Updates: If interested in more defector profiles and comparisons, here are Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez, Odrisamer Despaigne, Aledmis Diaz, Dariel Alvarez, Alexander Guerrero, and Misael Siverio. Last week, I profiled Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez, a Cuban defector drawing lots of attention on the free agent market. Gonzalez is still seeking approval from the US Treasury, but could sign with the Dodgers an MLB team soon. Dalier Hinojosa is …
Ben Badler on the Cubs’ IFA Pickle
Baseball America’s international free agency guru Ben Badler was on the Baseball America Podcast today, where he discussed many of the issues we’ve been debating around these parts related to the Cubs’ sticky situation. It was a very informative interview, so I have transcribed extensively. To date, Badler has correctly predicted the signing team for 20 of the 22 signed free agents from his …
2013 International Free Agency: Did the Cubs Expect to Exceed Their Pool Space All Along?
Phil Rogers reported this morning that the Cubs may well continue spending in 2013 international free agency, ignoring imposed spending limits in continued pursuit of the best remaining players. I have my doubts, but let's assume for the moment it's true. Is this a stroke of genius by the front office in exploiting available loopholes, or something else? (Spoiler Alert: …
*UPDATES* Eloy Jimenez Signs and the Rest of the Cubs’ Moves Through Two Days
The Cubs have been very active for the last two days in the 2013 IFA market. They have clearly prioritized the acquisition of a number of top-level players and made moves to facilitate signing those players. I think it's likely that those moves are not done yet, despite the relative quiet on the rumor mill at this point. The Signings …
Cubs Acquire Moreno, Arrieta, Strop, Guerrier, Go All In on 2013 IFAs
The Cubs made a series of moves today, the net result being the acquisition of a few marginal players and some additional pool space to sign international free agents. Trade Roundup Trade 1: Cubs give up Scott Feldman and Steve Clevenger for Jake Arrieta, Pedro Strop, and pool space Feldman had been good this year, but unfortunately his track record …
Cubs Sign SS Gleyber Torres and RHP Jefferson Mejia, a Complete IFA Roundup
The Cubs have signed international top prospects Gleyber Torres (SS) and Jefferson Mejia. Additional signings may have to wait on a trade to acquire more cap space.
Matt Garza and 2013 International Free Agency
The 2013 international free agency signing period starts July 2nd (Hey, that's tomorrow!). All international players who turn 16 by August 31st are eligible for free agency. Top prospects from Latin America typically sign shortly after they turn 16. Korean and Taiwanese prospects, on the other hand, are usually not signed until they graduate from high school. Players over the age …
Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez Stats
Updates: The Dodgers are reportedly out on Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez. If interested in more defector profiles, and comparisons to MAG, here are Dalier Hinojosa, Odrisamer Despaigne, Aledmis Diaz, Dariel Alvarez, Alexander Guerrero, and Misael Siverio. The latest Cuban defector to draw serious attention from Major League teams is Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez. I’m not sure who is representing him, but they have definitely …
A Banner Year For International Free Agents
If we are judging by their names, that is. And I definitely am. We’re still a couple of months away from the beginning of the signing period, but this fanpost over at the Minor League Ball/ MLB Bonus Baby juggneraut is well worth your attention, at the very least to bookmark now so you can convincingly scoff at Cub signings when they …