O's still interested in Sano
The Orioles remain one of the Major League teams that are interested in 16-year-old Dominican shortstop Miguel Angel Sano.
Major League Baseball sources tell MASNsports.com that the O's have been talking almost daily with Sano and his representatives. The O's may be close to making an offer to Sano.
ESPN's Jorge Arangure recently reported that "Sano will not get record money. The Orioles see him as a late first-round talent, which does not equal 4 million. More like 1.0 to 1.5 million.
"The O's gave 3.2 million to Brian Matusz and 2.4 this year to Matt Hobgood. There's no way the O's are giving more to Sano than they gave Matusz and Hobgood."
MASNsports.com has learned that the O's may value Sano higher than a late first-round pick. It may take a bonus that would exceed what the O's gave Matusz to get Sano. The Orioles might be willing to make an offer in that range.
The Orioles have worked Sano out twice. Most recently they put him through his paces during a private, three-day workout at the Orioles' facility in the Dominican Republic.
"We were very, very impressed and happy with everything we saw," O's Director of Player Development, David Stockstill, said of that workout.
Sano is a 6'3", 190 pound right-handed hitter. The O's had him take part in several drills, a simulated game, had him hit off left and right-handed pitchers and had him bat vs. pitchers throwing in the low 90's.
"He is very interested in the Orioles and would like very much for something to happen with the Orioles," Stockstill told MASNsports.com "He worked out five days for five different teams the week before. He had two workouts after the three days with us.
"He was willing to come and work with us one day two weeks ago and then three days in a row. That shows he has interest, he was not doing that with other clubs."
Some national media reports have had the Orioles, Minnesota and Pittsburgh as the clubs showing the most interest in Sano.
There are some in baseball that believe more clubs now have interest in Sano.
The Orioles and all of Major League baseball await the findings of an MLB investigation to insure that Sano is, in fact, 16 years old.
It's believed that the Orioles would only make Sano an offer if the O's got assurance of Sano's age and that he would have no problems leaving the Dominican to play in the United States.
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Categories (click for archive)Orioles News | Steve Melewski |
Steve,
I heard that someone compared his bat to Miguel Cabrera, have you heard anything similar to that? If he is truly 16, then I would certainly think that he is work $1-2 million especially at SS or 3B, two positions where we are getting old and do not have any rising stars.
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I have heard that comparison. The O's sure seem interested. - Steve
Great article. This is the most interesting story to me right now, because we could REALLY use a stud shortstop. Even if he's a few years off, it would be great to know that we have that need filled already.
Boy, let's hope we get this guy. It looks like Givens might be a tough sign. Personally, I'd rather have Sano. i haven't seen quotes from Stockstill this hihg on a guy for awhile. So what if it costs as much as Hobgood or Matusz. This guy is recognized first round talent, and is a position player everyday. Boy, if we lose to the Bucs on this one it'll be like 71 and 79 all over again.
Steve,
If Sano turns out to be say 19 instead of 16, does that affect the Orioles interest to the extent that they would not make an offer to sign him. Obviously the money is different, but would they still consider him? If he is a couple years older than what has been stated, he's still in the majors by his early 20's...
Also have you heard anything about potential interest in Alrodis(sp?) Chapman, the Cuban defector? I think we could could use a fireballer like him, don't you?
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Have not heard anything about the Cuban pitcher. If Sano is 19, he will face some MLB sanctions for lying about his age, first of all. Then his price will go down a lot. We'll see if that happens how much interest there is in this guy, probably a lot less. - Steve
what do u think Steve?? 1-Wieters 2-Reimold 3-Bergensen 4-Tillman 5-Matusz 6-Brandon Snyder 7-Jake Arrieta 8-Troy Patton 9-David Hernandez 10-Zack Britton 11-Caleb Joseph 12-Matt Angle 13-Erbe 14-Zagone 15-Rowell
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Good list, I'd have Tillman and Matusz a little higher up. But good job. - Steve
Steve, IMO they are kidding themselves if they think they can sign this kid for under 2 mill....do you think that kind of cash will get it done? This is my favorite Oriole related subject these days..I really want them to sign him or deal sor Atl. SS Escobar, I hear Atl is shopping him for a bat like Huff or Scott.
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They know they can't get him for less than two million. - Steve
Steve, have you heard if the O's are close to a Pie for Josh Fields trade? I think he would be a nice addition...he put up great numbers 2 yrs ago when the job was his, and he didn't have to worry about being benched after going 0-4.
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Have not heard much about it beyond the Sun report. - Steve
Thanks for the update. I would love to see Mcphail sign this kid. Also, are the orioles looking/close to signing any other interntaional prospects? Thanks
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I need to look further into that, but my guess is they are not chasing too many other international players right now. - Steve
Even if Sano is 16, 19 or even 22 years old, I'd say go for it. He sounds impressive enough to take a risk on. If you think about it, he is another 1st round draft pick. Sano says he "wants" to be an Oriole. How many actually say they want to be an Oriole? Offer $3 million as a take it or leave it. MacPhail is trying to build this organization from the ground up. Certainly SS is one of the weakest positions this organization has had for years.
Steve:
Taking into account everything you have heard and everyone you have spoken with, can you please give your estimation as to how likely the O's will sign this kid, if he is actually 16 years of age? Taking away you being a fan of the team also, how likely is it that we will sign him?
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I think they will go hard after him and be one of the final players. If a team comes out of the woodwork and offers him 5 million or something, I doubt they go that high. - Steve