Earlier in the week I wondered why the Cubs hadn't signed Jen-Ho Tseng yet, and made the case that unlike Eloy Jimenez, the team had no reason to wait on Tseng. I speculated that the club was waiting to see whether more slot space could be acquired, and that Tseng might end up with the Twins if they could. Well, now that …
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 …
*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 …
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 …