Susan Slusser reports the Oakland Athletics are in the thick of the bidding for Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman.

The money looks to have gone up, as well. Chapman could be looking for something close to $20 million. His former representatives fielded at least one offer in the $15 million range, and the Marlins are believed to have made a $13 million bid recently.

Chapman has incentive to sign by midnight Thursday – his bonus would be taxed if he signs in 2010 instead of 2009.

Interesting that the Athletics are more likely to spend a lot of money on an unproven player than on a major league free agent. I take it that controlling a potentially great player for six years is worth the cash.