International First-Year Players - Eligibility & Restrictions
The "International Signing Period" extends from July 2nd through June 15th of the following year.
Any individual who is age 17 or older, has not previously signed an MLB or minor league contract, resides outside the U. S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, and has not been enrolled in a high school or college in the U. S., Canada, or Puerto Rico within the previous year, can be signed during the ""International Signing Period."
Also, a 16-year old international player can be signed if the individual will turn 17 prior to September 1st or prior to the conclusion of the minor league season (whichever comes first).
In addition, a 16-year old international player who otherwise would not be eligible to be signed can be "Signed for Future Service" (that is, signed for the next season) July 2nd through August 31st.
No international player can be signed during the period of time extending from June 16th through July 1st






5ip 1h 3bb 5k (0r) for garza...82 pitches
cruising around 94mph with the fastball (92-94mph, mostly tipping to the upper).
I bet the Cubs could add Phillip Humber to the roster if they wanted.
well, he did have a no-hitter through 4.1ip today at least.
"Ability to have guys that have no-hitter-type stuff go out there is always a nice asset to have." -- Sveum, before game, on Garza return.
In other news, Tom Thibodeau said he likes basketball players that are good at shooting and Marc Trestman says the Bears are going to attempt to score touchdowns this year.
d.barney 2/2...breaks the .200 mark (.208)...should be over .300 ob% with that, too.
i would be impressed with more walks if he wasn't hitting 8th so much (all but 4pa this year).
Hurry up and trade Garza
AZ Phil - have there been any trades yet using the new International Signing Bonus cap space in the trade? Would you mind explaining the rules again?
sorry if 3/44, but Rule 5 Flaherty optioned to the minors over the weekend...
garza 4 Ks in a row to end the 2nd (1 to end the 1st).
garza 2rbi double...cubs up 3-0, top 2nd...lulz
garza time...
Stop those walks and you got a player.
Cubs claim RHP Eduardo Sanchez off waivers from Cardinals, assigned to Triple A
In addition to those you mention, I'm sure the Cubs will aggressively market Soriano and Marmol including salary relief. Clearly they will not command the prospects of those you mentioned, although Soriano might if he heats up again. Marmol can hopefully be disposed of for insert fringe prospect here.
Great update Phil. It is appreciated. Great to see the hitting over the last ten games. Looks like some of these guys are coming around.
I see Feldman and DeJesus as the most tradeable assets, with Shierholtz somewhere behind them, and the asking price for Garza being more than teams want to give up by a pretty good margin. Garza would still be likely to bring back the best haul, though. I mean, even in a good year, what are you really willing to give up for a Feldman or DeJesus?