[cmstaab]

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I agree it appears the Padres do well here, as Linebrink has really fallen off (K/9 down 3), but the Brew Crew would likely get a first round pick and a supplemental pick (i.e two top 40 picks as its unlikely a team with a protected pick signs a middle reliever) when they let Linebrink go as a free agent (unless they re-sign him, OMG). Makes thing closer. Are those three minor leaguers (i.e is Iman) worth 2 top 40 picks? Iman's disparity between levels this year is entirely consistent with everyone's worst fears, but he is still 20 and in AA.

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Quick question related to draft pick compensation. While looking around for the rules of this process, I read that the team losing the player must offer him salary arbitration to get the picks. How does this work for a player that is well past his arbitration years?