Source tells Baseball America that MLB has sent a memo warning teams to not offer "exorbitant" amounts in the continuing education scholarship program when trying to sign undrafted free agents (limited to $20,000 bonuses). In reality, I can't figure out how a player could game the system with these deals--they can be big scholarship numbers, but no easy way to pocket that money. The payment is usually sent directly to school covering tuition and books (computers, etc. not covered).

1. Read @Travis_Sawchik 's story about the minor leagues from yesterday and I had a few thoughts....

Here's the link to the full story of Travis's before I dive in.

fivethirtyeight.com/features/do-we… @Travis_Sawchik 2. Yes, the number of minor league teams has increased since the late 1970s. That's a period of time when the avg MiLB was struggling just to keep the lights on. In the late 1970s there was no Arizona complex league (1988) and there was no Dominican Summer League (1985).

1. I keep having to squash an understandable belief. I know it sounds logical to say the HR increase is part ball, part improved strength training, part emphasis on launch angle/exit velo. Throw in a "pitchers are now throwers" if you want.

Sounds logical. Now prove it. 2. HR rate is up MASSIVELY in the PCL and IL. This year they switched to the MLB ball. So OK, you think the ball is part of the reason. But again, better strength training, better hitting techniques, other reasons too, right?