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New York Post | Joel Sherman: The draft is here, which means that MLB teams can now sign Craig Kimbrel and/or Dallas Keuchel without forfeiting a pick. The Yankees are currently looking for a starter, so why haven’t Keuchel talks heated up? Sherman breaks the situation down, pointing out that teams are unwilling to give the former Cy Young winner more than one year and are also concerned with how up-to-speed he will be following his hiatus. On the other hand, Keuchel’s camp is unlikely to ask for less than $11.5 million dollars, which amounts to the pro-rated portion of the $17.9 million qualifying offer that the pitcher kicked last offseason. According to Sherman, that’s still a hefty price tag for teams in the middle of a season. This one may take a while, folks.
New York Daily News | Kristie Ackert: Frazier’s refusal to speak to reporters after his terrible defensive showing against Boston last weekend caused quite the hubbub. The young outfielder held a media session before yesterday’s series opener against the Blue Jays to spill his beans. Instead of offering Jeter-esque platitudes, Frazier spoke freely about his frustrations, topics ranging from his difficult relationship with the media to how he’s found it hard to fit in with his surroundings from youth. While cookie-cutter responses might have been better from a public relations point of view, Frazier’s interview does shine some light on the hardships of being a baseball player (or a public figure in general), even though some of his comments might rub people the wrong way. Plus, I bet beat writers and bloggers alike are grateful for the content. Perhaps now it’s time to move on from the issue.
FanGraphs | Eric Longenhagen and Kiley McDaniel: Last but not least, here’s a comprehensive review of all picks made by all 30 MLB clubs during Day 1 of the draft. If you’re unconvinced by the Yankees’ first two picks of infielder Jonathan Volpe and pitcher T.J. Sikkema, give this a read to assuage your fears. Or maybe not; Longenhagen and McDaniel are lukewarm about the Yankees’ selections.