http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/instagraphs/daily-prospect-notes-76/The new CBA states that the MLB Scouting Bureau invites the top-50 pitchers (evaluations theirs) in a given draft to take a voluntary MRI. If a prospect declines, teams no longer need to offer 40% of slot to receive a comp pick if the a doctor finds something wrong with the post-draft medical.
This was written in context of Rasmussen.
*Rather than sign him for even 40%, and get the other 60% plus the overage to spend on 3rd-day picks, Rays aren't offering 40%
*So that they'll get the pick back next year.
*But any deals that were contingent on the overage and/or underslot will be compromised.
Of interest for Cubs/Lange, I'd think.
*Did he take the voluntary MRI originally, and pass that?
*If he passed that but isn't passing the Cubs physical, is that a function of a more thorough exam? Or has his arm deteriorated since? Maybe his heroic World Series work didn't help him?
*If he did not take the MRI, would the Cubs prefer to sign him, and Estrada, and perhaps have some extra spending money, or might they like Rays prefer to get an equivalent pick next year?
*Do they care enough about Estrada that losing him would matter?
*How low could the Cubs reduce before Lange might go back to LSU?
*Clue mentioned that the Cubs have revised their scouting rubric, with less focus on clean delivery and less penalty for the ugly mechanics that guy like Lange has. Wonder if they'll revise their valuation rubric again?