In L.A., Dylan Hernandez reports the Dodgers on Thursday agreed with Cuban OF Yasiel Puig on a seven-year, $42M contract, in what is “perhaps the most significant statement made to date by Guggenheim Baseball Management, even more than the signing” of RF Andre Ethier to a five-year, $85M extension. The Dodgers offered Puig “the most lucrative contract ever awarded to a Cuban amateur, reintroducing themselves as players in an international market that was neglected” under Frank McCourt's ownership. The Dodgers “expect to spend money when the new international signing period opens Monday.” Hernandez writes, “They will spend money at the trade deadline, if necessary. And they will spend money next winter in free agency” (L.A. TIMES, 6/29).
QUESTIONS REMAIN: In San Diego, Kevin Acee writes of the Padres bid group led by the O'Malley family, “What I really care about is where the O’Malley group is getting its money -- and how much of it the consortium will have to invest in the on-field merchandise after being fleeced" by Chair John Moores. The “almost-completed purchase of the Padres could leave the O’Malleys on food stamps and their group’s ownership might still be an improvement over Moores’ fraudulent indifference.” Moores remains a "commendable philanthropist and shrewd businessman, but he only used to be a good team owner.” What he has “done lately is simply scam the people of San Diego” (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 6/29).
GIVE IT TIME: In Illinois, Barry Rozner wrote under the header, “Here’s Hoping Cubs’ Ricketts Stays Course.” Cubs Chair Tom Ricketts, “so far, has allowed the new front office to work without interference.” Rozner: "Here’s hoping he doesn’t go for the quick fix. It’s no guarantee that [President of Baseball Operations] Theo Epstein will get it right. But we have seen the results of so many getting it wrong. Give the man a chance. You’ve come this far” (Illinois DAILY HERALD, 6/28)
