Jose Tabata going from #40 to #20 doesn't make that big news for most sports fans. the idea of the Yankees corruptly bribing "impartial" analysts makes front-page news on every sports publication and blog across the country. THAT'S a story everybody wants to read about, even if they don't know the first thing about prospects.

meanwhile, i really don't think the change in Tabata's ranking is going to change that much of anything. GM's trust their own evaluations more than BA's or John's. no doubt it will SLIGHTLY influence their opinions, but enough to justify the potential front-page headlines the story would make? seems to me that there are better risks out there. and, as far as the mere ranking alone justifying the trade -- that other teams will be more willing to trade for Tabata even if the ranking is bogus, simply because the higher ranking makes the trade a better move to sell to the fans -- there aren't enough fans who know enough about prospects for such subtle changes to make a discernable impact.

really, it comes down to how likely you think it is that such a story would be outed. to me, it's hard for me to imagine that they could offer: 1) enough of a package to make it worthwhile for John, et al, to risk their entire likelihood, but 2) not too much that the abnormal payment would stick out like a sore thumb.

beyond that, the scheme wouldn't work for very long -- if anything got too extreme, people would discount Yankees, etc, prospects ranked by these analysts, even if they DIDN'T suspect foul play. there's only so many times an analyst can egregiously miss.

finally, it would be very, very difficult to get BA in particular to buy into this scheme. they're a longstanding publication, not some individual. who's going to sign off on the package? and how's it worthwhile to the corporation that holds such a prominent role in the industry?

What would keep a collusion on say a scout, and agent and an analyst from raising a kids value and everyone getting a kickback from it. That and add to it the increased reputation for the scout and agent. The kid isnt going to say anything because he got paid. The weak link is the analyst and  he can just claim ohh well prospects sometimes dont pan out.

 To offset the monetary side of things, the agent can always give the analyst first dibs on specific signings and what not making him and industry insider. No money changes hands between the agents and analyst only an increase in prestige and if the anlyst uses the info right an increase in pay for being well connected.

The scout and agent get he kick back from the contract and everyone is happy