The Bernstein Brief: Cubs Splurging Again On International Prospects
By Dan Bernstein--
CBSChicago.com senior columnist
(CBS) Experts agree an MLB international draft is coming, but until then, the flawed system remains, and the Cubs just exploited it again with another big-money binge.
Open season on young global prospects began today, and Theo Epstein was happy to take on the overage taxes and two-year bonus restrictions assessed for ignoring the supposed allotment of $3.2 million for such signings this year.
You may never have heard of outfielder Yonathan Sierra Estiwal, shortsop Aramis Ademan, shortstop Yonathan Perlaza, catcher Miguel Amaya or infielder Christopher Martinez, but these are the names on top of a big list of Dominicans, Venezuelans and Panamanians who just became well-paid Cubs.
One report claims that as of Thursday mid-morning, Epstein had already handed out $7.65 million, while sources tell 670 The Score that depending on how the period plays out, that number could rise closer to $15 million. The Cubs have five of this year's top 30 in the fold and aren't done yet.
Dan Bernstein is a co-host of 670 The Score's "Boers and Bernstein Show" in afternoon drive. Follow him on Twitter @dan_bernstein and read more of his columns here.