Brady Aiken says "No" to Astros

There's been a new development. The MLBPA--which has usually kept out of amateur negotiations--has filed a grievance against the Astro's over negotiations with Aiken (in particular), 5th round pick Jacob Nix, and 21st round pick Mac Marshall. The details are in the article below:

http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/report-mlbpa-files

Apparently, the MLBPA hopes to either have the Astros' original 6.5 mil offer reinstated or have Aiken be declared a free agent. It will be particularly interesting if the latter happens. The last American amateur draftee to be granted free agency was Travis Lee who received a 4 year, 10 mil contract...in 1996. It would be interesting to see what a flame-throwing lefty with excellent command--and an allegedly questionable elbow--would receive on today's free market.

I hear Kershaw is looking for a protege

Kershaw still has Ryu; he can still--hopefully not.. --sharpen him up against lefties.

Now MadBum could really use a lefty protégé; he's surrounded by righty starters. The Giants' prospect cupboard is practically bare. Barring a damning health report, I would definitely approve of them spending 7.5-10 for Aiken...although that probably wouldn't be enough on the open market.