 5th Round Picks to be signed by whatever means possible without exceeding the $1,462,800.00 available. Until they are signed, any savings are moot.

I'd like $62,800.00 in savings from them, at a minimum, more would be nice but not expected.

I hope the 6th - 10th Round Picks to be signed by whatever means possible without exceeding the $897,800.00 available. I have my doubts whether Jordan Romano will sign without going overslot, because he thinks it's an honor pick. Zach Zehner is a Junior as he can go back to School one more year and he's uncertain.

I'd like savings from this group but I doubt it will happen. Using savings from the first two groups to get these picks signed could work, but unless it's really significant money, there's a limit as to who else gets signed. A.A. made a mistake here not drafting a couple of Seniors for big savings.

John Northey - Sunday, June 08 2014 @ 04:50 PM EDT (#287982) #

My ranking of this draft...
Sign first 3 picks = win, sign 2 of 3 = meh, sign 1 or 0 = oh ::bleep::
Sign first 3 picks plus Wells, Morgan, Thomas (all 3 in top 200) = big win
Sign those 6 plus Weisenberg = jump up and down for joy

The other ranked guys (Latz, Heidt, Huffman, D Isaacs, T Isaacs) would be nice to have. All others are filler...if you aren't in the top 500 via BA then you should be a cheap sign and if you develop into a useful minor leaguer it is a bonus, reach the majors is a woohoo.

jensan - Sunday, June 08 2014 @ 05:21 PM EDT (#287984) #

My belief is that Hoffman is signing for 2.2 and Max is 2.6 , who in their correct mind gives full value to a TBJ recovering player. You give enough monies to show respect , and the player must weigh an offer that mitigates the risk against a failure to achieving full recovery.
Offering money similar to Matt Smoral signing is more than reasonable. + the final year of education.
Max Pentacost offer 2.5 plus his final year of education. Turning down 300,000 is only a net of 150,000 after tax. That is covered by his education.
The savings will aid in mitigating the overpaying the slot for Foley which based on two similar signings indicate a salary of 1.8 million and offer four year education package.
Savings of $650,000.

Mylegacy - Sunday, June 08 2014 @ 05:55 PM EDT (#287986) #

Let's play pretend....

Let's say that Jeff Hoffman tells us: that he thinks he's a Number 1 overall guy (if healthy) and accordingly would have had $6.5 million (as this years #1 just got). Then let's say he tells us: ergo you've taken me 9th overall (because I'm injured - otherwise I'd have been long gone before you selected) and accordingly you are going to get me for just my new slot, or just over $3 million. I will not sign for less. To play hardball with me is to show me disrespect - and I won't play for a team that disrespects me...

Who blinks first.

My problem is; I've over 35 years experience in Negotiations, Arbitration, Conciliation, Mediation and Dispute Resolution (all in the Labour Relations, Human Rights areas) and since I FIRMLY believe this guy is TRULY worth (at the very least) $3+ million to the Jays (if I was running the ship) then I'd talk the talk with the guy - but me - personally - I'd "blink" first IF the guy didn't bend - and give him his full slot...

Anyone agree?

soupman - Sunday, June 08 2014 @ 06:10 PM EDT (#287989) #

mylegacy - i agree. i think those believing he'll sign well under slot are mistaken, or know something about a pre-draft deal i don't.
next year, he won't have pitched again, but teams will know how his recovery has progressed, and therefore the risk will be less (presuming a return to health).
so, if he really believes he's the best, and believes the surgery will succeed, it's actually probably in his best interest to look for an over slot deal now with there being a very good chance he could be drafted higher than 9 next year.

finch - Sunday, June 08 2014 @ 06:30 PM EDT (#287991) #

Weisenberg will only cost you $50. Because SP is Weisenberg
Jensan, are you the spelling police? It's funny because trying to correct my spelling mistake, you correctly spelt Weisenberg's name correctly twice, discrediting your jab. I don't think WEISENBERG, according to you, is signing for 50 bucks. Sorry to disappoint you.

jensan - Sunday, June 08 2014 @ 06:35 PM EDT (#287993) #

You don't blink because you receive the 10 th pick , and Huffman rolls the dice on recovery. You just saved what you did not feel he is worth. What happens he turns up lame, it still happens.
Think if you were the GM who signed Grant Hill and for years after he was injured , you eat is continuous multi tens of million dollars of checks.
Or Gord ash who made the trade for Sirotka.
Look at least you know he is injured, you determine a reasonable price with a 10% movement window. Than you live with your decision. Remember there is the 10 th pick next year.

jensan - Sunday, June 08 2014 @ 06:37 PM EDT (#287994) #

You never disappoint me.

PeterG - Sunday, June 08 2014 @ 06:54 PM EDT (#287995) #

according to Hoffman, AA visited with him and talked before draft, so you have to think they discussed money and are at least in the same ball park financially or jays would not have picked him.....In light of past #1 picks that went awry, I think this is likely close to a done deal already......I am guessing between 2.2- 2.5.

Richard S.S. - Sunday, June 08 2014 @ 07:24 PM EDT (#287996) #

Indications thus far (from the pick's mouth):

Jeff Hoffman, Max Pentecost, Nick Wells, Lane Thomas, Gunnar Heidt, Chase Mallard and Cliff Brantly are signing.

Matt Morgan and Justin Shafer are signed, amount unknown as yet.

UDFA signed: Joe Claver (LHP, 6'2"190) and Austin Davis (INF/OF, 5'10"180).

There are no indications as yet from Sean Reid-Foley nor Keith Weisenberg.

jensan - Sunday, June 08 2014 @ 07:52 PM EDT (#287997) #

Gerry ,

Compare Weisenberg and Matt Smoral. Since Weisenberg is Rhp and is similar in height to Smoral. Difference was Smoral would have been a 1st round pick, where Weisenberg would be a supplementary pick to a 2 round pick.

DJRob - Sunday, June 08 2014 @ 08:10 PM EDT (#287999) #

Anyone else think SRF looks a lot like Kyle Drabek? Smoother, better balance maybe, especially on landing, but the delivery and stuff seems similar to me.

Richard S.S. - Sunday, June 08 2014 @ 10:30 PM EDT (#288000) #

While people are wondering whether or not there are savings forthcoming from Hoffman and Pentecost there are things to consider.

To the best of my knowledge, A.A. has spoken with both prior to the draft and discussed monies. Without a "meeting of the minds", I don't think he selects them when he does, if ever.

In 2012, A.A. selected Seniors in the 4th - 10th Rounds (7 picks). In 2013, A.A. selected Seniors in the 6th and 8th - 10th Rounds (4 picks). In 2014, as far as I can tell, A.A. did not select any Seniors (maybe one). I think he should have selected 2 or 3. So where are the saving coming from?

uglyone - Sunday, June 08 2014 @ 10:43 PM EDT (#288001) #

Jim Callis rates the MLB draft:

"1. Blue Jays. Toronto is an obvious choice, because it had the advantage of the highest pair of picks at Nos. 9 and 11. They spent them on East Carolina right-hander Jeff Hoffman, who was in consideration for the top overall choice before he required Tommy John surgery, and Kennesaw State's Max Pentecost, the best true catcher in the Draft. Those two were a nice haul by themselves, and the Blue Jays didn't stop there.

In the second round, Toronto stole Sandalwood High (Jacksonville, Fla.) right-hander Sean Reid-Foley, making it the only team to get three of the first 20 players on MLBPipeline.com's Top 200 Draft Prospects list. The Blue Jays got two more promising prepsters in projectable Battlefield High (Haymarket, Va.) left-hander Nick Wells (third round) and Thorsby (Ala.) High catcher Matt Morgan (fourth). They also came out firing on Day 3, taking a slew of talented and possibly signable players, starting with Lemont (Ill.) High lefty Jake Latz and Collinsville (Ill.) High righty Tanner Houck in the 11th and 12th rounds."

Richard S.S. - Monday, June 09 2014 @ 12:12 AM EDT (#288002) #

Nice glowing reviews occur after something has happened, never before. They are only significant if those really good picks sign. All those great picks in the 11-40 range only get $100 K, the rest comes from savings in the 1-10 range. A.A. deserves credit for working it out.
I stand by what I said.

metafour - Monday, June 09 2014 @ 03:42 AM EDT (#288003) #

Sean Reid-Foley is going to Dunedin to sign (note: mistook Clearwater for Dunedin).

Sean Ian Reid-Foley @SReidFoley21 · 3h
Start my job tomorrow in Clearwater tomorrow. It's exciting. Leaving a lot of family and friends in jax. Thanks for all the support. ✊⚾️

Sean Ian Reid-Foley @SReidFoley21 · 3h
I'll also be working with @Cobi_Johnson dad. Great guy. I'm excited

jensan - Monday, June 09 2014 @ 06:38 AM EDT (#288004) #

This is great news, wonderful news. If true and have no reason to doubt you, the only question that I have, is do you have bell that rings to notify you when something occurs on twitter

Richard S.S. - Monday, June 09 2014 @ 08:44 AM EDT (#288008) #

At least now that MLB Office is officially open, Draft signings and amounts will be available. Unfortunately, I've never been to that part of the Site.

bpoz - Monday, June 09 2014 @ 09:04 AM EDT (#288009) #

I hope we sign each and every one of our round 4-10 players because none are protected and we lose the money assigned to them.

If we could go back and review the entire draft's players that fell or cost approx $500,000 like A Sanchez & Noah S. These players have to have something of value eg Tyler Gonzalez great FB in their scouting report. I believe D McGuire received $2 mil & Kevin Comer received $1.7 mil. J Musgrove received $500,000. Their results have been underwhelming as I am sure many players in their draft year have as well. I hope we got what we paid for at least, for instance I hope Tyler Gonzales is providing us with mid 90s velocity. Does anyone know how much he signed for?

Richard S.S. - Monday, June 09 2014 @ 09:10 AM EDT (#288011) #

Tyler Gonzales signed for $750 K. out of James Madison HS in Texas (was a SS and Pitcher prior to Draft).

bpoz - Monday, June 09 2014 @ 09:26 AM EDT (#288014) #

Thanks Richard. For no good reason, I am optimistic about him this year. And a lot if others as well.
I believe we have a lot of great young arms in the system. If the playing field is level ie everyone is healthy, then we can compare the performances of our demoted SPs like A Tirado with never promoted SPs like Jesus Tinoco & Miguel Castro. I have no idea of how to do this in any way meaningful however.

finch - Monday, June 09 2014 @ 09:36 AM EDT (#288015) #

Gerry, any thoughts as to whom could be in Vancouver to start the short season?

Richard S.S. - Monday, June 09 2014 @ 09:44 AM EDT (#288017) #

Tyler is still in Low Rookie. I suspect an injury because 2012 was his draft year and he pitched 9G, 3GS, 15.0 IP; in 2013 he pitched 9G, 10.1 IP. I should note, he's not pitched well to date.

Richard S.S. - Monday, June 09 2014 @ 09:58 AM EDT (#288019) #

Weisenberg has an article out: http://www.baynews9.com/content/news/baynews9/sports/article.html/content/news/articles/bn9/2014/6/8/pinellas_baseball_st.html
The value quote is: With the scholarship on the table, Weisenberg and his parents went into the draft knowing college was "Plan A" unless a major offer came along.
$1.0 MM is enough?

Mike Green - Monday, June 09 2014 @ 10:30 AM EDT (#288023) #

Pentecost went 3-5 for Kennesaw against Louisville on the weekend, but the Owls lost.

Richard S.S. - Monday, June 09 2014 @ 10:59 AM EDT (#288025) #

Interesting:
Robert Fernandes @history_rob

#BlueJays sign 4th rounder Matt Morgan for $1K above slot ($459K vs $458K slot) and sign 8th rounder Schafer at slot ($160K).

hypobole - Monday, June 09 2014 @ 11:26 AM EDT (#288028) #

A Fanpost on the BBB website has a very good draft signing table.

http://www.bluebirdbanter.com/2014/6/7/5789514/2014-draft-signing-table

Forkball - Monday, June 09 2014 @ 02:25 PM EDT (#288047) #

BlueJays sign 4th rounder Matt Morgan for $1K above slot

How does that negotiation work? Morgan's agent says that he's only signing an above slot deal and the Jays say, 'ok, there's a extra grand'?

PeterG - Monday, June 09 2014 @ 02:51 PM EDT (#288054) #

Since Gunnar Heidt (#13) and a college jr. has already agreed to sign, I wonder if the Jays will still wish to sign another 2b college jr. Ryan Metzler picked at 9?

hypobole - Monday, June 09 2014 @ 03:03 PM EDT (#288055) #

The picks from rounds 4-10 are crucial for all clubs. These must be picks they know they can sign, because if they don't, they lose the player, the bonus pool money and do not get a comp pick in the next draft like rounds 1-3. Also any savings on theses signings can be allocated elsewhere, as opposed to signings from round 11 on.

Can't envision the Jays not signing all 7 guys in this group.

BalzacChieftain - Monday, June 09 2014 @ 03:15 PM EDT (#288058) #

How does that negotiation work? Morgan's agent says that he's only signing an above slot deal and the Jays say, 'ok, there's a extra grand'?

Maybe the agent wants it done that way so he can advertise to prospective future clients that he "negotiatied overslot deals for every /most draftees" ?

Lylemcr - Monday, June 09 2014 @ 03:23 PM EDT (#288060) #

I really hope we sign Zach Zehner and he makes it to the Blue Jays. He is going to be shocked when he finds out that he is not Zee Zee anymore, but Zed Zed.... :)

AA picks ZZ. Nice....

PeterG - Monday, June 09 2014 @ 03:27 PM EDT (#288061) #

Ryan McBroom, #15, 1B, college Sr. has agreed to sign.

Richard S.S. - Monday, June 09 2014 @ 03:37 PM EDT (#288062) #

With the possibility of using a Qualifying Offer for Colby Rasmus or Melky Cabrera while signing the other one, Toronto would get a Complementary Round A or late Round One Pick. That would be in the low-30s. At present, Toronto would pick 27-28. Losing this Pick while gaining another is a negligible loss. Worrying about 2016 Pick is very unnecessary right now.

I'd like A.A. to sign every possible pick, regardless of penalties. The maximum penalty loss is two first round picks. This has the chance to be a Landmark Draft for Toronto. A.A. is already faced with the losses of Keith Weisenberg, Drew Lugbauer and Zachery Pop. That's a lot of talent to lose. $500 K is late 3rd Round/early 4th Round money. $1.0 MM is mid/late 2nd Round money. A lot of picks are going back to school because they weren't drafted by the 5th Round. Money solves most issues.

PeterG - Monday, June 09 2014 @ 03:47 PM EDT (#288063) #

the players that u mention were drafted with no real intention of being signed. That is true of all teams......no team will sign 40 players...usually around 25........

jensan - Monday, June 09 2014 @ 03:53 PM EDT (#288065) #

Respectfully disagree , based on how AA gamed the system that last few times rounds 4-10 were seniors saving monies selected by TBJ.
This time around most of the talent is found from 1-8 , with three HS reaches at 11,12, & 38.
Houck is willing to sign. (12)
Plenty of the seniors announcing that they are heading to Dunedin. Last year draft is nothing in potential quality to this years draft . Be patient.

uglyone - Monday, June 09 2014 @ 04:17 PM EDT (#288066) #

Guys like weisenberg seem to me to be insurance plans in case they failed to sign one of the top guys, and had some extra money left as a result. Doubt they ever planned to sign him if they got the guys at the top signed.

John Northey - Monday, June 09 2014 @ 04:25 PM EDT (#288067) #

Not worrying about this draft until it is over. Lots of talent, some signed and as I said before - get the top 3 picks signed and this is a 'win' draft no matter what (3 top 20 talents? That is super-sweet). I thought Sean Reid-Foley would be toughest to sign given his lower potential bonus but he has indicated he will sign along with Wells, Morgan and Thomas.

There are 12 targets on the Jays draft board - guys who were in the top 500 for Baseball America. 5 have indicated they will sign, a 6th is 'maybe' (Todd Isaacs round 22, ranked #378) with one being a 'no' so far (Keith Weisenberg). That leaves the 2 first round picks (both expected to sign) Grayson Huffman (round 6, ranked #309), Jake Latz (11th round, ranked #208), and Dusty Isaacs (round 18, ranked #370).

So I'd say the only guy who I'd love to see sign who isn't likely is Weisenberg but he was a 38th round pick so options there are limited anyways. The 4 unknown or 'maybe' are ranked from #208 to #378 so they are all unlikely to be anything of note (around 200 guys reach the majors a year with most being a cup of coffee) but still would be 'nice to have'. So I stick with 'get #1/2/3 signed and all is good'. Get Weisenberg as well by some miracle and we should all be super-happy with the draft.

Richard S.S. - Monday, June 09 2014 @ 04:27 PM EDT (#288068) #

Hoffman and Pentecost will sign. When? They are A.A.'s signature pieces and will be announced in due course.

HS: Reid-Foley, Wells, Morgan, Thomas and Isaac have signed or are signing/reporting to...

J1/J2/JR: Shafer, Romano, Heidt and Brantly have signed or are signing/reporting to...

SR: Mallard, McBroom, Isaacs, Attaway and Pepe have signed or are signing/reporting to...

UNFA/NDFA: Claver, Davis and Wandling have signed or are signing/reporting to....

There are others who get signed and it doesn't reach us. So just wait and see. MLB has a record of who and for how much and it is available, but I don't know how to access the $$$ amounts.

jensan - Monday, June 09 2014 @ 04:30 PM EDT (#288069) #

Believe Dusty Issacs announced that he has a job in Dunedin saw it on blue bird banter.

John Northey - Monday, June 09 2014 @ 04:43 PM EDT (#288070) #

For those curious, past drafts are at http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/team/draft.jsp?c_id=tor with signings. Last year unsigned were picks from round 1, 17, 22, 26, 31-35, 38-40. So 12 of 40 unsigned, or 70% signed, 30% unsigned.
In 2012 they signed everyone from rounds 1-10, missed picks from #11/12, then signed all up to #24, 27, 29, 30, and a batch from 33 on.
2011 was missing #1, round 5, 9, 10, 12, 14,15,16,19,20,22,23,31,35,39 (more after pick #40 as it went to a 50th round). This was the last year without a cap.

I suspect teams are still feeling out this cap business and deciding how best to maximize talent. Hopefully AA will do so thing year.

jerjapan - Monday, June 09 2014 @ 04:55 PM EDT (#288074) #

Pretty clearly a great draft for AA overall. This team is truly firing on all cylinders.

Nice tidbit on Houck at the latest BP chat. Any Bauxites with an opinion on him?

Mitchell (Denver): Any favorite late round picks by teams that have a good chance to sign?

Draft Wrap Chat with Nick J. Faleris: For real late round guys (outside of top ten), how about Tanner Houck to Toronto. Love the upside and the Jays may find enough money to buy him out of a Missouri commitment if he's at all open to starting pro ball. The Marlins could have room to ink Sullivan (14th round) which would be a really interesting upside play, too.

jensan - Monday, June 09 2014 @ 05:11 PM EDT (#288077) #

The #12 pick has already instructed his advisor to discuss with the Jays a contract and if the monies are sufficient he is prepared to join TBJ.

metafour - Monday, June 09 2014 @ 05:15 PM EDT (#288078) #

The #12 pick has already instructed his advisor to discuss with the Jays a contract and if the monies are sufficient he is prepared to join TBJ.

Every draft pick is signable if "the monies are sufficient", so this means all of nothing as there is no indication what his price tag is or if we can come even close to matching it.

Richard S.S. - Monday, June 09 2014 @ 05:38 PM EDT (#288079) #

You missed the key phrase, "...instructed his advisor to discuss it with the Blue Jays..."

If you discuss it with you advisor present you are fine.
If your advisor discusses it with or without you present, he's your agent. He might lose his NCAA eligibility like Paxton did.

jensan - Monday, June 09 2014 @ 05:47 PM EDT (#288082) #

So he is a putz.

Richard S.S. - Monday, June 09 2014 @ 05:52 PM EDT (#288084) #

No, he really wants to play. Just wants as much money as possible to do so.

Richard S.S. - Monday, June 09 2014 @ 11:49 PM EDT (#288120) #

It possible that until A.A. signs his two stud Draft picks, nothing of significance will happen, other than confirmations on known signings.

It's easy to calculate the permissible 4.999% Budget overage and what's available, just do it for every confirmed signing at the slot value. The first two picks are responsible for just over 63% of it.

MatO - Tuesday, June 10 2014 @ 01:12 PM EDT (#288144) #

Lane Thomas has signed for $750,000. $407,000 over slot.

Mylegacy - Tuesday, June 10 2014 @ 01:31 PM EDT (#288146) #

Thomas' over slot signing means the team KNOWS we can get savings someplace (you and I just don't know yet). The team knows that IF we don't sign 9 or 11 then we lose their (approximately) 3 million each - they clearly see that they will sign and below slot. 49 will be interesting to watch - I've been under the assumption we'd need to go over slot on him...

Bite my nails or have a wee drinky - em - OK, an early sip will go down fine...

Richard S.S. - Tuesday, June 10 2014 @ 02:19 PM EDT (#288152) #

Didn't we have a Draft Signing Table last year? It would be nice, but a weekly Draft Update post might be easier (just write down who's signed; for how much). The eagle eyes out here could search the nebulous ranges of the interwebby for info that gets updated the next week (just recycle and update previous week).

Richard S.S. - Tuesday, June 10 2014 @ 02:24 PM EDT (#288154) #

Generally there are more leaks than we've had. Matt Morgan ($1000.00 overslot) and Justin Shafer (at slot) signed but no confirmed source has mentioned how much.

jensan - Tuesday, June 10 2014 @ 02:58 PM EDT (#288157) #

SFR signs for second round slot, unbelievable.

Richard S.S. - Tuesday, June 10 2014 @ 03:32 PM EDT (#288165) #

With Sean Reid-Foley at slot, Justin Shafer at slot, Matt Morgan at $1000.00 over slot and Lane Thomas at $407,000.00 over slot, we are at $408,000.00 Over Slot. Less the 4.999% over-budget number earned by these signings ($104,464.10) finds Toronto needing approximately $303,535.90 in Slot savings to cover the amount.

Mike Green - Tuesday, June 10 2014 @ 03:40 PM EDT (#288168) #

Lane Thomas has signed for $750,000. $407,000 over slot.

Good. I was hoping for one more position player after Pentecost and it looks like Lane is it. This was a more balanced draft, and if the signings keep coming, it'll be two thumbs up from me.

jensan - Tuesday, June 10 2014 @ 04:02 PM EDT (#288172) #

A number of us were hoping for 4.8 million to 5 million for the top two picks , if that transpires we pick up almost $300,000 in reserve and about 1 million to 1.1 million and slot savings.
This would definitely allow for Houck or Weisenberg or both , would Weisenberg take 3rd round monies and Houck take the remainder.

jensan - Tuesday, June 10 2014 @ 04:11 PM EDT (#288174) #

Just saved 700,000 on SRF

hypobole - Tuesday, June 10 2014 @ 04:38 PM EDT (#288178) #

"Just saved 700,000 on SRF"

Explain, please.

Richard S.S. - Tuesday, June 10 2014 @ 05:40 PM EDT (#288183) #

You mean you weren't expecting to sign Sean Reid-Foley to late First Round money (1.8-1.9 Million)? I thought more than that would be needed. If the first three picks could get signed for the allotted $7,097,900.00 with/without any savings, that would be great.

Richard S.S. - Tuesday, June 10 2014 @ 10:12 PM EDT (#288198) #

No College/University Picks are still playing in the NCAA Tournament, so they should be reporting to ??? any time now. Usually we have a better idea on who has signed from this group. It's not like they're overslot signings.

It always seems like A.A. takes forever to sign/fail to sign his First Round Pick. Then there's a rush signing any others. If he doesn't have all the i's dotted and the t's crossed with either of these guys, he shouldn't have drafted them. If they are not signed by Monday, something is very wrong.

jensan - Tuesday, June 10 2014 @ 10:30 PM EDT (#288201) #

There is a new scouting leader in town. Maybe it is a new farm scouting system.

Richard S.S. - Tuesday, June 10 2014 @ 10:58 PM EDT (#288203) #

Interesting:

If anyone surprised by how fast & furious @MLBDraft deals are coming, don’t be. Almost all early-rdpicks agree to $ before they get picked.

— Jim Callis(@jimcallisMLB) June 10, 2014

Found this on Bluebird Banter site.

metafour - Wednesday, June 11 2014 @ 06:34 AM EDT (#288212) #

How is that interesting? I've been sayig thst exact sme thing for the past week+. Teams call up potential draft picks and ask whether they will sign for X amount...they dont just pic players on random.

Richard S.S. - Wednesday, June 11 2014 @ 11:12 AM EDT (#288240) #

metafour
As valued and trusted as you are as a source and fellow poster on this site, you are not that official.

Now we have someone official (who could be sued, if wrong-ish) putting it in writing, that's interesting.

MLB trade Rumors is reporting Nick Wells signed for slot.

Mike Green - Wednesday, June 11 2014 @ 11:21 AM EDT (#288243) #

Who do you think can sue Jim Callis for what he said, and under what theory of liability? It's been a long time since I worked in a firm that did libel law and maybe you can educate me...

John Northey - Wednesday, June 11 2014 @ 11:23 AM EDT (#288244) #

So checking http://www.bluebirdbanter.com/2014/6/7/5789514/2014-draft-signing-table I see

Round	Pick	Signed	BA Rank	Name	Position
1	9	--	13	Jeff Hoffman	RHP
1	11	--	10	Max Pentecost	C
2	49	Yes	19	Sean Reid-Foley	RHP
3	83	Will Sign	119	Nick Wells	LHP
4	114	Yes	151	Matt Morgan	C
5	144	Yes	172	Lane Thomas	RF
6	174	--	309	Grayson Huffman	LHP
11	324	Unlikely	208	Jake Latz	LHP
13	384	Will Sign	230	Gunnar Heidt	2B
18	534	Will Sign	370	Dusty Isaacs	RHP
22	654	Possible	378	Todd Isaacs	CF
38	1134	No	70	Keith Weisenberg	RHP

So we have 1 No, 3 unknown, 3 Yes, 3 'will sign', 1 possible, and 1 unlikely from the core group. These are the ranked guys by BA and they are the ones I'd be chasing hardest if I was in AA's shoes. Get all of them to sign and the draft will be a very strong one.

Mike Green - Wednesday, June 11 2014 @ 11:30 AM EDT (#288246) #

I wouldn't get too excited about the BA rankings at the lower levels. For instance, Latz (the 11th rounder) is a better prospect than Houck (the 12th rounder) primarily, I think, because he is a lefthander. Both are nice high school pitching prospects. If Houck signs and Latz does not (say), I won't read too much into that.

Richard S.S. - Wednesday, June 11 2014 @ 11:32 AM EDT (#288247) #

You mean you can't be sued for putting something "objectionable" in print. Amazing how the world has changed very recently.

Baseball America has Matt Morgan signing for $300,000.00.

bpoz - Wednesday, June 11 2014 @ 12:37 PM EDT (#288250) #

A big thank you to Gerry for the extended Stats. Also thanks to everyone for their draft input.
My 2 cents, I thought SRF was going to eat up a lot of our budget savings. I was wrong, really shocked actually. I am now going to wait & see what rounds 1-10 actually sign for. I expect a few minor shocks.

Richard S.S. - Wednesday, June 11 2014 @ 01:13 PM EDT (#288253) #

Just some updating.
Jeff Hoffman will sign;
Max Pentecost will sign;
Sean Reid-Foley is signed;
Nick Wells is signed (MLB Trade Rumors multiple sources);
Matt Morgan is signed;
Lane Thomas is signed;
Grayson Huffman ???????;
Jake Latz is unlikely to sign, unless something ??? changes.
Gunnar Heidt will sign. Finished NCAA Tournament Saturday.
Dusty Isaacs will sign.
Todd Isaac is signed, but is not supposed to report to camp until mid-July. http://www.thenassauguardian.com/sports/47966
Keith Weisenberg http://www.baynews9.com/content/news/baynews9/sports/article.html/content/news/articles/bn9/2014/6/8/pinellas_baseball_st.html
"With the scholarship on the table, Weisenberg and his parents went into the draft knowing college was "Plan A" unless a major offer came along."
is unlikely to sign.

1.Nick Wells has Graduation on Friday, June 13th, so may not get posted on the Jays site yet.
2.There is little or no words about Grayson Huffman (J1 - Grayson County College, Texas) anywhere.

Richard S.S. - Wednesday, June 11 2014 @ 01:39 PM EDT (#288255) #

Of the others.
Zach Zehner (JR) is weighing his options with Family;
Justin Shafer (JR) is signed;
Ryan Metzler (JR) will sign;
Jordan Romano (JR) will sign;
Tanner Houck (HS) wants overslot.
Chase Mallard (SR) will sign;
Ryan McBroom (SR) will sign;
Michael Papierski is unlikely to sign, unless something ??? changes.
Quinn Carpenter (J2) wants overslot;
Cliff Brantly (JR) will sign;
Aaron Attaway (SR) wil sign;
Drew Lugbauer (HS) is unlikely to sign, unless something ??? changes.
Zachery Pop (HS) is unlikely to sign, unless something ??? changes.
Connor Fisk (SR) will sign. And that takes you through the top 24 picks. At this time there are 3 other SR signing after these picks, with possibly more to come.

Richard S.S. - Thursday, June 12 2014 @ 10:11 AM EDT (#288307) #

Kevin Garcia is signing/signed and reporting to...
Kevin Garcia Garci

@chipper_10

Loyola Marymount University Alumn. Professional Baseball Player. Bluejays Organization.

On my way to Tampa!

— Kevin Garcia Garci (@chipper_10) June 10, 2014

That's only the second "Official" signing of a Catcher, with one to come (Pentecost), after drafting five.

Mike Green - Thursday, June 12 2014 @ 11:47 AM EDT (#288312) #

I see that Kyle Freeland signed for $2.3m out of the 8 slot. Presumably this has some impact on where the Jays and Hoffman might reach agreement.

Richard S.S. - Thursday, June 12 2014 @ 12:28 PM EDT (#288316) #

I would offer Jeff Hoffman $2.4 MM to a possible $2.5 MM, at the maximum. When he throws his first pitch in a game, he will be one full year behind his peers. He will be mid-way throws his 22nd year. Even if everything goes absolutely right, he's a minimum of two more years away from the Majors (2018).

In addition, I would be paying for him to finish his degree. He's off anyway. This will be quick as it doesn't have to be done quick.

Savings need to come for somewhere and this is where I think they come.

jensan - Thursday, June 12 2014 @ 04:25 PM EDT (#288330) #

Offer him 2.2 million plus his education and offer Max 2.5 million.

Richard S.S. - Thursday, June 12 2014 @ 05:38 PM EDT (#288336) #

Press Release:
http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140612&content_id=79442826&vkey=pr_tor&c_id=tor

Signed (courtesy of Bluebird Banter):

RD. # Player School Pos. B/T Class Player info
2 49 Reid-Foley, Sean Sandalwood HS (FL) RHP R/R HS 6’03" 215lbs AGE: 18
4 114 Morgan, Matt Thorsby HS (AL) C R/R HS 6’02" 195lbs AGE: 18
5 144 Thomas, Lane Bearden HS (TN) CF R/R HS 6’01" 180lbs AGE: 18
8 234 Shafer, Justin Florida RHP R/R JR 6’02" 195lbs AGE: 21
9 264 Metzler, Ryan S. Carolina 2B R/R JR 6’02" 190lbs AGE: 21
10 294 Romano, Jordan Oral Roberts RHP R/R JR 6’06" 200lbs AGE: 21(CDN)
14 414 Mallard, Chase Alabama RHP R/R SR 6’02" 185lbs AGE: 22
15 444 McBroom, Ryan West Virginia 1B R/L SR 6’03" 235lbs AGE: 22
18 534 Isaacs, Dusty Georgia Tech RHP R/R SR 6’01" 200lbs AGE: 22
19 564 Brantley, Cliff Adelphi CF L/R JR 5’09" 170lbs AGE: 21
20 594 Attaway, Aaron Western Carolina SS R/R SR 5’08" 170lbs AGE: 22
24 714 Fisk, Conor Southern Mississippi RHP R/R SR 6’02" 230lbs AGE: 22
26 774 Wheatley, Bob USC LHP L/L SR 6’05" 220lbs AGE: 22
28 834 Carlson, Chris Cal Poly CF L/L SR 5’10" 180lbs AGE: 23
30 894 Garcia, Kevin Loyola Marymount C R/R JR 5’10" 190lbs AGE: 21
31 924 Pepe, Dave Pace 2B L/R SR 5’09" 170lbs AGE: 22
32 954 Autrey, J.T. Lamar RHP R/R SR 6’05" 225lbs AGE: 22
33 984 Wellbrock, Chase Houston RHP L/R SR 5’10" 200lbs AGE: 22
34 1014 Hinkle, Brandon Delaware LHP R/L SR 5’11" 180lbs AGE: 23
35 1044 Aquino, Joey San Diego Christian College RHP R/R SR 6’00" 195lbs AGE: 23
37 1104 Kraft, Michael Texas San Antonio LHP L/L SR 5’11" 175lbs AGE: 22
39 1164 Lynch, James Pima CC OF L/R SR 6’02" 195lbs AGE: 22
40 1194 Miller, Trent Middle Tennessee State OF S/R SR 6’00" 215lbs AGE: 22
- - Claver, Joe Illinois State LHP L/L JR 6’02" 190lbs AGE: 22
- - Wandling, Jon Southern Indiana RHP R/R SR 6’03" 205lbs AGE: 22
- - Davis, Austin Southeastern University UTL L/R JR 5’10" 180lbs AGE: 21

Richard S.S. - Thursday, June 12 2014 @ 10:12 PM EDT (#288354) #

I know Hoffman and Pentecost will sign, but A.A. always takes forever to get the job done. The Official news of the Wells' signing will wait until after Graduation tomorrow, either the weekend or wait until Monday.

MUST SIGN:
Grayson Huffman: there's be nary a peep out of his camp, so no one knows what's happening.
Zech Zehner: was going to discuss his option with his family. So far, no news is good news.

SHOULD SIGN:
Gunnar Heidt; said he's signing as he was given what he needed.
Tanner Houck: said his Representative was negotiating with the Jays.
Todd Isaac: said he's supposed to report mid-July?

WISHES:
Quinn Carpenter: would like to sign, will listen to offers.
Owen Turner: will listen to offers.
Keith Weisenberg: didn't say absolutely not.

Richard S.S. - Thursday, June 12 2014 @ 11:39 PM EDT (#288359) #

UDFA/NDFA signing:
Brett J. Wellman, C, SR, 6'1"200,11/22/91.
Apparently two of the five catchers drafted won't ??? sign, so another was needed. Expect more of these signings to come.

Mike Green - Friday, June 13 2014 @ 04:52 PM EDT (#288381) #

I hadn't noticed that Latz and Papierski are batterymates on their high-school club. I guess it's a sign both or sign neither situation.

Richard S.S. - Friday, June 13 2014 @ 05:43 PM EDT (#288383) #

That's the reason for the Jays last acquisition. Five Catchers drafted and two sign, with a third sometime soon. Two will not, so another was needed. Last word on Latz and Papierski was, that as soon as High School Grad was over they were going to the LSU campus. Any chance of signing them is very remote.

mendocino - Friday, June 13 2014 @ 06:41 PM EDT (#288385) #

Brett Wellman's dad Phil

http://youtu.be/TGZUKHtW7vg

Richard S.S. - Friday, June 13 2014 @ 09:34 PM EDT (#288393) #

Apparently Baseball America.com Draft Database has Ryan Metzler signing for $10,000.00 and Jordan Romano signing for $25,000.00. So far with "known" numbers, Toronto's up $4700.00 in savings with 4 top ten signing still remaining.

bpoz - Saturday, June 14 2014 @ 12:05 PM EDT (#288405) #

I am a bit concerned about our signing Zack Zehner. I thought he would sign easily & for under slot.
The money saved may be significant which would help sign one of our hard to sign lower picks.

Richard S.S. - Saturday, June 14 2014 @ 01:50 PM EDT (#288413) #

Zach Zehner and most everybody else fully did not expect to be drafted, let alone in the 7th Round. This became an issue he needed to discuss with his Family. It's barely a week since he was drafted, so I don't expect any early decisions here. And other than http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2014/06/06/3099141/torres-cal-poly-commit-picked.html there doesn't seem to be anything more current.

Any savings must come from the signings of Hoffman and Pentecost. Right now, the 4.999% Over-Budget number plus meager savings to date, gives Toronto a reserve of $156,781.58 uncommitted. Just signing our first two picks adds $298,395.30 to the reserve. Signing pick 174 and 204 only adds $22,455.50 to the reserve.

Richard S.S. - Saturday, June 14 2014 @ 09:17 PM EDT (#288428) #

Nick Wells is not yet officially a Blue Jay. This indicates that it's shortly happening. http://www.insidenova.com/sports/prince_william/nick-wells-scheduled-to-sign-with-toronto/article_95321040-ede2-11e3-b349-001a4bcf887a.html
His signing bonus is here. http://www.baseballamerica.com/draftdb/index.php

Justin Shafer is officially a Blue Jay, but his signing bonus is not know. http://www.baseballamerica.com/draftdb/index.php
But only this gives any indication of what it is.
Robert Fernandes @history_rob
#BlueJays sign 4th rounder Matt Morgan for $1K above slot ($459K vs $458K slot) and sign 8th rounder Schafer at slot ($160K).

Waiting for things to happen is strange as it seems so long ago, yet it's only one week past.

Richard S.S. - Monday, June 16 2014 @ 12:30 PM EDT (#288507) #

Kids in the Draft generally don't understand what the Money means. It's all life changing stuff that has yet to occur.

This considers they actually spend a few years playing Baseball (assuming 50% tax rate):
$100,000.00 ($50,000.00): Let's someone take a few years to decide where their life is going without the need to earn "big bucks".
$250,000.00 ($125,000.00): Will supplement earnings so they can work at "what makes you happy".
$500.000.00 ($250,000.00): This gets into the not really needing a job stage.
$750,000.00 ($375,000.00) and above: This starts getting into the "I don't need to work again" monies.

It's all about what you want out of life. I just don't think Draft picks are thinking that far ahead. Turning down $1,000,000.00 or more is "not thinking" than anything else.

Sal - Monday, June 16 2014 @ 05:19 PM EDT (#288520) #

and I am assuming you understand what money means more than what the 'kids', their parents, and their advisers do? Your assumption that $375000 in the bank is enough to live without ever needing a job is misguided at best.

Richard S.S. - Tuesday, June 17 2014 @ 08:26 PM EDT (#288568) #

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/mlb/2014-draft-signingbonus-tracker?ymd=20140610&content_id=79082538 This is a great site to keep up on Signing and their bonuses. Justin Shafer signed for underslot at $125,000.00.

Money is what keeps score in signings, as it's not quite real yet. Until you try to live on $1000.00 (gross earnings) per month, you don't know how little you really need. That varies with everyone.

The numbers I use easy ones to work with, commonly used. Tax Rates are not quite known, so 50% Rate was easy to use. Whether or not $375,000.00 (and more) is "I don't need to work again" money or not depends on interest rates given and earned (3.2% estimated).

I think First year Draft Picks/Prospects earn, I think, $12,000.00 in Year One Short Season. I think after 4 or 5 years I think it goes up to $60,000.00. That signing bonus could be earning interest. It's really simple, someone will always give you a good rate of interest on significant money.

Richard S.S. - Wednesday, June 18 2014 @ 08:37 PM EDT (#288627) #

Nick Wells officially signs for slot. Grayson Huffman signs for $225,000.00 which is $31,800.00 underslot.

bpoz - Thursday, June 19 2014 @ 11:31 AM EDT (#288666) #

I wonder what the holdup is with Zack Zehner?

mendocino - Thursday, June 19 2014 @ 12:04 PM EDT (#288669) #

The seventh-round pick of the Toronto Blue Jays said following Wednesday’s 4-3 Blues loss at SLO Stadium that he will spurn the majors in favor of one more year with the Mustangs.

“I felt like going back to school is important and the right thing to do,” said Zehner, who is expected to slot into an everyday outfield spot and replace Nick Torres as the No. 3 hitter in Cal Poly’s batting order. “We have a good team this coming year, and I just think that we have a lot more in the tank.”

Read more here: http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2014/06/18/3117829/zehner-says-hell-return-to-cal.html?sp=/99/224/#storylink=cpy

bpoz - Thursday, June 19 2014 @ 12:44 PM EDT (#288674) #

Thanks Mendocino. I do not know how good Zack Zehner is, I thought of him as a low $ signing to help the signing budget. If he does not sign, well it is his right and he has to do what he thinks is best for him. I understand this and accept it but I strongly feel that it will cost us 1 highly regarded draft pick.

Richard S.S. - Thursday, June 19 2014 @ 02:39 PM EDT (#288680) #

Sometimes School means more. It's disappointing as he had good natural power.

SJE - Thursday, June 19 2014 @ 06:16 PM EDT (#288696) #

If Zehner does indeed go back to school, then somebody in the Jays organization failed in doing the homework. Non High School draftees this late in the first 10 rounds should be almost guaranteed signs. Losing the player and the almost $200,000 draft pool is a major miscalculation. This type of player is a post 10th round selection, where if he does not sign nothing lost.

bpoz - Friday, June 20 2014 @ 09:47 AM EDT (#288734) #

Very good point SJE.

John Northey - Friday, June 20 2014 @ 11:05 AM EDT (#288736) #

Agreed SJE - it is very odd for the Jays to make that type of mistake. The past few years the non first round picks have been fairly easy to sign, with picks 4-10 being joke signings almost. He was an unranked player so he should've been an easy sign.

Right now the Jays have $71k extra to spend with the #1 & #2 picks unsigned plus Zehner. From #11 down you have a lot of unsigned. For ranked guys (via http://www.bluebirdbanter.com/2014/6/7/5789514/2014-draft-signing-table)... Average ranking in brackets.

Signed: Sean Reid-Foley (#20), Nick Wells (124), Lane Thomas (137), Matt Morgan (139), Justin Shafer (306), Grayson Huffman (309), Dusty Isaacs (415)
Says will sign: Gunnar Heidt (214), Todd Isaacs (268)
Possible: Tanner Houck (335)
Unsigned: Jeff Hoffman (11), Max Pentecost (13)
Unlikely: Zach Pop (267), Jake Latz (286), Drew Lugbauer (303), Michael Papierski (363)
Not signing: Keith Weisenberg (80)

You basically want at least 3 per group of 90 (1-90 you want 3, 91-180 another 3, etc.) as with 30 ML teams you should get 3 picks per 90. If Hoffman/Pentecost sign then the Jays will have 3 in top 90, 3 in 2nd 90, 2 in 3rd 90, 2-3 in 4th 90, 1 in last 90.

As always, getting those first two picks signed is key. Get them and all is good. The only other one ranked in the top 200 is Weisenberg - if the Jays save $500k+ with the big 2 then they might be able to get him but it'd take at least that much if not a million plus I'd think. After the top 200 spending more than $100k is unlikely to be needed or desirable (odds are strong against them ever reaching let alone having big time value). If Weisenberg cannot be had then any savings will be secondary to us fans (nice for Rogers but who cares on that front).

Richard S.S. - Friday, June 20 2014 @ 01:08 PM EDT (#288743) #

I tend to agree John Northey.
I'd like to point out Tanner Houck RHP 6'5"215 (18) is the size preferred in Starters because of their "downward plane" stuff. Also worth consideration: Quinn Carpenter RHP 6'4"195 (20), Chris Carpenter RHP 6'4" 260 (18). They don't have to just make the majors. It helps if they're just only tradeable too.

Richard S.S. - Monday, June 23 2014 @ 11:43 PM EDT (#288853) #

http://www.bluebirdbanter.com/2014/6/7/5789514/2014-draft-signing-table

Near the very bottom of the comments is the first indications Jeff Hoffman is signing.

Look for this: Evidence that Hoffman might be about to sign and is heading to dunedin. AA in is Dunedin right now also.

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