International Free Agency Jumpstarts the Trade Market

[nicksaviking]

The biggest change to the international signing period was the ability for teams to trade a slotted alotment of their spending pool. Many baseball people expected trades to happen but were unsure how it would play out as there is no established track record of what each slot is actually worth in flesh and blood return.

 

At this point several teams have swapped international bucks, and we've seen several MLB players involved in these transactions. The Cubs and Dodgers first swapped DFA'd relievers Carlos Marmol and Matt Guerrier. However the Cubs threw in one of their draft slots to accomodate the trade.

 

The Cubs also traded P Scott Feldman and C Steve Clevenger to the Orioles for Jake Arrieta, Pedro Strop and more international funny money.

 

Additionally, the Cubs traded minor league 2B Reynoldo Torreyes to the Astros for two more bonus pool slots.

 

A Feldman trade was expected as the Cubs had pitching available and they were expected to be sellers, however these kinds of trades often happen only once the trade deadline approaches. The new international feeding frenzy, at least this season, may have helped motivate GM's to stop dragging their feet regarding players that are known to be available.

 

Of course the one thing these moves have in common is that they all occured with the Cubs. The Cubs brought in Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer knowing they were agressive and not afraid to try new things. Our Twins are a bit more cautious and generally are not at the forefront of new movements so I won't be expecting them to be working draft slot trades until they see how it plays out first. Regardless, if going forward the international signing day kicks off free agency a month earlier than normal, baseball will hold my attention much more during the busy 4th of July week.

[Winston Smith]

"Our Twins are a bit more cautious and generally are not at the forefront of new movements...." where did you come up with a crazy idea like that?

[ThePuck]

Three of the top four international prospects are off the board. Two of them are shortstops. Nine of the top 30 are off the board. Twins have yet to sign any.

[maxisagod]

There are also rumors that the Rangers got draft money from the Marlins, but how much or for who, I don't know yet.

[Joe A. Preusser]

It would be interesting to see what our top slot would net. A "B" prospect? More? I hadn't really considered the idea of packaging our slot within a trade to sweeten a deal and bring in a stronger prospect/player in return. This could help make Hammer et al more palatable to other teams.

[ScottyB]

It would be interesting to see what our top slot would net. A "B" prospect? More? I hadn't really considered the idea of packaging our slot within a trade to sweeten a deal and bring in a stronger prospect/player in return. This could help make Hammer et al more palatable to other teams.

 

It's actually supposed to be a pretty good international market. I'd rather get back extra slot money and go after a good shortstop prospect and pitching. I'd put up some of our bullpen or other tradeable players for extra slot money. The Cubs now have over $5M for international free agents.

[nicksaviking]

"Our Twins are a bit more cautious and generally are not at the forefront of new movements...." where did you come up with a crazy idea like that?

 

I count 26 players now signed by 15 different teams. I know it's petty to complain seeing as the market is only recently opened, but my inner nag is frustrated that my favorite team is once again among the last to the table even though all speculation says the Twins will come out of this OK.

[TheLeviathan]

Cubs got a lot of value from that Feldman signing people were mocking as stupid this offseason.....

[ThePuck]

Twins had the 4th most money available?

[drjim]

I count 26 players now signed by 15 different teams. I know it's petty to complain seeing as the market is only recently opened, but my inner nag is frustrated that my favorite team is once again among the last to the table even though all speculation says the Twins will come out of this OK.

 

I wouldn't panic until the three guys Twins most attached to sign elsewhere. But I agree, let's get moving here.

[nicksaviking]

Cubs got a lot of value from that Feldman signing people were mocking as stupid this offseason.....

 

Yup the Cubs set the market for marginal starters. Not only have they gotten a return for Feldman, but they forced every other team to overpay for backend fillers too. Another reason to be proactive in baseball operations instead of reactive.

[drjim]

Cubs got a lot of value from that Feldman signing people were mocking as stupid this offseason.....

 

1 out of 4 ain't bad.

[TheLeviathan]

1 out of 4 ain't bad.

 

Gregg and Villinueva are also strong options to recoup value. But he'll, I'd take those odds from the Twins. Nothing but pocketed money going to help the future.

 

25% > 0.

[diehardtwinsfan]

I think it would have made more sense to have the international signing period open August 1st after the deadline...

[bird]

Cubs got a lot of value from that Feldman signing people were mocking as stupid this offseason.....

 

Feldman was a smart pickup by the Cubs. Very smart.

[drjim]

Gregg and Villinueva are also strong options to recoup value. But he'll, I'd take those odds from the Twins. Nothing but pocketed money going to help the future.

 

25% > 0.

 

Remains to be seen what value is received overall, not just in trades but production.

 

Despite my mild snarkiness I actually really liked the moves the Cubs made outside of Jackson. They have a plan and they are aggressively pursuing it.

 

This is actually one aspect I would like to see the Twins adjust slightly. It is the difference between progressive and strategic vs. conservative and methodical. The Twins way isn't "bad" per se but it does limit some opportunities for arbitrage on account of enhanced stability.

[TheLeviathan]

On that we totally agree Jim. Baker failed but they invested extra cash in hopes of surprise success to recoup value. When you are rebuilding and won't block young talent, it's great strategy. And while many here ridiculed the stupidity of "overpaying" - it doesn't look very stupid today.

 

All it cost was cash they had in abundance. Just like we did.

[cmb0252]

Take a deep breath.

 

The Twins have been linked to plenty of the top international free agents, none of which have been signed yet. Wolfson mentioned that you shouldn't expect quick signings by the Twins. While it is annoying that the Twins haven't signed anyone there is no indication that they won't come out of this with a big haul of prospects. Terry Ryan said yesterday that they plan to use their whole allotment and to do that they would need several big signings.

[Vervehound]

Take a deep breath.

 

The Twins have been linked to plenty of the top international free agents, none of which have been signed yet. Wolfson mentioned that you shouldn't expect quick signings by the Twins. While it is annoying that the Twins haven't signed anyone there is no indication that they won't come out of this with a big haul of prospects. Terry Ryan said yesterday that they plan to use their whole allotment and to do that they would need several big signings.

 

given the pool values, i wouldn't mind the twins going relatively slow. lots of guys get signed for discounts a month or more into the signing period and being in a position to clean up works for me. so long as we spend the freaking money....

[nicksaviking]

Take a deep breath.

 

The Twins have been linked to plenty of the top international free agents, none of which have been signed yet. Wolfson mentioned that you shouldn't expect quick signings by the Twins. While it is annoying that the Twins haven't signed anyone there is no indication that they won't come out of this with a big haul of prospects. Terry Ryan said yesterday that they plan to use their whole allotment and to do that they would need several big signings.

 

I agree, there should be no need to panic, but there is a danger. Most of the big names are signing, which means if the Twins miss out on one of their big names, Diaz and Perez, there quite possibly won't be another big name to spend their money on and the Twins will be sitting on their cash and only able to spend it on lesser prospects.

 

I count 26 players now signed by 15 different teams. I know it's petty to complain seeing as the market is only recently opened, but my inner nag is frustrated that my favorite team is once again among the last to the table even though all speculation says the Twins will come out of this OK.

 

Update: The count is now up to 32 players on 17 different teams.

[drjim]

No one is getting excited about the confirmed signing of Top 10 (MLB)/15 (BA) guy Lewin Diaz?

 

EDIT: $1.4 mil.

 

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/prospects/watch/y2013/#list=int

 

#10 on the link above.

[drjim]

Doogie Wolfson also said there are 4 other signings, but he didn't say the names. So Twins do work fast, just don't get it to Baseball America right away. And they even spend some money. On quality players.

[DaveW]

I get the "lets sign everyone now!" thing, but if there is one area the Twins should be given a pass by us fans its the international signings "game"....Sano, Arcia and Kepler (plus a ton more) show why. I trust they will be able to find some more gems.

[DaveW]

No one is getting excited about the confirmed signing of Top 10 (MLB)/11 (BA) guy Lewin Diaz?

 

EDIT: $1.4 mil.

 

2013 Prospect Watch | MLB.com: News

 

#10 on the link above.

 

Based on the write up I am excited! Sounds like a boom or bust guy since power is his one true elite "tool" but I like the idea of this team bringing in more guys like that.

[The Greatest Poster Alive]

i get the "lets sign everyone now!" thing, but if there is one area the twins should be given a pass by us fans its the international signings "game"....sano, arcia and kepler (plus a ton more) show why. I trust they will be able to find some more gems.

 

the twins should sign every top international free agent. They never bust

[Monkeypaws]

Based on the write up I am excited! Sounds like a boom or bust guy since power is his one true elite "tool" but I like the idea of this team bringing in more guys like that.

 

Better at least 1 elite tool than merely good across the board.

[drjim]

Here is a partial BA scouting report for Lewin Diaz:

 

Lewin Diaz, the No. 15 international prospect for July 2, has signed with the Twins for $1.4 million.

 

Diaz, a 16-year-old Dominican lefty, has raw power that ranks among the best in Latin America. Some scouts also like his swing, although he’s still learning to tap into his power in game situations. At 6-foot-4, 210 pounds, Diaz has played outfield and first base in the Dominican Prospect League and projects best as a first baseman. He trains with William Valdez.

 

Twins Sign No. 15 International Prospect Lewin Diaz - BaseballAmerica.com

[drjim]

Also announced was Roni Tapia

 

The Twins agreed to a deal with Dominican third baseman Roni Tapia for a contract value of $550,000, according to the Dominican Prospect League.

 

Tapia, 16, has a trim 6-foot-3, 175-pound frame with easy power. Scouts expect him to end up at another position. Tapia plays in the DPL and trains with Raul Valera, who is known as “Banana.”

 

Twins Agree To Deal With Roni Tapia - BaseballAmerica.com

[snepp]

Any middle infield prospects left, or have they all been sucked up at this point?

[drjim]

Any middle infield prospects left, or have they all been sucked up at this point?

 

Here is BA's list:

Where The Top 30 International Prospects Have Signed - BaseballAmerica.com

 

Mostly sucked up, but the Twins really weren't connected to any of the top guys. And "SS" can be a little deceiving on that list. Both Sano and Polanco were listed as SSs when they signed and obviously Sano has moved and Polanco is probably a 2B at this point.