The Las Vegas Aristocrats were reportedly the runner-up in the Jose Ramirez sweepstakes, offering the first selection of the 3rd Round (31st Overall) before the Spokane Fightin' Fish came in with a 1st Round offer. The Mission Viejo Maulers came back seeking multiple picks instead which was the 'Crats balked at, leaving the door open for the Fish to swoop in and land the fifth most productive hitter in the big leagues last season.
The Cloverdale Clovers were also in the mix according to club sources but the talks didn't progress far.
- With their acquisition of Ramirez, the Fightin' Fish Keeper List is starting to take its final shape. The club is reportedly open to discussing ace right-hander Trevor Bauer (2/$55), though they are planning around retaining him. Currently projected to just miss the cut is outfielder Adam Eaton (2/$11) who holds a 364.0 projection. Entering his age-32 season, Eaton slashing .226/.285/.384 in 41 games last season for the Nationals before signing an off-season deal with the Chicago White Sox. While his numbers were down, Eaton posted a career-high 38.2% hard-hit rate which shows he still has something left in the tank.
- The Clovers are currently leaning towards retaining outfielder Anthony Santander (2FA/$5) over shortstop Nick Ahmed (2FA/$5). The club is also unlikely to activate long-time prospect Francisco Mejia leaving them in need of a pair of catchers on Draft Day.
- The Alamo Short Stacks took a hard run at Asti Grape Stompers right-hander Marcus Stroman (2/$6) but the clubs couldn't find common ground on a deal according to sources.
- The Idaho Taters are open to moving star outfielder George Springer (2/$34) but are seeking a strong return in order to pull the trigger on a deal. The club reportedly demanded Grapes outfielder Jo Adell and a top selection to move Springer. While the clubs are believed to still be discussing a deal, there wasn't momentum towards a move as of early this week.
- The Stacks have taken the temperature on the market for third baseman Nolan Arenado (2/$55) following his move out of Coors Field and appear set cutting the slugger before Draft Day. A reunion is certainly possible for the pair with Arenado having spent three of his eight career RDBL seasons with the Stacks.
With Arenado likely out the door, the Stacks are counting on Nate Lowe (2FA/$5) to take the reigns at first base provided he earns the starting nod in Texas.
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