Does Machado Sign? Will You Be Upset If He Doesn't?

[Birds of B'more]

That could be a valid point.

Not in favor of hard slotting. I actually like the drama and negotiations that come with the MLB draft, I enjoy how the player has at least some leverage in the process. I do wish they move the deadline up another month.

Yeah, move up the deadline so at least some of these last-minute players get some meaningful time in the system before the season ends. But I'm OK with no hard-slot also....it's the only chance a player has to have a leg to stand on in negotiations until they've been in the majors for 6 years, so let them get what they can now.

[Moose Milligan]

I think he signs.

But if he doesn't, you know what? Part of me will think he's a punk and I wouldn't want him here anyway if that's the case.

[JohnD]

Regarding the CBA. In Boswell's column today it talked about how it's expected that most signing bonuses will be deflated next year, in anticipation of a hard slotting system in 2012.

Sounded to me that the basic gist will be "if you don't like the bonus money we're offering now, see how much you'll get next year."

[BaltimoreTerp]

I think he signs.

But if he doesn't, you know what? Part of me will think he's a punk and I wouldn't want him here anyway if that's the case.

Stephan Strasburg? Is that you?

[section18]

Boras smells money every hour of every day. He isn't waiting until next year to get that big check. What if this guy has an injury or something worse. Boras will deliver him and knowing what I know about Buck he will trade him when he is hitting .350 in A ball or AA in a package for a quality player like he did with the Diamondbacks with some of their young players. Bank on it. Buck will definitely have input on this signing. Manny will be driving that luxury car (if he isn't already) before you know it. It will be announced before ESPN and the MLB Network closes things out just before midnight The bet in Vegas is probably before 11:50 PM and 11:55 or between 11:55 and 11:59 tonight. Boras thrives on stress and tension. Machado around 11:52 PM and Harper around 11:58 PM.

[brotherlo38]

From Melewski's blog

"Yes and no. I don't think you look at it that way as leverage. While it's a deeper draft (next year) this year's draft was really good with the top three players. If Machado was in next year's draft, he'd be in contention to be the number one pick.

"I don't think he'd necessarily go ahead of Rendon or a couple of the college pitchers, but I guess the best way to put it. I don't they are getting an appreciably better player than Machado next year even if you get the comp pick.

[Sports Guy]

The thing is, there will be a slotting system in 2012...So, teams can use that as leverage for next year's draft picks and because of that, it leaves Machado with very little leverage.

There is pretty much no doubt that whatever the Orioles offer him will be more than what he can get next year.

He will also enter a system with very little positional talent and could really move quickly.

[helloharv]

I think he gets signed and I don't care what it takes money wise. We need to add TALENT any chance we can.

If for some reason we don't sign him.... every O's fan should be upset

[VeveJones007]

Pirates signed Taillon for just over $5 million.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100816&content_id=13525122&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb&partnerId=rss_mlb&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

[Sports Guy]

Pirates signed Taillon for just over $5 million.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100816&content_id=13525122&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb&partnerId=rss_mlb&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

I missed where it gave the amount he signed for?

[VeveJones007]

I missed where it gave the amount he signed for?

That's not in the article. Sorry, I got it from various twitter feeds and thought it was a key point to bring up as it relates to Machado.

Here's a link from SI that reports that it's around $5 million:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/baseball/mlb/08/16/signings/index.html?eref=twitter_feed

[Sports Guy]

That's not in the article. Sorry, I got it from various twitter feeds and thought it was a key point to bring up as it relates to Machado.

Here's a link from SI that reports that it's around $5 million:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/baseball/mlb/08/16/signings/index.html?eref=twitter_feed

Ok thanks...I have said from the beginning that I would offer Machado 4 million and that's it...it seems like that is near what he will get...Maybe it takes 4.25-4.5 million but I will be surprised if the Orioles give him more than Taillon got.

[UMDTerrapins]

Jim Bowden:

Legit source: "Bryce Harper negotiations going smoothly at the final turn..at the final give and take..this is getting done by the deadline

[Stotle]

Can't see why he wouldn't sign. It's a much deeper draft next year. He's not likely to go as high or get offered as much. The fact that anyone seriously thinks he might not sign, is a credit to the Boras BS machine.

There aren't any stud college middle-infielders that profile with the bat. Nola is glove first and I'm not sure Ryan Wright or Taylor Featherston are Top 10 candidates.

I agree I think he signs but your language is over the top. Unless, of course, you know for a fact what BAL has thrown out as a current offer.

[RVAbird]

Ok thanks...I have said from the beginning that I would offer Machado 4 million and that's it...it seems like that is near what he will get...Maybe it takes 4.25-4.5 million but I will be surprised if the Orioles give him more than Taillon got.

I'm hearing the Orioles have offered in the 5 range and Machado wants 6.5. It seems as if each side has made its stance clear and is waiting for the other to cave. It'll be a literal last minute announcement if it gets done.

I still think he signs, but I can't say I'm not getting a little anxious.