Comments on: Cardinals dinking around with another draft pick

By: cariocacardinal

cariocacardinal — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 16:42:20 +0000

“Players drafted after the fifth round aren’t supposed to exceed the final slot in that round, which this year was $123,300. Both Cruz and Fisher signed for $125,000—a whopping $1,700 over slot.”

Supposedly our 23rd round pick Hage got $150K so I have to question the accuracy of this statement.

By: Liam

Liam — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 21:58:37 +0000

Samardzija’s signing contract springs to mind. I remember Selig was pissed about that deal, but he didn’t block it or force them to re-negotiate.

By: Silent George

Silent George — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 21:39:31 +0000

I am sure there are things that the commsioner could use to persuade some teams to fall in line, such as hosting all-star games, but if the office does have actual power to block the deals, wouldn’t the Yankees and Red Sox be reigned in a little?

By: azruavatar

azruavatar — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 21:24:42 +0000

They let Miller go through last year for way over slot and Max Scherzer a few months ago. I don’t think they have complete control over the process but something damn near to it. I imagine Porcello will go way over slot — it’s a decision that each team has to make and I’m sure it has repercussions.

By: fewgoodcards

fewgoodcards — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 21:19:10 +0000

while they may not “block” a specific deal, they can make sure they don’t go through. i don’t think MLB persuading houston by bud saying “hey drayton i don’t think you should pay him that much.” if mlb doesn’t want a deal to get done, it won’t get done.

By: azruavatar

azruavatar — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 21:14:49 +0000

Silent George - somehow my answer to your question is showing up as the first comment on this thread. WordPress snafu i guess.

By: azruavatar

azruavatar — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 20:57:30 +0000

FGC - I’m relatively certain that MLB cannot block deals exclusively due to signing over slot.

From BA’s draft tracker in 2006 - “Stubbs was considered a borderline first-round talent coming out of high school in 2003. He would have signed with the Astros for $900,000 as a third-rounder if Major League Baseball hadn’t persuaded Houston owner Drayton McLane not to exceed its bonus recommendation.”

It’s all about gentlemen’s agreements and persuasion - the velvet glove over the iron fist.

By: fewgoodcards

fewgoodcards — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 20:37:32 +0000

yes he could block an above slot deal (and has). in 2003 the astros drafted drew stubbs in the 3rd round and offered him i believe first round money which he agreed to. they sent the deal to the commissioner’s office and he wouldn’t ok the deal so stubbs went to texas where he became an all-american and first round pick 3 years later. it is also believed that he blocked the signing of pedro beato and bryan morris as draft and follows last year and they were forced to re-enter the draft.

as to the question about him following the giants around, i’m sure bud himself doesn’t approve all the deals. i am sure it is people in his office who do most of if not all of the work.

By: Silent George

Silent George — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 20:15:42 +0000

I wasn’t aware that the commissioner had that power. If his approval is mandatory, couldn’t he in effect block any above slot signing simply by not approving? What happens if he’s swamped on Aug 15th (or with any luck still touring with the Giants, waiting for 756) and can’t issue his approval- do those deals not go through?

By: fewgoodcards

fewgoodcards — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 19:54:49 +0000

i don’t think you understand what i am saying. its not the commissioner’s request for teams to sign those deals late in the signing period, its his demand. the request is to follow the slotting system, which teams don’t have to follow, but every deal is subject to commissioner’s approval and the only way his office approves over slot deals is to release them late. sure, teams don’t want to lose that time, but that is the price you have to pay and there is nothing the team can do about it.