The effect of cost cutting on the minors

[jersey cubs fan]

It looks to me like the Cubs are skimping a bit on draft costs by going with some relatively easy to sign players and avoiding the higher ceiling tough sign guys they used to look for.

 

(PLEASE NOTE, THIS IS NOT ME RIPPING APART THE GREAT TIM WILKEN'S DRAFT, IT IS MERELY AN OBSERVATION AND OPINION ABOUT THE PLAYERS DRAFTED)

 

By all accounts, a team that is being put up for sale by a corporation going through an ownership transition isn't going to pour a ton of cash into upgrading the product. If you could put $10,000 worth of work into a house in order to get an extra $20,000 on the price, you will. But I don't think any potential Cubs buyer is going to pay any extra money for a team because of a few fancy prospects.

 

That being said, does anybody have any idea of how this is affecting the international scouting and signing process? Typically you hear you can sign 30 Latin American players for the price of a top American draft pick, but there is also the occasional big money signing from down there (or Asia).

 

I haven't heard much of anything about the Cubs international signings in quite some time, has anybody else? Are they out they doing the same things they've been doing for years? Is there a hiring freeze going on with the sale under way? Have they shifted any draft money overseas?

[Guest]

Don't know about this year - don't those generally come around July? Last year's signings had a few big names besides Suarez (Gian Guzman, etc.) who have performed well. I'll be uber pissed if the Cubs skimp on both the draft and foreign signings this season. Edited June 9, 2007 by CaliforniaRaisin

[SAMMYWHO]

It seems they also forgot you can still pitch with your right hand and play something besides CF or 3rd base. I know we also drafted a couple ss & 2nd basemen but none project very high from what I seen.