-On Donavan Tate: "CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – North Carolina’s high profile dual-sport star Donovan Tate is scheduled to arrive in Chapel on Saturday in time for an afternoon practice. But with the baseball signing deadline still 10 days away, the prevailing thought is that the No. 3 overall MLB draft pick will take San Diego’s money and run."
-On Zack Von Rosenberg: ""It’s still really strong and that’s the main reason I haven’t decided," Von Rosenberg said Thursday. "The main thing for me is I’m getting frustrated with how long it’s taking. I’d like to make a decision sooner rather than later and know what I’m going to do. I really don’t want to go all the way to the deadline. It’s aggravating to know pro teams can keep you tied up until then." The latest offer from the Pirates has been the highest, Von Rosenberg said, just not high enough to reach a decision."
-On Tanner Scheppers: "Genske is setting up an audition for Scheppers for about a half dozen Japanese teams within a couple of weeks. There were Japanese scouts who saw Scheppers pitch with the St. Paul Saints. He hasn't decided whether to invite the Rangers to the session. (Genske should know more on Monday.)"
-On Brandon Jacobs (Boston's 10th round pick): "Running back Brandon Jacobs is expected to sign a contract with the Boston Red Sox after being selected in the 10th round of last June’s MLB amateur draft."
-On Luke Bailey (yesterday): "Fourth-round draft pick Luke Bailey, a catcher from Troup County High in LaGrange, Ga., was at the Trop for a visit and talks as the Aug. 17 signing deadline nears. The Rays have yet to sign any of their top five picks but are continuing discussions."
-On Blake Dean (Minnesota's 10th round pick): "Tenth rounder Blake Dean (Louisiana State) and 32nd-rounder Aaron Senne (Missouri) are among those who have made it clear they're going back to school."