Yes, the Rays came down to Tim Beckham and Buster Posey as finalists for the first pick in this year’s draft. But Pedro Alvarez was seriously considered as well, and while he’s obviously a great talent, here’s the latest bit of evidence that dealing with a Scott Boras client can be more trouble than it’s worth.

Boras apparently is contending that the $6 million deal Alvarez agreed to with Pittsburgh just before the Aug. 15 deadline to sign draft picks actually came after the deadline, which in theory would invalidate the contract. The Pirates have issued a response that includes a nice little hammer in the form of an assertion that Kansas City’s contract with Boras client Eric Hosmer was filed to the commissioner’s office AFTER Alvarez’s deal.

This should be fun to watch.

Elsewhere, Ken Rosenthal reports the Red Sox have completed their acquisition of outfielder Mark Kotsay from the Braves for a “mid-level” prospect. Kotsay will get $325,000 for waiving his no-trade rights and the Sox will get a guy who can help them at all three outfield positions provided he can stay healthy. Nice pickup for Boston, but replacing J.D. Drew’s production won’t be easy.