likely to begin at A+ and AA, respectively. Our best SS prospects (Avelino, Mateo, even Wade) will be no higher than A+ and even that could be pushing it. I get that it's just a year of Kendrick, but if we need rentals anywhere they would be at 3B or SS.
with their top 50 prospects. I can't discuss the rankings, but I am amazed at how much depth we have now compared to the last few years. The Yankees system is definitely on the way up.
Prado can play 3rd or RF A-Roid has to play somewhere and if we were looking to fill 3rd I would be very happy re-signing Headley. SS now that is another story.
The Stick had better minor league power numbers than I remembered, although he never really showed that in the big leagues. It still seems like Bird has more raw power though.
the issue that he has is that his patience, while generally very positive, means that he tends to miss out on some of the better pitches to drive, which are early in the AB. If he gets behind he is protecting, and if he gets ahead they respect his power enough not to groove a strike just to avoid putting him on base.
According to several media reports Yang will be posted on Monday with all teams submitting silent bids. The winner of the bid has 30 days to sign Yang.
Yang who is 26 years old was the Korean Cy Young award winner last year. Left handed pitcher that sits in low 90s and a has a delivery described as "smooth" by several scouts.
Ryu signed a 6 year 36 million dollar contract 3 years ago with the Dodgers in a similar situation.
Have to imagine the winning bid will be around 15 million dollars and his contract approximately 6 years 50 million.
I would prefer the Yankees sign McCarthy at 3/36 as he has proven he can pitch effectively in New York.
Yanks had a significant presence at the Moncada workouts. In some ways the Yanks have a leg up because they factor in paying almost double for every new contract into the price of doing business, but in other ways they've got the same considerations they always do. Though the penalty will not be double-counted, the salary will be (30-40 mil bonus/salary, 30-40 mil penalty, luxury tax penalty on the bonus/salary).
that compares him to Nick Swisher. I think that is a little low on his ceiling but if he can have the offensive career Nick Swisher has it'll still be a success. Link - ( New Window )
Eric Schmitt will reportedly pair with Gary Denbo...
Update (12:23pm): Moncada has been declared a free agent by MLB, according to Jesse Sanchez. He must still be unblocked by the Office of Foreign Assets Control before he can sign, however. No word on when that may happen. The important thing is that it appears Moncada will be cleared to sign well before June 15th and count towards the 2014-15 international signing period, putting the Yankees in great position to sign him, as explained below. - See more at: http://riveraveblues.com/#sthash.9q7lRfqX.dpuf
[quote]The Yankees exceeded their 2014-15 spending pool and will not be able to sign a player for more than $300k during the 2015-16 and 2016-17 signing periods, but if Moncada is declared a free agent by June 15th, he would count towards the 2014-15 signing period and the Yankees would be able to sign him for any amount [quote]
probably not a SS, but likely a 3B or corner OF who does just about everything well and by the accounts of most of these talent evaluators would be a Top 10 prospect in the game immediately. Curious as to where he would begin if signed, maybe A+, maybe higher.
Also would be surprised if the Yanks didn't sign one of these four or so high-profile int'l free agents (Moncada, Tomas and the two Koreans).
Just searched about Nick Johnson's career numbers, MLB and MiLB. What an OBP monster. I'd sign up for "healthy Nick Johnson" when it comes to Greg Bird. 25 HRs + .380 OBP seems to be a possible ceiling for Bird, and that would be a pretty damn valuable offensive ceiling in today's game.
it's interesting, he is on a Cuban passport so it might be the Cuban govt trying to recoup some of his bonus, to my knowledge this is the first time this has been allowed to happen. It might also slow up his clearance by the OFAC. He is also being repped by a CPA from South Florida, not by a traditional sports agent. But the Yanks, the Red Sox, the Rays and the Angels are the teams that are already in the penalty so there is at least some incentive for them to spend that isn't there for others. For the Rays an $80 mil investment ($40 mil plus penalties) is no small potatoes, and the Angels are believed to be all but topped out on payroll. So the Yanks and Sox are the teams that really have an incentive to go heavy after Moncada. Link - ( New Window )
I had a lengthy exchange with Mike Newman from RotoScouting about Bird and Judge. He reiterated a Swisher comp for Bird, which I still find less than apt (though again if a fifth rounder has the career Swisher does you certainly call it a success). He likened Judge to Kyle Blanks, which actually makes some sense based on their MILB performance, but he said Judge's arm was unimpressive which strikes me as silly.
I don't care what the experts say. I still remember being in a chat with Jim Callis when he said Cano would have to move to left field since he didn't have the speed to play 2nd.
his K rate this year was pretty substantial for the low minors and he is likely to continue to struggle to control the strike zone because of how large it is. He still has a huge ceiling but that to me is his big obstacle.
so there could be a bunch of called strikes where he just didn't see it that way. He was nowhere near as "primitive" as they thought he would be this past year, and he'll probably be even more refined going forward.
he said Judge's arm was unimpressive which strikes me as silly.
Very silly, since a poll of scouts at the AFL voted Judge as the best outfield arm in the league:
Quote:
Outfield arm
Aaron Judge, Yankees. One scout said it's a true 70 arm. Renfroe, Buxton and the Braves' Edward Salcedo also received nods. Judge also received the most player votes, with the Royals' Bubba Starling coming in second. Renfroe finished third.
he is the nearest at hand of any of the outfielders, the guy most likely to get a sustained look if any of the starting three go down with injuries. He has a bit of Melky in him in that he has a patient approach and will likely hit for average but the power, if it comes, probably won't come until he's at the big-league level.
RAB speculates that Murphy may not be handed the backup catcher job. Romine could probably handle it and they'll likely bring in a veteran for a ST battle. Romine is out of options so it's either up or out for him. Link - ( New Window )
Murphy didn't have a great year, but he's still pretty young and can improve. Romine, on the other hand, I feel rather comfortable in saying he's just not a good ballplayer.
Murphy is a starting-caliber two-way catcher. Romine is a serviceable backup. Sitting Murphy behind McCann may not be making the best use of him in terms of his value. Him hitting .280 in 200 ABs vs dealing him for something we actually need.
pretty shitty on the whole (Ben Gamel doesn't have plus speed), reads like he saw one or two games and drew conclusions based on that, but it's worth reading to get another perspective. Link - ( New Window )
so Murphy is tradeable, but more easily lost next offseason if Sanchez progresses.
Also the Jays forfeit their pick so the Yanks are now at 16, their best draft position since they picked Matt Drews #13 overall in 1993. They picked at 17 in 2005.
1.099 WHIP as a 20 year old at Tampa, rated the #12 prospect in baseball. But every year after that was worse than the one that proceeded it, and I don't think he ever made it out of AAA.
Yanks may 'revisit' their decision to sit this winter out and look at Scherzer. The article seems like shit-stirring as much as anything else, but stranger things have happened. Link - ( New Window )
Yanks may 'revisit' their decision to sit this winter out and look at Scherzer. The article seems like shit-stirring as much as anything else, but stranger things have happened. Link - ( New Window )
I read this also, and you wonder whether it's Boras stirring the pot with a rumor to get some action going on Scherzer. Hard to imagine the Yanks leaking this if it were true.
Yeah that was my inclination. I guess if the asking price comes down enough, but that seems unlikely. It may take Lester signing somewhere to start the dominoes but I would be surprised if the Cubs and Red Sox aren't in on him if they haven't signed Shields or Lester.
being at a Yankee afternoon game the day of that draft with schnitzie. Giambi hit a walkoff home run right around the time we drafted Cole, I was so pumped
can handle short unless they want below avg defense.
They've accepted below average defense there for several years. Stick Hanley there for two years, hopefully one of Mateo or Avelino is ready by then, and move him off the position for the balance of his contract.
I'd prefer they keep the pick too, but if they're going to waste it on someone let it be Hanley. Having Ellsbury, Gardner, Prado, a hopefully healthy Beltran and Ramirez and that starts looking like a major league lineup again.
The Yankees need to sign Moncada and set up it's next run from 2017 forward.
The next generation Yankee core consisting of Tanaka, Pineda, Clarkin, Hensley, Greene, Betances, Severino, Lindgren, Judge, Bird, Sanchez, Torrens, Jaliego, Refsnyder, Mateo, Austin and hopefully Moncada will be fun to watch.
This combined with CC, Tex, ARod and Beltran contracts expiring will also give the Yankees a boatload of cash to sign and add the missing pieces.
the farm is in pretty good shape, with prospects (not elite prospects in all cases, but MLB prospects) at every level from rookie ball up to AAA. Things turned around pretty quickly in terms of esteem, and mostly with guys already in the system (plus the 7/2).
to the 40 man roster. Perhaps the Yankees will also consider Pinder who had a nice bounce back last year and has a real live arm, mid 90s fastball with movement. He could be a solid bullpen arm.
in that both have big fastballs, both can throw multiple innings, and both have 8-9 inning ceiling. Burawa is still recovering from injury and is a little wilder but his velocity is back and his K rate is as good as it has been.
Teams such as #BlueJays, #WhiteSox also could push for Headley. Thinner market at 3B next winter. Aramis at 37, Uribe at 36, Freese.
0 replies 4 retweets 1 favorite
Ken Rosenthal @Ken_Rosenthal 32s32 seconds ago
Just asking: Dont #Yankees need to lock up Headley quickly? If #SFGiants re-sign Sandoval, #RedSox could pursue Headley to play third.
good, let someone else pay through the nose for mediocrity
but they're not going to get ridiculous with a contract. Prado at 3B and Refsnyder or Pirela at 2B wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. I get that it's a thin market next year, but Prado is serviceable.
Mark Feinsand @FeinsandNYDN 2m2 minutes ago
The Yankees added OF Tyler Austin, RHP Danny Burawa, RHP Branden Pinder & OF Mason Williams to 40-man roster to protect them from Rule 5.
Mark Feinsand @FeinsandNYDN 2m2 minutes ago
The Yankees also have sold the rights of INF Zelous Wheeler to the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles of Japans Pacific League.
New York Yankees
3ds_yankees85
Tyler Austin, OF: Austin is an outfielder with the potential to be an everyday right fielder if he realizes his natural power. Various injuriesmost notably a balky wristhave hindered his ascension up the chain. Hes average in the outfield with enough arm for the position, and has played some first base in the past.
Danny Burawa, RHP: One of a pair of physical righthanders added to the Yankees 40-man, Burawa suffered a setback with his control this season and was demoted to Double-A Trenton. When hes right, he brings a fastball that can dive into the upper-90s and a slider with wipeout potential. Command is the key.
Branden Pinder, RHP: A big-bodied righthander, Pinder rediscovered his command this year in Triple-A before hitting the disabled list and showed off a hard, mid-90s fastball and an average to solid-average slider in the mid-80s.
Mason Williams, OF: As frustrating a prospect in the system, Williams was among the best prospects in baseball before stalling out at Double-A. Hes still the best defensive outfielder in the system, but he hasnt hit at all at the upper levels and has run into issues involving a lack of effort on the basepaths.
In a tighter Rule 5 year I bet he gets exposed, but they actually have a fair amount of flexibility this year. He could still get dealt this offseason, or he could get one more shot and then become a DFA candidate if he hasn't shown progress.
I doubt Nuding gets picked. He doesn't have a standout tool. I could see a team taking a flyer on Montgomery and seeing how he looks in ST, returning him if the velo is still down and he doesn't look big-league ready.
and Gio Gonzalez. At face neither is a ridiculous suggestion but I'm not sure they go in that direction. Philly is holding out for unrealistic returns and there is no guarantee he would even agree to such a trade. And Gio makes sense but it's not like it's a firesale for the Nats, Gio has two more years of team-friendly contract (one year of which is a team option) and then a vesting option.
praise for Greg Bird, says he love Mateo but slow down, Severino doesn't have three plus pitches because the breaking ball isn't there, at least not yet, and Sanchez has 70 raw power but he says he has heard he is indifferent to catching and if so the bat doesn't play as well at 1B.
Also says Moncada probably gets $40 mil, likely starts at High A or AA with a trajectory similar to Soler. Link - ( New Window )
Andy @AndyInSunnyDB 7m7 minutes ago
"In fact, word is the NYY teams at Dom. Instructs are a combined 28-5 right now and they're playing mostly all of their newest and youngest"
out of the guys we signed the bonanza will be a success. Even if we can just get 1-2 and a couple more develop sufficient trade value to return good veterans, also a success. Anything else, like Dermis Garcia or Nelson Gomez or Juan De Leon turning into a Hanley or Miggy-caliber player or prospect, is just gravy.
It will be interesting to track the trajectory of the system
become part of our top 20 or so prospects in the next couple years. It is possibly a hand full of them develop in to something as we never had this kind of prospect haul before.
was once suspended for having premature conversations with Rafael DePaula prior to his signing. Which, ironically, would not have been premature had DePaula been honest about his age. Surprisingly enough, DePaula was not protected from the Rule 5 draft. Link - ( New Window )
a minor league FA out of the Padres organization. Will turn 24 between now and opening day so not ancient. 3B with 2014 OPS of .803 in the PCL (the hitter-friendliest league in minor league baseball) with 10 HRs (career high is 13). Only swiped three bags last year but career high was 37, so he might have been banged up. K rate has been high in his career but improved somewhat in 2014. Whether he competes with Rob Segedin for reps at SWB or they view him as a Dean Anna/Yangervis Solarte type who starts ST with an outside chance to make the 25-man roster remains to be seen.
Also we lost Jairo Heredia, a once-touted pitcher...
who lost a lot of development time due to injury. He signed with the Braves after a 2014 that saw him pitch pretty well at AA and then struggle at AAA. He is 25 and had actually pitched a full season at Charleston in 2008 as an 18 year old, but various injuries kept him from getting to AA Trenton for sustained innings until this past year. He could end up having success, but he has had a ton of chances and his arm just hasn't held up.
Kung Fu Hippo is going to be a flop for them, and Hanley has a lot of trouble staying healthy lately.
I think the Hanley move made a lot of sense, that's not that much money to gamble on a guy who was a consensus Top 5 position player in the game for most of his career. Panda will probably eat his way out of it. The issue is simply that these spending sprees almost all blow up. For whatever reason, they tend not to work. You're relying on progression from kids and health from guys who tend to be unhealthy, and that's just the lineup.
Didn't work for us, didn't work for the Sawx in 2010, hasn't worked for the Dodgers, never worked for the Orioles back in Angelos' Diamond Jim days. The only team I ever remember winning a title with that approach was the 1997 Marlins.
But that was still a team that already had Jeter, Posada, ARod, Cano, Damon, Matsui and Mo. It was overkill to maximize the chances of a team that was already a contender, but one whose window was closing rapidly due to age.
RAB on the possibility Banuelos could contribute in 2015
has serious health concerns; Napoli, Papi, Pedroia, Victorino, Hanley, even Panda and Allen Craig have missed time over the last few years. If everyone is healthy it could be a potent lineup, but my guess is that you'll see Napoli, Papi, Pedroia, Hanley and Panda in the same lineup a max of 40 games a season.
It COULD be a tough lineup, but virtually all of their power is coming from guys on the wrong side of 30. Fucking Shrek has to go downhill eventually, Napoli is going to be 33 and his hip isn't going to improve with age, and Hanley's been fragile lately. Plus I wouldn't be surprised to see Sandoval start having injury problems which make him ineffective, a la Prince Fielder.
Possible he could repeat SI, but if he's healthy I would expect him to be in Charleston's rotation. Actually a lot to be excited about in that group, they won't all hit the ground running but if a few of them (Hensley, Acevedo, potentially DeCarr) can have good seasons it'll make our pitching depth look a lot better.
Sherman explaining the extent to which the Yankees have a budget...
but an interesting look at ChiSox prospect Tyler Danish and the adversity he dealt with in high school as his dad was incarcerated and ultimately died in prison. Link - ( New Window )
My failed attempts to resuscitate this thread notwithstanding...
Robert Murray @RobertMurrayMLB 2m2 minutes ago
The #Cubs have offered Jon Lester a six-yer deal worth more than $135M, according to @thekapman. That's the highest reported offer thus far.
Will he be able to sign prior to the season?
Maeda impressed scouts this week but overall no difference makers outside of maybe him.
Comment From Analogies
Which big leaguer is a good Bird comp?
1:06
Kiley McDaniel: I got not-as-injured Nick Johnson two years ago and that still might be it
Comment From Salty
Do judge, severino, bird all make top 100 next list?
12:31
Kiley McDaniel: I would guess yes but my list will be much longer than 100
Link - ( New Window )
Just up! The Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs, & more are interested in Hyeon-jong Yang as a #2 starter. Can he fill that role?
Yang who is 26 years old was the Korean Cy Young award winner last year. Left handed pitcher that sits in low 90s and a has a delivery described as "smooth" by several scouts.
Ryu signed a 6 year 36 million dollar contract 3 years ago with the Dodgers in a similar situation.
Have to imagine the winning bid will be around 15 million dollars and his contract approximately 6 years 50 million.
I would prefer the Yankees sign McCarthy at 3/36 as he has proven he can pitch effectively in New York.
Link - ( New Window )
Gregerson isn't a pimple of Robertson's ass.
Cuban teen Yoan Moncada has been declared a FA by MLB. Needs unblocking from OFAC and then the bidding starts. @JesseSanchezMLB had it 1st.
Also would be surprised if the Yanks didn't sign one of these four or so high-profile int'l free agents (Moncada, Tomas and the two Koreans).
Just searched about Nick Johnson's career numbers, MLB and MiLB. What an OBP monster. I'd sign up for "healthy Nick Johnson" when it comes to Greg Bird. 25 HRs + .380 OBP seems to be a possible ceiling for Bird, and that would be a pretty damn valuable offensive ceiling in today's game.
Link - ( New Window )
And I remember Eric Schmitt getting bombed while pitching for Trenton.
I had a lengthy exchange with Mike Newman from RotoScouting about Bird and Judge. He reiterated a Swisher comp for Bird, which I still find less than apt (though again if a fifth rounder has the career Swisher does you certainly call it a success). He likened Judge to Kyle Blanks, which actually makes some sense based on their MILB performance, but he said Judge's arm was unimpressive which strikes me as silly.
I wouldn't worry too much about these comps. Bird is bigger than Swisher and not a switch hitter. What he is a lefty power hitter with walks.
Judge is a monster with no visible ceiling since, like Bird, his plate approach is excellent and he will walk.
Cano is best fielding 2B in majors, lol.
It may be an experience thing and as his pitch recognition/experience grows, his K rate will come down.
1B Greg Bird of @Yankees win @mlbazfallleague Joe Black MVP award after tying for HR lead: http://atmlb.com/1EK4yvV . Really like his approach.
@MiLB: #Yankees No. 14 prospect @ramonflores16 hits 2 HRs, 3 RBI, 3 Rs in Venezuelan Winter League. http://atmlb.com/1uCfmLa Former RDog
Very silly, since a poll of scouts at the AFL voted Judge as the best outfield arm in the league:
Aaron Judge, Yankees. One scout said it's a true 70 arm. Renfroe, Buxton and the Braves' Edward Salcedo also received nods. Judge also received the most player votes, with the Royals' Bubba Starling coming in second. Renfroe finished third.
Link - ( New Window )
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Also the Jays forfeit their pick so the Yanks are now at 16, their best draft position since they picked Matt Drews #13 overall in 1993. They picked at 17 in 2005.
Link - ( New Window )
I read this also, and you wonder whether it's Boras stirring the pot with a rumor to get some action going on Scherzer. Hard to imagine the Yanks leaking this if it were true.
Yeah that was my inclination. I guess if the asking price comes down enough, but that seems unlikely. It may take Lester signing somewhere to start the dominoes but I would be surprised if the Cubs and Red Sox aren't in on him if they haven't signed Shields or Lester.
Link - ( New Window )
Ambidextrous pitcher Pat Venditte tells @jimbaumbach he has signed a Minor League deal w/ Spring Training invite with the A's.
They've accepted below average defense there for several years. Stick Hanley there for two years, hopefully one of Mateo or Avelino is ready by then, and move him off the position for the balance of his contract.
I'd prefer they keep the pick too, but if they're going to waste it on someone let it be Hanley. Having Ellsbury, Gardner, Prado, a hopefully healthy Beltran and Ramirez and that starts looking like a major league lineup again.
Lawrence Journal World reports that Red Sox prospect Cody Kukuk was arrested with two others for home invasion robbery. Spent '14 in High-A.
Lawrence Journal World reports that Red Sox prospect Cody Kukuk was arrested with two others for home invasion robbery. Spent '14 in High-A.
I guess his wildness extends to off the field as well
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Pass on everything else
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The next generation Yankee core consisting of Tanaka, Pineda, Clarkin, Hensley, Greene, Betances, Severino, Lindgren, Judge, Bird, Sanchez, Torrens, Jaliego, Refsnyder, Mateo, Austin and hopefully Moncada will be fun to watch.
This combined with CC, Tex, ARod and Beltran contracts expiring will also give the Yankees a boatload of cash to sign and add the missing pieces.
Link - ( New Window )
Teams such as #BlueJays, #WhiteSox also could push for Headley. Thinner market at 3B next winter. Aramis at 37, Uribe at 36, Freese.
0 replies 4 retweets 1 favorite
Ken Rosenthal @Ken_Rosenthal 32s32 seconds ago
Just asking: Dont #Yankees need to lock up Headley quickly? If #SFGiants re-sign Sandoval, #RedSox could pursue Headley to play third.
Link - ( New Window )
The Yankees added OF Tyler Austin, RHP Danny Burawa, RHP Branden Pinder & OF Mason Williams to 40-man roster to protect them from Rule 5.
Mark Feinsand @FeinsandNYDN 2m2 minutes ago
The Yankees also have sold the rights of INF Zelous Wheeler to the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles of Japans Pacific League.
New York Yankees
3ds_yankees85
Tyler Austin, OF: Austin is an outfielder with the potential to be an everyday right fielder if he realizes his natural power. Various injuriesmost notably a balky wristhave hindered his ascension up the chain. Hes average in the outfield with enough arm for the position, and has played some first base in the past.
Danny Burawa, RHP: One of a pair of physical righthanders added to the Yankees 40-man, Burawa suffered a setback with his control this season and was demoted to Double-A Trenton. When hes right, he brings a fastball that can dive into the upper-90s and a slider with wipeout potential. Command is the key.
Branden Pinder, RHP: A big-bodied righthander, Pinder rediscovered his command this year in Triple-A before hitting the disabled list and showed off a hard, mid-90s fastball and an average to solid-average slider in the mid-80s.
Mason Williams, OF: As frustrating a prospect in the system, Williams was among the best prospects in baseball before stalling out at Double-A. Hes still the best defensive outfielder in the system, but he hasnt hit at all at the upper levels and has run into issues involving a lack of effort on the basepaths.
Link - ( New Window )
In a tighter Rule 5 year I bet he gets exposed, but they actually have a fair amount of flexibility this year. He could still get dealt this offseason, or he could get one more shot and then become a DFA candidate if he hasn't shown progress.
Also a note on Moncada and Yanks seen as favorites.
Article by Jesse Sanchez
Emery signing and Yanks IFA haul + Moncada speculation - ( New Window )
This article only references Moncada. There is another article that claims Yanks are favorites to sign him. I will link at another time.
I doubt Nuding gets picked. He doesn't have a standout tool. I could see a team taking a flyer on Montgomery and seeing how he looks in ST, returning him if the velo is still down and he doesn't look big-league ready.
Padres did not protect Rafael DePaula from the Rule 5 draft. It's believed he's the prospect in the case that got their GM suspended by MLB.
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Also says Moncada probably gets $40 mil, likely starts at High A or AA with a trajectory similar to Soler.
Link - ( New Window )
"In fact, word is the NYY teams at Dom. Instructs are a combined 28-5 right now and they're playing mostly all of their newest and youngest"
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I think the Hanley move made a lot of sense, that's not that much money to gamble on a guy who was a consensus Top 5 position player in the game for most of his career. Panda will probably eat his way out of it. The issue is simply that these spending sprees almost all blow up. For whatever reason, they tend not to work. You're relying on progression from kids and health from guys who tend to be unhealthy, and that's just the lineup.
It worked for us in '09 and still blew up long term.
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Also, they only went to 5, not 7-10 like the recent deals have been. Good job by them in that regard.
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The #Cubs have offered Jon Lester a six-yer deal worth more than $135M, according to @thekapman. That's the highest reported offer thus far.
thanks for posting this and for keeping the thread alive. I lurk more than I post on these threads but I enjoy reading them.