The first-year player draft has come and gone, but there's another big date coming up on the calendar — and the Twins hope to land another potential impact player.
The international signing period begins on July 2, and the Twins remain in a good spot to land power-hitting shortstop prospect Wander Javier, according to a source with knowledge of the Twins' interest. Javier, from the Dominican Republic, has plus power potential, and many scouts believe he is a true shortstop — although there are a few who think he will fill out and have to move to third base. For now, he's a power-hitting prospect at a premium position, which makes him popular.
Reports have Javier's price tag at $4 million, which would surpass the $3.15 million the Twins signed Miguel Sano for in 2009 as the largest bonus they have given an international prospect.
If Javier does cost the Twins $4 million, that's more than the Twins' assigned international bonus pool of $3,948,500. They would have to pay a 100 percent tax on the amount they are over, which is $51,500.
Indications are that the Twins aren't afraid to pay the tax because it's so small.
This year's Latin American class is considered a strong one. If the Twins wanted to sign more players than Javier, then they would have to trade for more bonus money, which is allowed.
May follows the leaders
The starting rotation has led the way during the Twins' recent turnaround. The past three starters, Phil Hughes, Mike Pelfrey and Tommy Milone, combined to post a 1.17 ERA during the three-game streak.
Trevor May was up on Saturday. While he couldn't match his predecessors in dominance, he made up for it with clutch pitching.