"I just don't see a reason for any optimism"

It could just be posturing, but it looks like bad news on the Weaver front. Stoneman doesn't think it's going to happen, although Arte is still holding out hope.

Weaver, the 12th overall pick in the draft, was seeking a signing package in the $8-million range. The Angels offered the choice of a five-year major league deal for about $5 million or a minor league deal with a $4-million signing bonus.

That's a gulf as wide as the distance between the Dominican Republic and Anaheim.