FanPost

DLD 2/8/08??? Why not!

Reported by Melissa Lockard of Athletics.scout.com.  

Over the past several weeks, the Oakland A’s have inked five international free agents: Robin Rosario, Jensi Peralta, Anderson Fortuna, Wilkin Brand and Wander Rodriguez. According to Baseball America, Rosario was given a $350,000 bonus, the largest bonus ever given by Oakland to an international signee.

http://athletics.scout.com/2/727625.html

May not be the 15 Million FSU was looking for, but it is a good sign.  They are all 18 and younger with a lot of potential.

She also redid her top 50 for the A's farm system.

The Oakland A's Top-50 Prospects
as of 02/07/08

  1. Daric Barton
  1. Gio Gonzalez
  1. Carlos Gonzalez
  1. Fautino De Los Santos
  1. Brett Anderson
  1. Trevor Cahill
  1. James Simmons
  1. Aaron Cunningham
  1. Andrew Bailey
  1. Chris Carter

http://athletics.scout.com/2/727471.html

Although it has no new sources, the Reds official MLB site is running with the Reds/A's Blanton rumor.

http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/news/...

CINCINNATI -- It appears the Reds are still trying to make improvements heading into the final week before Spring Training.
Foxsports.com first reported Thursday that the Reds are still interested in acquiring A's starting pitcher Joe Blanton, and the Cincinnati Enquirer reported on Friday that there have been talks with Oakland. A deal did not seem imminent however.

According to the Enquirer, which did not cite a source for its story, the A's are seeking a package that could involve at least two top Reds prospects. That might mean first baseman Joey Votto or pitchers Homer Bailey and/or Johnny Cueto.

They shouldn't be too desperate for pitching, they signed the free agent cream of the crop.

The Reds did add a pitcher on Friday in familiar face Kent Mercker, who was signed to a Minor League deal with an invite to Spring Training for a potential comeback.

Mercker last pitched during the 2006 season, when he was 1-1 with a 4.13 ERA in 37 relief appearances before undergoing season-ending Tommy John surgery on his left elbow in August, 2006. The 40-year-old did not pitch last season but never formally retired.