Slow go on Sano right now
When it comes to the Orioles and Dominican shortstop Miguel Angel Sano, two things remain pretty clear at this point.
The O's still are very interested in pursuing Sano, who is an international free agent. But, like every other team in the Majors right now, that pursuit is in a holding pattern as the clubs await the results of MLB's investigation to determine if Sano is, in fact, 16 years old.
A report surfaced over the weekend that MLB had completed its investigation and was about to announce that Sano is 16. That report proved false. The investigation is not yet complete and all the teams, Baltimore included, still don't know if Sano is 16.
It's believed that O's owner Peter Angelos would approve Sano getting a big signing bonus from the club.
John Stockstill, the O's Director of International Scouting, is in the Dominican now working on several projects. We can assume tracking any news on Sano is near the top of his list.
One industry source predicted it would be a month or more before any team signs Sano.
The Orioles have put Sano through two workouts. One was a private, three-day workout at the Birds' facility in the Dominican.
The Orioles, Pirates and Twins have been listed as teams with great interest in the right-handed hitter. But O's sources feel several more teams will surface to pursue the free agent, especially if he is found to be 16.
The results of the MLB investigation could be reported later this week.
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Categories (click for archive)Orioles News | Steve Melewski |
We need this kid. If not him then another young shortstop from there. The DR and shortstops seems like western Pa. and QB's in the 70's and 80's.
This guy is not worth getting worked up about. It just bothers me to know that there is a gem down in the Dominican and the only teams after him are the Orioles and Pirates... ???? I think youre right, more teams will hop in once they know hes really 16 but its strange not to see the blank check-book teams sniffing around.
Craig...No Dots, I wouldn't dismiss this guy so fast if I were you. Yeah, I too thought it strange that only the Twins, Orioles and Pirates were openly pursuing him, but then I remembered the offseason and Teixeira. In the final weeks and days four teams were thought to be the only ones with an interest: the O's, Boston. the Nats and the Angels.
Then it was dpwn one, as the Red Sox brass flew down to Texas to meet with Mark and Boras. It looked like a deal once the contract details were ironed out.
But then the stealth team appeared out of nowhere and the next thing you know Teixeira is signing with the Evil Empire.
So, yeah, I kinda agree about the apparent lack of suitors for Sano, but the Cashmans and Epsteins might be waiting until an age determination is reached. Oh, by the way, the Yankees have shown some interest and even gave him a try-out last month. Supposedly, Cashman has said NY's only willing to throw $3M his way, but of course that could change. Here's some news on a modestly-named Yankee blog:
http://www.theyankeeuniverse.com/?p=5589
are teams prohibited by the CBA from making a contingent offer to Sano and signing him to a contract that pays him a small bonus if he is found to be older by MLB and thus is suspended a year, but a larger bonus if he passes all age questions? Seems it would make sense for both sides as Sano could guarantee himself a payday and a team like the Os could, by risking a smaller bonus, get him tied up before the big money teams come sniffing.
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I guess you could make any offer you want. he doesn't have to take it. The age issue should be resolved pretty soon. Then you'll liklely see more than two or three teams interested in Sano. - Steve