International Signings will it effect the draft picks

by Bud Light on Jun 29, 2008 5:51 PM PDT

With the international signing period 3 days away we will soon see if the A's will outspend the big boys and sign the #1 prize Michel Inoa along with some other talented guys.

However that got me thinking. The A's took some high upside guys with signability concerns. They have already gone against MLB guidelines by signing 10th rounder Rashon Dixon for $600,000 at least half a million over slot.

If they shell out the dough for Inoa(which I am all for btw) will they pull in the reins on the other upside guys like Brett Hunter, Brett Warren, Dusty Coleman, Nick Maronde, etc. I hope the A's put both feet (and wallet) forward to really restock the farm.

That would give them the extra chips to go after that extra bat. I know everyone would love to see Jason Bay in green and gold for the next year and a half.

Going to be an interesting week. Hopefully Beane buys 1st class tickets to the Dominican with an extra ticket coming back to show everyone in Oakland the newest member of the A's organization Michel Inoa !!

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I can't wait for July 2nd

I really hope the A’s get it done. All this anticipation it would be a let down if the A’s didn’t walk away with Inoa. With all the articles I’ve read on this kid he seems as sure of a thing as there is.

I would also like to see the A’s get Chris Berroa, Zac Elgie, and Brent Warren signed as I think we need some more impact bats in the low minors. I’m hopeful we can work something out with Brett Hunter and hopefully he is healthy. I don’t think we have much of a shot at Maronde, that would just floor me if we got him signed. I would really like to know what budget they have allocated to signing draft picks and free agents this year?

by AthleticsReign on Jun 29, 2008 6:01 PM PDT reply actions

Is Inoa expected to sign with a team on 2 July?

Or is that just the first day that he is eligible to sign?

A little plumbing! Got to plumb! Plumb the depths! The depths of hell! - Larry David, CYE

by Swooney's Left Foot on Jun 29, 2008 6:19 PM PDT up reply actions

I think some of the "high profile" guys

already have contracts in place so essentially as soon as they are allowed to sign they will.

Hopefully the Inoa signing(with the A’s or not) will be announced this week and not drag on.

by Bud Light on Jun 29, 2008 6:41 PM PDT up reply actions

The A's have the money

Even figuring the team spends $5 million or more on international free agents (not implausible if they spend the lion’s share on Inoa) that would still leave about $15 million relative to last year’s payroll to sign draft picks, which is way more than enough.

For every player, it’s simply a question of whether the player is worth the bonus demand. The check isn’t going to bounce if they sign him.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jun 29, 2008 6:23 PM PDT reply actions

It sounds like they can also absorb a major league contract

by WaddellCanseco on Jun 29, 2008 7:02 PM PDT up reply actions

I would not be shocked if they end up with Sabathia somehow

Jeremy was safe. He jumped over the tag.

by mrrickyg on Jun 29, 2008 7:11 PM PDT up reply actions

Starting pitching is not a priority

I understand the interest in Holliday and Bay. But Sabathia? I know he’s from Vallejo but I’d be stunned.

A little plumbing! Got to plumb! Plumb the depths! The depths of hell! - Larry David, CYE

by Swooney's Left Foot on Jun 29, 2008 7:16 PM PDT up reply actions

I'd be stunned too. He wants Zito/Santana money so it'd be a rental. We're not

a Cy Young calibre pitcher away from contention (though obviously it wouldn’t hurt).

by OldhamA on Jun 30, 2008 1:26 AM PDT up reply actions

Congtrats on Iona!!

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/international-affairs/2008/266411.html

According to industry sources, Inoa, represented by Adam Katz of WMG, has agreed to terms with the A’s for a $4.25 million signing bonus. Other clubs pursuing Inoa, including the Rangers, Reds and Yankees, were told this weekend that the deal was done, and that A’s general manager Billy Beane would announce the signing this week.

by laxtonto on Jun 29, 2008 7:43 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs

Awesome

A little plumbing! Got to plumb! Plumb the depths! The depths of hell! - Larry David, CYE

by Swooney's Left Foot on Jun 29, 2008 7:52 PM PDT up reply actions

Hopefully

Inoa turns into a better player than Willy Mo Pena, Joel Guzman and Ricardo Aramboles.

A little plumbing! Got to plumb! Plumb the depths! The depths of hell! - Larry David, CYE

by Swooney's Left Foot on Jun 29, 2008 8:00 PM PDT up reply actions

Shrug

Shit happens. I mean, the A’s spent twice this much on Piazza last year.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jun 29, 2008 8:48 PM PDT up reply actions

SHIT DOES NOT JUST HAPPEN IMO...

SHIT HAPPENS WHEN SOMEONE WANTS OR ALLOWS SUCH TO HAPPEN.
I HAVE ALWAYS HATED THAT PHRASE AND ATTITUDE.
GET DOWN AND GIVE ME 50 PUSHUPS AND SAY SHIT DOES NOT JUST HAPPEN, SGT CARTER.

Charlie Brown GO A'S WIN

by Charlie Brown on Jun 29, 2008 8:58 PM PDT up reply actions

now that i have stated that,

congratulations A’s on the signing of Inoa. May his talent be displayed and he move up rapidly, but not too quickly, through the A’s minor league system, being the jewel that he is. Ohrahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh…

Charlie Brown GO A'S WIN

by Charlie Brown on Jun 29, 2008 9:07 PM PDT reply actions

there's no turning back now

farm system restock
finally players in int’l market
it would be disappointing if they then show hesitance in not signing draft picks

another 3-4mill or so should be enough to sign some of the tougher picks
as was mentioned more premium draft picks = more depth. so maybe they can trade an extra player or two at upper levels at the trade deadline

by Asfan4ever723 on Jun 30, 2008 12:02 AM PDT reply actions

they ought to sign 4 or 5 of the best FA dominican hitters also for whatever it takes to outbid the others and really try and stock the system

Does anyone know if you can have more than one AA minor league team or Hi A team? It seems like we have too much talent that needs to either move up or stay in AA and not get bumped out when others get moved up.

by TheLC on Jun 30, 2008 5:43 PM PDT up reply actions

Nope, can't do it

There are definite limits to how many teams you can have at a certain level of competition.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jun 30, 2008 5:57 PM PDT up reply actions

I believe some other teams have more A level teams than we have ...

Aside from AA starting pitchers, I don’t think we have much of an issue. If it is possible, it would have to be a permanent change —not just something to help alleviate a short term problem.

"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback

by devo on Jul 1, 2008 11:49 AM PDT up reply actions