2012 International Free Agent Market

[jersey cubs fan]

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/international-affairs/2012/2613488.html

 

This is potentially VERY impactful news to us. If Cespedes' trainer is involved with this kind of stuff, which is horrible

 

Really, it's horrible? Maybe I missed something there but he's been charged with bringing Cuban baseball players to the DR. Hasn't it always been assumed that there had to be shady ways of doing that? What is horrible about bringing players who want to get compensated for their talents into countries that will allow that to happen? I mean, if he's doing some sex trafficking on the side then yes, it's horrible, but I don't see that referred in the article.

[davell]

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/international-affairs/2012/2613488.html

 

This is potentially VERY impactful news to us. If Cespedes' trainer is involved with this kind of stuff, which is horrible

 

Really, it's horrible? Maybe I missed something there but he's been charged with bringing Cuban baseball players to the DR. Hasn't it always been assumed that there had to be shady ways of doing that? What is horrible about bringing players who want to get compensated for their talents into countries that will allow that to happen? I mean, if he's doing some sex trafficking on the side then yes, it's horrible, but I don't see that referred in the article.

 

 

To me, it's the term. The implication of human trafficking sounds horrible obviously, no matter the reasons involved. We all know things are shady when it comes to geting guys out of Cuba. We obviously have no idea what else this may or may not encompass. But either way, one of the more powerful guys in baseball has been implicated, so this is horrible, because now MLB has to look at this much more seriously than they have in the past. Whether he's doing good by this, in the fact he's getting these guys the chance to make money and give them freedom or not, it's still illegal, so getting caught could open Pandora's box, on many levels here.

[jersey cubs fan]

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/international-affairs/2012/2613488.html

 

This is potentially VERY impactful news to us. If Cespedes' trainer is involved with this kind of stuff, which is horrible

 

Really, it's horrible? Maybe I missed something there but he's been charged with bringing Cuban baseball players to the DR. Hasn't it always been assumed that there had to be shady ways of doing that? What is horrible about bringing players who want to get compensated for their talents into countries that will allow that to happen? I mean, if he's doing some sex trafficking on the side then yes, it's horrible, but I don't see that referred in the article.

 

 

To me, it's the term. The implication of human trafficking sounds horrible obviously, no matter the reasons involved. We all know things are shady when it comes to geting guys out of Cuba. We obviously have no idea what else this may or may not encompass. But either way, one of the more powerful guys in baseball has been implicated, so this is horrible, because now MLB has to look at this much more seriously than they have in the past. Whether he's doing good by this, in the fact he's getting these guys the chance to make money and give them freedom or not, it's still illegal, so getting caught could open Pandora's box, on many levels here.

 

I don't get why you keep saying the word horrible. The implication of the word human trafficking is rough, but unless it goes beyond bringing ballplayers from one country to another, I don't see what is actually horrible.

[davell]

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/international-affairs/2012/2613488.html

 

This is potentially VERY impactful news to us. If Cespedes' trainer is involved with this kind of stuff, which is horrible

 

Really, it's horrible? Maybe I missed something there but he's been charged with bringing Cuban baseball players to the DR. Hasn't it always been assumed that there had to be shady ways of doing that? What is horrible about bringing players who want to get compensated for their talents into countries that will allow that to happen? I mean, if he's doing some sex trafficking on the side then yes, it's horrible, but I don't see that referred in the article.

 

 

To me, it's the term. The implication of human trafficking sounds horrible obviously, no matter the reasons involved. We all know things are shady when it comes to geting guys out of Cuba. We obviously have no idea what else this may or may not encompass. But either way, one of the more powerful guys in baseball has been implicated, so this is horrible, because now MLB has to look at this much more seriously than they have in the past. Whether he's doing good by this, in the fact he's getting these guys the chance to make money and give them freedom or not, it's still illegal, so getting caught could open Pandora's box, on many levels here.

 

I don't get why you keep saying the word horrible. The implication of the word human trafficking is rough, but unless it goes beyond bringing ballplayers from one country to another, I don't see what is actually horrible.

 

Should I say sounds "bad" then. It's pretty much just semantics. If it doesn't go past bringing ballplayers over, it's still considered illegal and could really hurt the Cuban market, in general. I'm sure there'd be more concentration put on this, by all parties involved, and considering how the new CBA looks, I can't see that as a positive in any way.

[jersey cubs fan]

Should I say sounds "bad" then. It's pretty much just semantics. If it doesn't go past bringing ballplayers over, it's still considered illegal and could really hurt the Cuban market, in general. I'm sure there'd be more concentration put on this, by all parties involved, and considering how the new CBA looks, I can't see that as a positive in any way.

 

Maybe they go somewhere other than the Dominican. I really don't see a huge issue. The new CBA is going to have more ramifications for how these markets work than this guy's arrest.

[davell]

Along with Soler becoming a FA, we got more good news today: No draft in 2013. So we will have a very high IFA budget next season, now we just have to hope it's an excellent group available.

[Splendid Splinter]

Along with Soler becoming a FA, we got more good news today: No draft in 2013. So we will have a very high IFA budget next season, now we just have to hope it's an excellent group available.

 

 

If not, can't Cubs save some of that money and it carries over to the following year? Am I thinking right or is that for something else? Then again... there'll probably be a draft in 2014 so it'll be for nothing anyway.

[davell]

Nah, don't think you can roll money over. but starting next year you can trade this money around. you can acquire up to 50% of whatever your allotment is.

[Splendid Splinter]

Nah, don't think you can roll money over. but starting next year you can trade this money around. you can acquire up to 50% of whatever your allotment is.

 

 

Ahh... ok. That's what I was thinking of. I knew you could do something with that money.

 

 

So how would that work? You can trade the money for players or what?

[davell]

I've not seen anything substantial on it, but I would think it could be a stand alone trade piece. Jeff Baker to whoever for 250k IFA money. Whatever the case is though, my guess is we'll target the teams who typically don't spend over there and get the max amount we can wind up with.

[RammyFanny]

Not that it'd be anything more than guessing...but, Jorge Soler or Gustavo Cabrera? I assume Soler but wonder how high Cabrera is thought of.

[Guest]

If Ben Badler is tweeting this, it must be related to the international market:

 

"@BenBadler: Big baseball scandal. Stay tuned."

 

ETA: Yay, it's not Cubs-related. One of baseball's biggest buscones had his son use a fake age, score a huge bonus from the Mariners and pass an MLB investigation: http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/majors/international-affairs/2012/2613554.html

[Guest]

A few names from BA:

 

• Richard Urena, SS, Dominican Republic - age 16

• Kristian Trompiz, SS, Venezuela, age 16 - linked to the Astros

• Edmundo Sosa, SS, Panama - age 16 - linked to the Cardinals

• Jose Pujols, OF, Dominican Republic - linked to the Phillies

• Felix Liriano, RHP, Dominican Republic - age 16 - linked to the Red Sox

• Yeralf Torres, RHP, Venezuela, age 16 - linked to the Braves

• Carlos Belen, 3B, Domincan Republic

[iowahawkeyes89]

Have the Cubs been linked to anyone?

[Guest]

Have the Cubs been linked to anyone?

 

The Cubs have been linked to 16-year old Dominican 3B Julio de la Cruz.

[Guest]

Damn it. Red Sox get Taiwanese SS Tzu-Wei Lin for $2.05 million. Good signing (slight overpay but this is the run-up to 7/2 and the new CBA rules and we're not talking a Puig overpay): http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/international-affairs/2012/2613618.html

[Guest]

BA:

 

• There are players with louder tools than Dominican shortstop Frandy de la Rosa, but he will draw interest for his short, simple swing from both sides of the plate. De la Rosa, a 16-year-old switch-hitter who trains with Valentin Monero and plays in the Dominican Prospect League, has shown quick hands at the plate and feel for hitting with gap power from his 6-foot-1, 180-pound frame. De la Rosa isn't much of a runner and his arm is probably a little light for shortstop, so he could be an offensive-oriented second baseman if everything clicks. The Astros, White Sox and Cubs are among the teams who have been mentioned as potential suitors.

[davell]

I know we operate secretely down there, so I'm hopeful we're in on far more than just that guy, who doesn't sound all that interesting to me. That said, if next year's class is really good, we should be in the driver's seat, as Texas, Toronto, Boston, New york, and even Pittsburgh and Kansas City will have far less money to play with than what we will.

[Guest]

BA's top 20 July 2nd IFAs:

 

1. Franklin Barreto, ss/cf, Venezuela

2. Luis Torrens, c, Venezuela

3. Jose Mujica, rhp, Venezuela

4. Alexander Palma, of, Venezuela

5. Gustavo Cabrera, of, Dominican Republic

6. Jose Castillo, lhp, Venezuela

7. Luiz Gohara, lhp, Brazil

8. Carlos Belen, 3b, Dominican Republic

9. Luis Castro, ss, Venezuela

10. Wendell Rijo, ss, Dominican Republic

11. Amed Rosario, ss, Dominican Republic

12. Amaurys Minier, ss, Dominican Republic

13. Richard Urena, ss, Dominican Republic

14. David Rodriguez, c, Venezuela

15. Deivi Grullon, c, Dominican Republic

16. Julio de la Cruz, 3b, Dominican Republic

17. Jose Almonte, rhp, Dominican Republic

18. Sergio Alcantara, ss, Dominican Republic

19. Frandy de la Rosa, ss, Dominican Republic

20. Jose Pujols, of, Dominican Republic

 

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/international-affairs/2012/2613623.html

[Guest]

The Cubs were linked to two guys on that list.

 

#7 Luis Gohara:

 

The Cubs and Dodgers were in on Gohara at one point, but the Mariners, who are one of the few teams who have signed Brazilian players in recent years, look like the favorite. Seattle hasn't been tied to any other frontline prospects yet, and when the Mariners want a player, history shows they typically get their guy.

 

And #19 Frandy de la Rosa:

 

The Cubs have been the team most prominently linked to de la Rosa, though the Astros and White Sox are also believed to have interest.

[Guest]

For Werner, from BA:

 

In Europe, Rachid Engelhardt (video) is a righthanded hitter from the Netherlands who played for the Dutch team at the 16-and-under World Championship in Mexico last August. At 5-foot-10, 180 pounds, Engelhardt has good bat speed and flashes solid power potential, though he'll need to work at his approach to have it play more in games. He's shown promising defensive tools but like many young catchers will need to add polish behind the plate. Some expect the Mariners to be involved.

[craig]

Will there be any midnight signings under the old rules tonight? Or has everybody worth signing already done their deals?

[davell]

To my knowledge, everyone that HAD to sign, already has. The few Cubans left are 23 or over, so they can sign at their leisure. I guess it's possible there's some Pac Rim guys that could sign, but I haven't heard of any. I asked Badler what ever happened to Hyuk Sung Han, the pitcher who signed on with Boras, while he was still in HS. Teammate of Jin Yeoung Kim. Supposed to get huge bonus, but never heard another word about him. Badler didn't respond though.

[Guest]

Ben Badler predicts the destinations for his top 20 7/2 IFA prospects. He has the Cubs signing 1 of the top 20:

 

Baseball America[/url]"]19. FRANDY DE LA ROSA, SS, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: De la Rosa has a nice, simple swing from both sides of the plate; it's just not clear where he's going to play. A team that likes him will probably see him as an offensive-oriented second baseman. A few sources believe the Cubs are the highest team on de la Rosa.

Projected Team: CUBS.

 

Here is a breakdown of how many top 20 prospects he expects to sign with which teams:

 

Blue Jays: 3

Rays: 3

Yankees: 3

Phillies: 2

Nats: 1

Cubs: 1

Diamondbacks: 1

 

Badler has Luis Gohora, the only other player recently linked to the Cubs, signing with the Mariners.

Mariners: 1

Mets: 1

Padres: 1

Pirates: 1

Red Sox: 1

Twins: 1

[davell]

Raisin, anything interesting about the Cubs preview from Badler?