Last October, center fielder Daniel Carbonell Arredondo and infielder Orlando Perez Darias defected from Cuba. As far as I can tell, their defection has yet to be reported in the American press. Carbonell played for Camaguey in the Cuban National Series from the 2009-10 season through ’12-13. He was suspended last August prior to his successful defection. Carbonell is currently residing in …
2014 IFA: Yankees Double Down, More Names Emerge
A surly Kiley McDaniel has followed up his original scoop about the Yankees' plans to to binge on this year's by putting some names out there: Dermis Garcia (3B, Dominican) is believed to have a deal for $3 million, Nelson Gomez (3B, Dominican) is also believed to have a deal for $3 million, Juan De Leon (CF, Dominican) is believed …
Best Moves of the MLB Offseason
There are probably places on the Internet where one can freely complain about the Cubs without pushback; Obstructed View is not one of them. Being an astute bunch, any mindless grumbling here is likely to be met with some pointed questions: Do you really want an aging corner-outfielder like Shin-Soo Choo on the roster for the next seven years, especially …
There Will Not Be an International Draft Until 2017 (At Least)
The articles I cited earlier today reference the Yankees' fear that an international draft will be instituted soon, and that it's driving their current desire to sign everyone. ESPN NY: The Yankees are apparently willing to take the financial plunge because of fears baseball will soon institute an international draft similar to its amateur domestic draft, an area in which the Yankees have …
2014 IFA: Yankees, Cubs, and #FreeDSLCubs2
2014 International Free Agency I’m still catching up on the latest developments in the international free agent market, and it turns out there’s a few to cover, including a big one: The Yankees have decided to go all out on this year’s class. Kylie McDaniel had the story back on December 30th, and ESPN New York belatedly followed. The Yankees …
Theo Epstein On Building Under the Current CBA
Theo Epstein was interviewed on WEEI Thursday night (partial transcript). He shared thoughts on a variety of Cub-related topics alongside musings about the Red Sox. There was nothing really groundbreaking in his comments, but they were infused with an undercurrent of pessimism similar to that which you’ve been picking up around these parts since the current CBA was ratified in late 2011. We're two …
Wladimir Galindo, Gleyber Torres, and Eloy Jimenez Updates
Wladimir Galindo, who I mentioned last season as a possible addition to the international signing class, has reportedly signed with the Cubs. The news was broken on his twitter account in December. Yes, I’m late, but the Cubs haven’t made any announcements yet, so I’m not too broken up about it. Reactions in the blogosphere have mostly expressedpuzzlement at the timing, but …
2014 MLB Draft: Jeff Hoffman and Pitching at the Top
It’s a little early for MLB draft talk, but given the lack of activity by the Cubs this offseason, it figures be a prominent discussion point again in 2014. The Cubs have the fourth overall pick, and the early buzz around the top of the draft is pitching. Last year, for example, at the Perfect Game All-American Classic in San …
Cubs Sign Jason Hammel
The Cubs appear finally made their move to acquire a starting pitcher, agreeing in principle with Jason Hammel on Friday. Hammel pitched for the Orioles in 2012 and 2013 after spending three years in Colorado. Jeff Passan has the details. Sources: Jason Hammel's deal with the Cubs is for one year. Should fall somewhere in the $6M range. Really nice sign. Could …
Masahiro Tanaka, Wlad Balentien, and Japan’s “Juiced” Ball
In 2013, former Mariner Wladimir Balentien broke Sadaharu Oh’s 49-year old single-season homerun record in Japan, hitting 60 homers over the course of a 144-game schedule. The story trickled out to US news services with an asterisk firmly attached. The narrative went something like this: yes, he broke the record, but only because the ball was juiced. In fact, once …