Wise Kraken 32.2032: First Rounder Signs, Unsure On Rest

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Wise Kraken 32.2032: First Rounder Signs, Unsure On Rest

Post by aaronweiner » Mon Aug 07, 2017 8:49 pm

The Carolina Kraken signed first round choice Larry Blake, the #3 pick overall, to a $2.71 million dollar bonus that will make him the second-highest paid non-international rookie in Kraken history. The third baseman, who played three years with the Lockheed High School All Stars, won a 2030 Warren Buffett League Bronze Boot MVP Award and has improved his performance in high school in each of the past three years.

"We are thrilled today to announce the signing of first rounder Larry Blake, who we hope will be a fantastic two-way player for us," said Kraken GM Aaron Weiner. "He's got great hands at third base and a big arm, and he's been a spectacular player in high school all three seasons."

Blake posted the 39th-highest career WAR of any high school player (11th-best among third basemen), and there's a good reason for that: he carries a lifetime high school OPS of 1.088 in high school and a batting average of .376 at that level. Blake, who is 17 and 1/2 years old, was assigned to Rookie League Aurora.

"It is a great honor for me to be selected by a franchise with the history that the Kraken have," said Blake. "I hope to do my best for this team for years to come."

Blake has nearly every quality you'd want in a young man. His work ethic shows in his durability, and he was considered among the more teachable young men in the draft. A righty, Blake should make consistent contact from the right hand side of the plate and field his position consistently.

"We've seen why Blake was so highly regarded and so highly drafted once we got him into camp," said Port of Spain hitting coach Carlos Enriquez. "He's got a sharp mind and he's light years ahead of where he's supposed to be at his age."

Several other Kraken draft picks have also reported to Aurora, but second rounder Juan Gomez and third rounder Luo-shan Xiu have not yet signed with the Kraken. Reportedly, the Kraken have sent an offer sheet to both players, but both offers were lower than the players were demanding from the Kraken. The offer was reportedly especially for Gomez, who is demanding $1.5 million.

"We don't talk about ongoing contract negotiations here," said Weiner. "We drafted Gomez because we think he can help our minor leagues and if there's something to tell you, we'll tell you."

Not signing Gomez might be considered a bit of financial relief for the Kraken, who are due to lose close to $10 million again this season after losing $20 million last year. The Kraken are reportedly all set to sign fourth rounder Robert Ferris, a 18-year old projected utility man with a phenomenal glove, and Carlos Perez, a 17-year old first baseman with some plate skills the Kraken hope will develop.

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Re: Wise Kraken 32.2032: First Rounder Signs, Unsure On Res

Post by RonCo » Thu Aug 10, 2017 12:03 am

It's always interesting to look at signing decisions. You might get a better player later, but there's the time value of prospects in there somewhere. And, of course, the base cash it takes...especially from a rebuild.
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Re: Wise Kraken 32.2032: First Rounder Signs, Unsure On Res

Post by aaronweiner » Thu Aug 10, 2017 7:14 am

Time value is something I consider on every prospect.

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