One of the most frequent questions I’ve gotten over the last few weeks – sometimes twice a day – is whether I have an update on the Chicago Cubs’ first round draft pick, high school shortstop Javier Baez. Unfortunately, I haven’t able to say much but the stock answer: no update, but no one seems to be concerned that he won’t sign.
Most first round picks remain unsigned, and it has become a bit of a tradition for them to wait until right up to the deadline to all sign in a big cluster (using each others’ deals for leverage to squeeze out a few more pennies). So, while there has been virtual radio silence, there hasn’t been much reason to be worried.
Finally, there’s something worth reporting. Bruce Miles yesterday said that he’s hearing Baez is close to signing, which I’ve said would be coming soon, what with the deadline on Monday. Miles also pointed out that Baez’s (purported) Facebook page listed a status update earlier this week saying, “7 days till I start a new life, Chicago coming soon.” So, I think it’s safe to say at this point that Baez will be wrapped up by Monday.
In other draft pick hypothesizing, as noted in the comments yesterday, Baseball America’s Jim Callis (who is holding court on all things draft on Twitter this week) says that the Cubs are likely to sign Shawon Dunston, Jr. and fifth round pitcher Tayler Scott, might sign Dillon Maples, and probably won’t sign Ricky Jacquez.
Callis also reiterated his belief that the Cubs have all but signed Dan Vogelbach and Trevor Gretzky, and that the Rock Shoulders signing will have no impact on those deals. Whew.