I read alot about some of the international signings this past offseason and am wondering if anyone here has some good information on what they are doing now and where they are playing. I haven't been able to find much current information on any of these guys.

Players like catcher Jesus Montero (Yanks), outfielder Engel Beltre (Red Sox), shortstop Oscar Tejada (Red Sox), outfield Mario Martinez (M's), third baseman Balbino Fuenmayor (B'Jays), pitcher Young Il-Jung (Angels), third baseman Manuel Solis (Rangers), & shortstop Carlos Triunfel (M's) would be of great interest.  Did I miss any other big name international signees?

Thanks

Here they list the top 100 prospects according to Can't believe no one has posted this yet in the dairies.  Baseball Prospectus posted this totally free article this week and I found it pretty interesting; http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=6153

Here they list the top 100 prospects according to PECOTA rating, then they list a hybrid top 60 that combines the PECOTA and the preseason Kevin Goldstein list that is more based on scouting, and finally they list a top 50 players aged 25-and-under, sorted by upside score. It's pretty interesting and if nothing else will give you a few off the radar prospect names for the future. They also provide team system rankings for true #1 prospects, under 25, and total talent stock.

I know people have had copyright problems posting information from BP here before but since it is totally free I didn't think it would be a big deal.  Would it be ok to post the rankings and have a discussion?

I have read and heard so much about the young bats of Travis Snider and Billy Rowell I was wondering if we could get a prospect smackdown featuring these two 2006 draft picks.  I know they play different positions but I am really interested to hear how they compare as hitters and how quickly they should each be in the show.

Does anyone know what the salary for major league rookies is in 2007?  Rookies made $327,000 in 2006 and the number has gone up a bit for this year; but I haven't been able to find it anywhere.

Likewise, does anyone know what minor league players make in 2007?  I know it was $54,000 in 2006.  Like the major league rookies, it goes up every year and I haven't been able to find 2007 numbers anywhere.

Here is the best site for accurate major league salary numbers; http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.com/

I'm on the East Coast so don't get as much A's info as I would like.  Anyone hear any news (good or bad) on how Harden is recovering from his late season elbow and back pain this offseason?  

I read a few days ago that he has been throwing about three days a week in Arizona; but it didn't say if that was just long toss or if he is throwing from the mound.  I know there was some talk of Tommy John; but since he was able to come back in the playoffs I assume that was just talk.  Will he be healthy enough to start spring training and open the season as the A's #1?

Any info would be appreciated.  Thanks.

I am looking for a little help.  I have listed 37 American League prospects below in alphabetical order by first name.  I am looking for a ranking of 1 through 37.  I have my thoughts; but would really like to hear what you guys think.  Thanks in advance for your help.

Brandon Marrow (p): M's
Bill Rowell (3b): O's
Brian Barton(of): Indians
Bryce Cox (p): Red Sox
Chris Parmalee (of): Twins
Chuck Lofgren (p): Indians
Clay Buckholz (p): Red Sox
Curtis Thigpen (c): Blue Jays
Daniel Bard (p): Red Sox
Edison Volquez (p): Rangers
Erick Aybar (ss): Angles
Eric Hurley (p): Rangers
Evan Longoria (3rd/ss): D'Rays
Gio Gonzalez (p): White Sox
George Kottaras (c): Red Sox
Hank Conger (c): Angles
Humberto Sanchez (p): Yankees
Ian Kennedy (p): Yankees
John Marberry Jr. (of): Rangers
Jeff Mathis (c): Angles
Joba Chamberlain (p): Yankees
Kevin Slowey (p): Twins
Kurt Suzuki (c): A's
Lars Anderson (1b): Red Sox
Luke Hocheveur (p): Royals
Matt Sulentic (of): A's
Max Ramirez (c): Indians
Michael Bowden (p): Red Sox
Nolan Reimold (of): O's
Oswaldo Sosa (p): Twins
Radhames Liz (p): O's
Tony Sipp (p): Indians
Travis Snider (of): Blue Jays
Trevor Crowe (of/2b): Indians
Tyler Clippard (p): Yankees
Vince Mazzaro (p): A's
Wade Davis (p): D'Rays

The White Sox are making another pitching move today.  Looks like they are set to deal Garland to the Astros for Willy Taveras, Taylor Buchholz, and now it looks like Jason Hirsh is likely to join the deal, too.  I'm not as up to speed on National League prospects as I am with the American League; but that seems like too much for the White Sox to give up for Garland.  In my opinion, Garland is over payed and isn't anything special.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6248404

Thoughts from others who know a lot more about the Astros prospects then me?

The Indians promoted Michael Aubrey, Jason Dubois, Lou Merloni, Mike Rouse and Brad Snyder but they will not be joining the team for the final 10 days of the season.  I have never heard of a team doing this before.  Why even bother promoting these guys if they are not going to get any playing time?  What's the point?

I figured we should have a place to talk about potential trade rumors since we are so close to the deadline.  There have been all sorts of crazy things floating around the internet this moning.  For instance I read today that the Yanks may be getting Abreu/Lidle for only Henry/White.  If that is true, it is the biggest salary dump I can remember in recent years.  How can the Yanks not be forced to deal either Hughes or Tabata by other teams?

Anyone else hear any good ones?

Did anyone here happen to see Daniel Carbera's first outing in AAA?  I read that he surrendered four runs, three earned, in 6 2/3 innings Tuesday in Ottawa.  He gave up seven hits, walked three and struck out four.  Any word if he was working on his offspeed stuff more then throwing his fastball in this game?