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Bear Grab Catfish: Cubs Sign Jen-Ho Tseng

In News And Rumors by myles29 Comments

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

In Commentary And Analysis, News And Rumors by GW33 Comments

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 …

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*UPDATES* Eloy Jimenez Signs and the Rest of the Cubs’ Moves Through Two Days

In Commentary And Analysis, News And Rumors by GW28 Comments

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 …

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Matt Garza and 2013 International Free Agency

In Commentary And Analysis, News And Rumors by GW17 Comments

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 …