Crawford Box

If the money is there, than i say the chances of signing Baker are 5 out of 5. I think we are talking about an absolute minimum of 375-400. If they pay that, i think he signs. Going by the Brewers recent top 10 pick history you cited (nice work, good stuff) I would say that they knew Bakers $# when they drafted him and are willing to pay it.

What scouts thinks isn?t as important as what he and his advisor think. He and his advisors are thinking 2nd round or better next year. With the Big 3 gone from Rice, Baker will be a Friday starter and be able to get into a rhythm. The last couple years he has just done spot starts and relief due to Humber/Townsend/Nieman, he has never got to get comfortable. That wont be the case next season. I attend a lot of college games in Houston and have spoke with scouts, some share your sentiments, some don?t and all it takes is one of the 30 or so scouts that frequent games in Houston to like him, and he is a 2nd rounder. Plus he wont have any signability issues next year since he will be a senior He will put up great numbers against the weak schedule that Rice plays, and some moneyball team will take him in the top 2 rounds. Bank on it.

how much will the Brewers have to offer for Baker? I live in Houston, and I don?t see it happening, not for 4th round money. Baker loves Houston, his Brother-in-law plays pro baseball here, and he knows if he comes back he will be a 1st or 2nd round choice next year. Granted he wont have the same leverage being a senior next year, but in 03 the lowest bonuses awarded was 550K. I would think that is pretty close to the ballpark the Brewers have to get in, 400K at minimum. If not that much then Baker would be a fool not to hold out for more money next year. I would say the chances of signing him are 1 in 3 at best.