All-star selections are out for most of the ss-A and Rookie Leagues.

For the Northwest League, recently signed 2009 draft pick Drew Biery was named MVP of the league . He was also named to the All-Star team at 3B and DH (hard to do), and Jorge Bucardo was named the league's top RH starting pitcher. Here's the link:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090827&content_id=6648260&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp

In the Dominican Summer League, Giants' 2B Carlos Willoughby was named Player of the Year. He was their only rep on the team. Here's the link to that story:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090826&content_id=6630570&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp

Finally, for the AZL, the Giants had only 1 representattive on the All-Star team - starting pitcher Cameron Lamb. Here's the link to that story:
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090827&content_id=6646206&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp
Please note that the 3rd paragraph in this story contains an error:
"Andy Bottin was named the Manager of the Year after leading the Mariners to a league-leading 32-21 record this year."
In fact, the Giants have the best record in the league at 36-18 (5.5 games better than the Mariniers). The Angels are 2nd best, and the Mariners are 3rd best. Even though the Giants have the top record in the league (overall and in both havles), only Lamb was selected as an AS, although they had a couple other deserving candidates. The Mariners, Angels, and Fodgers all had 3 AS selections apiece. So it seems that the Giants' manager, Mike Goff, had the best claim to the Manager of the Year award since he led his team to the best record, but with 2 fewer All-Stars than the Mariners had. Apparently Charlie Manuel had input into choosing the team.

It's being reported that the Mets have placed their recently reactivated closer Billy Wagner on waivers for the purpose of trying to trade him to a contender for the stretch drive. He's currently owed about $2.6M for the rest of the year, then you can buy out his 2010 option year for $1M, or exercise it and get him for only $8M in 2010 - very reasonable amount for a potential top closer.

The question I have is, should the Giants claim him? I say yes - for the following reasons:

1. To block him from going to another NL playoff race competitor above us in the standings that would be likely to claim him (Fodgers, Phillies, and Cards), or belwo us that might trade for him if he clears waivers (Marlins and Cubs). Not to mention possible AL world series foes that would likely want him (Angels, Detroit, Tampa).

2. Worse case the Mets go insane and allow us to have him for nothing in return - a la the White Sox and Alex Rios. He'd be a possible replacement for Howry out of our pen down the stretch, and we'd only owe him about $2.6M. Then we just exercise his $8M option in the offseason and wait for a good deal to trade him then or sometime before the 2010 trade deadline. A fully recovered Billy Wagner would be a bargain at only $8M - certain to garner something good from a team that needs a closer (Cubs, Marlins, Rays, ...). Or keep him in the pen and play him all year then offer him arb and get 2 comp picks when some team signs him as a FA. He also gives us a temporary backup plan if we decide to trade Brain Wilson.

3. If for some reason (unable to come back from the injury) we didn't want to keep him it would only cost an extra $1M to buy out the 2010 option year. We'd be out only $3.6M, which is not much considering the possible big reward we could get.

ProjectProspect.com recently posted an updated, detailed and technical swing analysis of Buster Posey. It includes 2.5 minutes of a video montage of him hitting in spring training and as a member of the SJ Giants. The analyst's conclusion: Buster's very polished now, but can get even better.

Vicente Padilla was just DFA'd by the Rangers for the purpose of releasing him. The link states that no team claimed him on waivers and the Rangers could find no trading partners. The Rangers will be eating the remaining ~ $6M of his salary and buy-out option.

Some people are urging us to go after John Smoltz as a 5th starter or reliever, so I was wondering if there's any interest in Padilla? I'm not pushing for it, but wouldn't be upset if it was handled properly. We could pay him the league minimum and probably start him out with a minor league contract, so there would be almost no risk involved.

His stats are messy, but he's only 31 and may benefit from getting out of Rangers Stadium, pitching in the NL again, and at AT&T. Here's his stats:

http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=218894

MLBTR has posted a list of the remaining unsigned 2009 1st rounders. They have nothing useful to add on our negotiation status with Wheeler, beyond a glib statement that we need to sign him to replenish our SP depth.

It shouldn't surprise anybody the Boras reps many of these players, and that all of them are said to be not close to signing.

They also conclude that Tyler Matzek looks to be a no sign for the Rockies, as well as Matt Purke for the Rangers. I'm so glad that we were smart and didn't pick either of them.

Jason Schmidt will be called up to start for the Fodgers this Monday against the Reds. I hope that he stays healthy, but has a terrible W/L record - while further goading Torre into beating his bullpen like a dead horse.

Here's a link to a video of former #1 pick Matt Bush being arrested for drunk driving and resisting arrest. It's hilarious, but sad. He gives new meaning to the phrase "crying shame". Oh, and the title to the thread is comic genius.