Probably just trying to drive down the price... that being said i havent seen any video or really read too much about Soler so i wont be angry at all if the astros dont want to pony up the cash thats needed to sign him
ESPN Rumor Mill has nothing on us being in the discussion...even the Pirates are mentioned. Not that they're never wrong, and maybe we're being subversive about it. But seems doubtful after likely spending the full draft budget? http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/features/rumors/_/date/20120607#13210
It was way back in February when the Astros had apparent interest. Maybe they still are. Maybe their priorities have changed, considering the draft.
Just a couple days ago luhnow said they were interested and would be involved. Sounds like the cubs have a leg up though
Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said Thursday that the club has interest in signing Cuban outfielder Jorge Soler. Thursday was the deadline for teams to submit offers to Soler's agents, but Luhnow declined to say whether the Astros made a bid. "We continue to have interest in Soler and that's the most I can say right now," said Luhnow. "We're aware of the process and if there's anything report, we will let you all know." The Cubs are considered the heavy favorite to sign the 20-year-old outfielder, but the Red Sox, Pirates, Orioles, Phillies, and White Sox have also been mentioned as possible landing spots. Juan C. Rodriguez of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported Thursday that the Marlins are not in the mix.
I remember on baseballamerica they talked about how the very top international prospects actually had a pretty high bust ratio. And that a lot of the impact guys signed for less than a mil. International market is indeed huge crapshoot and you better be damn certain to put your eggs in one basket.
It's a real, legitimate question whether Soler is worth the money. Considering the price tag, he may not be. Keep in mind he's the equivalent a #5-10 pick in this year's draft, but instead of paying him $3M it's going to cost $20M to sign him. That said, he's the kind of player the Astros should be spending more money on right now--a guy who looks like he'll help in 2-4 years as opposed to right away.
The Saga Continues Not only is Jorge Soler a resident of the Dominican Republic, he's apparently a resident of Haiti, too.
Wow. So does that mean he is more than likely older than 20? Why else would he have residency from Haiti?
nypost.com/p/sports/yankees/gardner_setback_z6cN8rr1OGbeDEJ6kEBy3I/1 The nypost is reporting that soler is expected to agree to sign with someone by tomorrow.
Looks like Cubs got him Link The contract looks ridiculous - 9 years 30 mil, and the choice to opt out after arbitrations?!
That can buy a whole lot of marbles... <iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gwMIot_hbZ8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>