[Update] Marc Topkin reports that the Rays will not receive compensation for Shouse even if he is added to the 40-man roster at some point.
[4:11pm] Although no official announcement has been made, it appears that Brian Shouse has signed a minor league deal with the Red Sox with an invite to spring training (via Over the Monster).
If true, this would net the Rays another compensation draft pick (maybe*) between the first and second rounds of the 2010 draft. Shouse was a Type B free agent and turned down arbitration offered by the Rays. The Rays now have 6 picks before the third round in next summer’s draft, although we doubt the Rays intend to sign all six picks.
Rocco Baldelli signing with the Yankees would be bad. But of Shouse has indeed signed with the Red Sox, he is dead to us.
*A team cannot receive compensation if a player signs a minor league contract. There is some discussion as to whether the Rays will get compensation later if Shouse is added to the 40-man roster prior to the June draft. As of now, he is not.
