SCJeff

Looks like we are making good headway in signings. Going to be some tough overslots in the later rounds. Can't imagine we sign close ot half of them.

I can't see Elias moving top 150 prospects for a rental. Now for a player who has multiple years of control, I think he will be aggressive. Therefore, don't see us adding much at the deadline. Reliever and innings eater sound about right.

Of all 3, I think you are right that Stowers has the most trade value. I think McKenna and Varva ride the Baltimore- Norfolk shuttle until they are out of options. I think both have been surpassed by younger, higher upside talent.

Seems like Elias and team have specific traits they are targeting this draft, and are willing to draft players far before the professional pundits think they should go. The long run will prove if we are right.

I agree completely with extending them. I do believe Sig will get some GM interviews this off-season if there are any openings left.

I have been posting on Bleacher Report that, while I may not like it, I still believe Westburg is the one traded this off-season. I think that's why he never got a call up to the majors. Not sure why they would move him because I really like his potential, but I think he is the headliner of a multi prospect deal.

I think he gets a chance to start in spring training, but I really think his future lies in 6th-9th inning in relief.

Based on his performance, I keep Lyles unless you are extremely confident that you can sign/trade for two quality starters better than him. Who knows, at 11M on a one year contract Elias might even be able to trade Lyles during the off-season for a lottery ticket or two?

At this point I say just give what bonus pool we have left to McLean and call it a day on the draft. Would love to have some the late round guys but don't think we can get them all with what little time is left.

This is just my guess, but 4-7 years before we see an Elias signed internal player getting to the major league club. Maybe next year if we can sign a top 10 international prospect the timeline will be faster, but it just seems like a HUGE jump from international to MLB unless you are a superstar in the making.

I would take him with our first comp pick, but my guess is unless his bonus demand is insane, he won't be there.

I wonder if this has more to do with cord cutting than MASN, not that they are doing themselves any favors.

I guess Elias is going to wait to see if there is anyone worth picking off the waiver wire before he trims our 40 man, which is now full?

Someone refresh my memory please on how many spots we have open on our 40 Man? I thought we had one, but with signing Lyles and Chirinos, aren't we going to have to designate someone, or is there someone injured we can put on the 60 day IL? Would assume we would sign one or two more Free agents to major league deals, someone has to go (not that there isn't some folks I don't think we would miss).

Yeah they just updated to say postponed.

Just read that, only going to do minor league portion. Baseball America: Major League Rule 5 Draft Postponed, Minor League Phase Will Still Take Place. https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/major-league-rule-5-draft-postponed-minor-league-phase-will-still-take-place/

To me, this is a BIG risk for Tampa. How many top prospects never met their potential in the majors? For a small market team like us, this deal has the potential to be incredibly smart or can wreck your franchise for the next decade. Will be interesting to see how it turns out.

I think you have to listen to any offer that comes across the table. Doesn't mean you are actively shopping him, but you also can't turn down a deal that is too good to pass up. If Means brings you back 2 Topp 100 starting pitching prospects that are close to major league ready, and another lottery ticket further down the road, THEN you can have an actual discussion about moving him. Same goes for Mullins and Sulser.

Obviously, based on skill level, we have more room to cut withoutit hurting. Very noticeable that only two of our DFAs got claimed. That said, figured we would hold onto Ellis too

723 OPS and 1.9 WAR/162. Think he struggles initially, then goes on a tear only to slump again at the end of the season as pitchers make adjustments against him again. All this will make him better in year 2 and beyond.

Did anyone read the blurb on MLB.com that said we were prepared to pay Jud Fabian a 3M signing bonus if he got to us at pick 41, but was taken one slot before us by the Red Sox at 40? Sounds like he is going to go back to Florida. Very interesting to hear about this type of news so far after the draft.

Dodgers going after Danny Duffy per MLB Trade Rumors.

All I know is if I was an OF in our system who was older and/or not producing, I would really be worried about getting released within the month.

I think we should do an Orioles drinking game. Every time we draft an OF, everyone had to do a shot.

I swear to God Elias is scared of taking starting pitching. Pretty soon we are going to have a farm full of outfielders and middle infielders.