2013-14 International Free Agency Thread

[Guest]

Kiley McDaniel predicts the Cubs will sign the same three guys Ben Badler says the Cubs lead for: http://sbb.scout.com/2/1304164.html

 

He predicts the bonuses those guys sign for -

 

1. Gleaner Torres, SS, Venezuela - $1.8 million

3. Eloy Jimenez, RF, Dominican Republic - $2.8 million

25. Erling Moreno, RHP, Colombia - $600,000

 

That adds up to $5,200,000 just for those three, which is $414,940 more than their pool amount plus the 5% overage ($4,785,060). And that doesn't consider Dominican RHP Jefferson Mejia, who the Cubs have been linked to too.

[ctcf]

Kiley McDaniel predicts the Cubs will sign the same three guys Ben Badler says the Cubs lead for: http://sbb.scout.com/2/1304164.html

 

He predicts the bonuses those guys sign for -

 

1. Gleaner Torres, SS, Venezuela - $1.8 million

3. Eloy Jimenez, RF, Dominican Republic - $2.8 million

25. Erling Moreno, RHP, Colombia - $600,000

 

That adds up to $5,200,000 just for those three, which is $414,940 more than their pool amount plus the 5% overage ($4,785,060). And that doesn't consider Dominican RHP Jefferson Mejia, who the Cubs have been linked to too.

 

So wait, he has the Cubs signing those three?

[davell]

Yeah, BA has the Cubs committed to spending a tad over 6 mill supposedly. Which makes the whole trading for more IFA space imperative obviously. That said, as much as I want pitching, if we didn't trade for extra IFA money, but STIL came out of it with Torres and Jimenez.....Thats beyond excellent. Tomorrow could be interesting for sure though. Edited July 1, 2013 by davell

[Guest]

Kiley McDaniel predicts the Cubs will sign the same three guys Ben Badler says the Cubs lead for: http://sbb.scout.com/2/1304164.html

 

He predicts the bonuses those guys sign for -

 

1. Gleaner Torres, SS, Venezuela - $1.8 million

3. Eloy Jimenez, RF, Dominican Republic - $2.8 million

25. Erling Moreno, RHP, Colombia - $600,000

 

That adds up to $5,200,000 just for those three, which is $414,940 more than their pool amount plus the 5% overage ($4,785,060). And that doesn't consider Dominican RHP Jefferson Mejia, who the Cubs have been linked to too.

 

So wait, he has the Cubs signing those three?

 

Yes. Just shows how badly the Cubs need to acquire pool space.

[ctcf]

Kiley McDaniel predicts the Cubs will sign the same three guys Ben Badler says the Cubs lead for: http://sbb.scout.com/2/1304164.html

 

He predicts the bonuses those guys sign for -

 

1. Gleaner Torres, SS, Venezuela - $1.8 million

3. Eloy Jimenez, RF, Dominican Republic - $2.8 million

25. Erling Moreno, RHP, Colombia - $600,000

 

That adds up to $5,200,000 just for those three, which is $414,940 more than their pool amount plus the 5% overage ($4,785,060). And that doesn't consider Dominican RHP Jefferson Mejia, who the Cubs have been linked to too.

 

So wait, he has the Cubs signing those three?

 

Yes. Just shows how badly the Cubs need to acquire pool space.

 

So wait, and I apologize if this has been discussed before, but can the Cubs acquire more cap space retroactively or is the penalty for going over triggered immediately?

[davell]

I don't think thats ever been answered. But I would think it needs to be done before signing the player(s). Plus, if you did it the other way, you'd have to pay much more in trade value for that space, because teams would know you don't want to take the penalty.

[Tangled Up in Plaid]

Badler mentioned the Cubs can wait until after July 2 to sign the guys if they haven't acquired enough pool space.

[Guest]

Kiley McDaniel predicts the Cubs will sign the same three guys Ben Badler says the Cubs lead for: http://sbb.scout.com/2/1304164.html

 

He predicts the bonuses those guys sign for -

 

1. Gleaner Torres, SS, Venezuela - $1.8 million

3. Eloy Jimenez, RF, Dominican Republic - $2.8 million

25. Erling Moreno, RHP, Colombia - $600,000

 

That adds up to $5,200,000 just for those three, which is $414,940 more than their pool amount plus the 5% overage ($4,785,060). And that doesn't consider Dominican RHP Jefferson Mejia, who the Cubs have been linked to too.

 

So wait, he has the Cubs signing those three?

 

Yes. Just shows how badly the Cubs need to acquire pool space.

 

So wait, and I apologize if this has been discussed before, but can the Cubs acquire more cap space retroactively or is the penalty for going over triggered immediately?

 

You can't acquire more cap space once you've filled up your cap space already.

[Guest]

Badler's predictions:

 

1. Eloy Jimenez, of, Dominican Republic: Jimenez is widely expected to be the highest-paid player on the international market this year, with estimates on his bonus ranging from $2.4 million to $2.8 million. The Cubs have the second-biggest bonus pool this year and are trying to trade for even more pool space, so given their high level of interest in Jimenez, the two seem like a logical fit. Jimenez might sign on July 2, but if the Cubs do end up signing him, don’t be surprised if he ends up waiting until after July 2 so the Cubs can trade for more money. Either way, it’s hard to see them not getting him done.

 

Prediction: CUBS

 

2. Gleyber Torres, ss, Venezuela: Some scouts consider Torres the top prospect on the international market, although he won’t get more money than Jimenez. Torres trains with Ciro Barrios and several sources think Barrios will have Torres sign with the Cubs in a package deal, perhaps with catcher Luis Torrealba and maybe one other player. Given the Cubs’ bonus pool, their interest in Torres and history with Barrios, Torres will most likely sign with the Cubs.

 

Prediction: CUBS

 

16. Erling Moreno, rhp, Colombia: Several teams believe Moreno, who throws up to 90 mph now, will end up throwing in the mid-90s eventually, which is part of why he’s expected to command a high six-figure bonus. The Cubs need pitching, they look like they’re going to be aggressive spenders and Moreno is one of the best arms on they market.

 

Prediction: CUBS

 

Hope the Cubs can work a trade; I don't want to punt spending money next year with likely top-10 cap space:

 

23. Jen-Ho Tseng, rhp, Taiwan: Tseng entered the year with a chance to be the No. 1 prospect on the international market, but his stuff and command have gone backwards. After looking like a surefire seven-figure player entering the year, Tseng is going to have to take a haircut on his price. The Twins ($3.9 million) and Indians ($3.6 million) both have top-five bonus pools this year and have been among the more active teams in Taiwan. The Cubs might have been another possibility, but they look like they could be approaching 150 percent of their pool space without Tseng, although they might just end up paying the penalty anyway if they can’t work out a trade. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Tseng waited until a while after July 2 to try to re-build his stock. It’s hard to say where he ends up at this point.

 

Prediction: INDIANS

[Tangled Up in Plaid]

I'll be very satisfied if the Cubs can pull this off.

[davell]

Anything on Mejia today from Badler? I guess we can construe by the 150% stuff, he's in our plans. I definitely don't want to punt next year though. Unless they just say [expletive] it and signed like 7-8 top 20 types.

[davell]

One report I saw had Torrealba as the 2nd best C in the class and 25th overall. With how we've handled our draft class, we may not see any official signings for a while.

[Guest]

One report I saw had Torrealba as the 2nd best C in the class and 25th overall. With how we've handled our draft class, we may not see any official signings for a while.

 

Neither Badler, McDaniel nor Jesse Sanchez have him ranked.

 

Garrioch didn't rank him but has him mentioned in his other catchers: http://www.minorleagueball.com/2013/7/1/4455996/2013-international-signings-preview

[Guest]

Anything on Mejia today from Badler? I guess we can construe by the 150% stuff, he's in our plans. I definitely don't want to punt next year though. Unless they just say [expletive] it and signed like 7-8 top 20 types.

 

He didn't say anything about Mejia; Badler's information today was solely about players who are eligible to sign for the first time this summer. Mejia was eligible this past April after his suspension was up.

[Guest]

Jesse Sanchez (MLB.com) on the Cubs big three targets:

 

Eloy Jimenez Rank: 1 Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Height: 6'4", Weight: 198 Position: OF DOB: 11/27/1996 Bats: R, Throws: R Scouting Grades* (present/future): Hit: 3/5 | Power: 4/6 | Run: 6/6 | Arm: 5/6 | Field: 5/5

Considered the crown jewel of the Class of 2013, Jimenez has one of the best baseball bodies available this year and is considered to be the total package. The teenager has impressed scouts with his intelligence, plus-speed, and gap-to-gap power that is expected to improve as he grows into his body.

 

Jimenez is also an advanced hitter with quick hands and is expected to hit for average. He projects as a corner outfielder, likely right field, because of his arm strength and athletic ability. Some believe he might lack in baseball instincts and has an average to above-average arm, but most agree Jimenez will improve once he is placed into a team's academy. Like many his age, Jimenez sometimes struggles with offspeed pitches. He runs the bases well and has the potential to be a base stealer in the future.

 

Jimenez played in the RBI program in the Dominican Republic and for the International Prospect League (IPL), but he could still use more in-game experience. Scouts love his raw power yet are also impressed with his makeup and strong family background. Roberto Clemente is one of Jimenez's baseball heroes.

 

Gleyber Torres Rank: 3 Maracay, Venezuela Height: 6'0", Weight: 170 Position: SS DOB: 12/3/1996 Bats: R, Throws: R Scouting Grades* (present/future): Hit: 4/6 | Power: 4/6 | Run: 4/4 | Arm: 5/6 | Field: 5/5

The top player from Venezuela in this year's class, Gleyber does everything well. He has a smooth compact swing and the ball jumps off his bat. Scouts like that he can spray the ball all over the field with power and believe he has a chance to be a special hitter.

 

A solid defender, Torres has excellent hands, great feet and he's known to have an accurate arm with above-average strength. He's impressed scouts with his ability to make all of the routine plays and an occasional great play. He is particularly adept on his glove-hand side and continues to show improvement on all-around defense.

 

Torres isn't the biggest prospect on the field but he has an athletic build and is strong for his size. Scouts have taken notice of his baseball instincts and his leadership abilities, and he quickly built a reputation as a fundamentally sound player. Torres trains with Ciro Barrios in Maracay.

 

Erling Moreno Rank: 17 Barranquilla, Colombia Height: 6'3", Weight: 190 Position: RHP DOB: 1/13/1997 Bats: R, Throws: R Twitter: @erling_moren Scouting Grades* (present/future): Fastball: 3/6 | Curve: 3/5 | Changeup: 3/5 | Control: 4/5

One of the star pupils at Team Renteria Baseball Academy in Barranquilla, Colombia, the strong right-hander is developing under the watchful eyes of brothers, Edinson Renteria and two-time World Series champion Edgar Renteria.

 

A hard thrower with a big body, long arms, and a good fastball, Moreno has a fearless approach on the mound. Moreno's curveball and changeup have both earned praise from scouts and his fastball, which usually sits in the mid-to-high 80s, should increase with velocity as he matures physically. There is some concern about his pitchability in games and his overall athleticism, but all signs indicate that he will be a power pitcher in the future.

 

He's most often compared to countryman Eric Julio, who might not throw as hard as Moreno but has better command in the strike zone. Moreno has shown a great amount of development in the last eight months and has really come into his own as a prospect.

[Guest]

Badler on the Cubs in his team previews:

 

Chicago Cubs

 

The Cubs have the second-biggest bonus pool and team president Theo Epstein wants to spend money in the market, so they are going to exceed their pool. They will try to make a trade to increase their pool from $4.56 million to $6.84 million, but it’s not clear yet how they’re going to do that. If the Cubs can’t execute a trade, they may just pay the penalty anyway to avoid spoiling any relationships with trainers and agents of premium players. Going more than 15 percent over their pool would prohibit them from signing any player for more than $250,000 during the 2014-15 signing period, so given that they will probably have one of the biggest pool spaces again next year, they’re highly motivated to get a trade done.

 

For now, the Cubs look like the favorites to land the two best prospects on the international market. They’re not expected to be out-bid for Eloy Jimenez, who’s looking at a bonus in the $2.5 million neighborhood. They’re also the favorites for Gleyber Torres, a player some teams think is better than Jimenez. Torres trains with Ciro Barrios and the Cubs might to a package deal for at least one other player from Barrios, possibly catcher Luis Torrealba. The Cubs have also targeted two pitchers, Colombian righthander Erling Moreno and Dominican righthander Jefferson Mejia, who would have been eligible to sign last year but was declared ineligible to sign over MLB’s issue with his paperwork.

 

http://www.baseballamerica.com/international/team-by-team-international-forecasts/

[Guest]

Does the pool actually get docked the next year if you go over the 15% threshold, or is it that you're just capped in the amount you can pay any one player?

[Guest]

Does the pool actually get docked the next year if you go over the 15% threshold, or is it that you're just capped in the amount you can pay any one player?

 

It's a cap on how much you can pay any one player ($250,000):

 

Penalties With No International Draft

• 0-5 percent over pool: 75 percent tax on the pool overage.

• 5-10 percent over pool: 75 percent tax on the pool overage. Team won’t be allowed to sign a player for more than $500,000 during the 2014-15 signing period.

• 10-15 percent over pool: 100 percent tax on the pool overage. Team won’t be allowed to sign a player for more than $500,000 during the 2014-15 signing period.

• 15 percent or more over pool: 100 percent tax on the pool overage. Team won’t be allowed to sign a player for more than $250,000 during the 2014-15 signing period.

 

I'd prefer they just make a trade; I'd hate to be out of play for the top IFAs next year in what will hopefully be their last year with a big pool.

[Guest]

Cool, that's not all that big a deal then. Go big fish this year, spread it out to a dozen guys the next year. Works for me.

[jersey cubs fan]

Does the pool actually get docked the next year if you go over the 15% threshold, or is it that you're just capped in the amount you can pay any one player?

 

It's a cap on how much you can pay any one player ($250,000):

 

Penalties With No International Draft

• 0-5 percent over pool: 75 percent tax on the pool overage.

• 5-10 percent over pool: 75 percent tax on the pool overage. Team won’t be allowed to sign a player for more than $500,000 during the 2014-15 signing period.

• 10-15 percent over pool: 100 percent tax on the pool overage. Team won’t be allowed to sign a player for more than $500,000 during the 2014-15 signing period.

• 15 percent or more over pool: 100 percent tax on the pool overage. Team won’t be allowed to sign a player for more than $250,000 during the 2014-15 signing period.

 

If you go over and pay the penalty, and can now only pay $250k for any one player next year, can you still trade away your cap space next season?

[Guest]

Does the pool actually get docked the next year if you go over the 15% threshold, or is it that you're just capped in the amount you can pay any one player?

 

It's a cap on how much you can pay any one player ($250,000):

 

Penalties With No International Draft

• 0-5 percent over pool: 75 percent tax on the pool overage.

• 5-10 percent over pool: 75 percent tax on the pool overage. Team won’t be allowed to sign a player for more than $500,000 during the 2014-15 signing period.

• 10-15 percent over pool: 100 percent tax on the pool overage. Team won’t be allowed to sign a player for more than $500,000 during the 2014-15 signing period.

• 15 percent or more over pool: 100 percent tax on the pool overage. Team won’t be allowed to sign a player for more than $250,000 during the 2014-15 signing period.

 

If you go over and pay the penalty, and can now only pay $250k for any one player next year, can you still trade away your cap space next season?

 

Yes, which is why the Rays were identified early on as a trade target for IFA cap space.

[Guest]

Cool, that's not all that big a deal then. Go big fish this year, spread it out to a dozen guys the next year. Works for me.

 

I'd hate for there to be one of those uber prospects that come along every few years (Miguel Cabrera, Felix Hernandez, Michel Ynoa and Miguel Sano as examples) when the Cubs actually have a big pool to spend on such a prospect but can't because of penalties.

[Guest]

Cool, that's not all that big a deal then. Go big fish this year, spread it out to a dozen guys the next year. Works for me.

 

I'd hate for there to be one of those uber prospects that come along every few years (Miguel Cabrera, Felix Hernandez, Michel Ynoa and Miguel Sano as examples) when the Cubs actually have a big pool to spend on such a prospect but can't because of penalties.

 

That's true, and there's obviously a scouting element to that too. Hopefully the improved academy makes that piece of the puzzle a bit easier.

[Hairyducked Idiot]

I keep wondering if there isn't a team under the radar (Dodgers, I'm looking at you) who aren't waiting to surprise everyone by blowing their budget by a ton and signing all the players.

 

Probably not, though, because these deals are all basically done in advance. I'm assuming anyone the Cubs are "heavily tied to" has essentially already agreed to terms and is just waiting for tomorrow to sign.

[Guest]

If we're going to go big this year, I'd just as soon go huge. Instead of spending $60M on Gonzalez, spend $60M to buy the entire top 20 guys from this class.