Cardinals Trying to Upset Atlanta Braves Summer J2 Plans

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About the International Market

The International Market… also known lately as the “J2” (July 2) market… is still close to the Wild West in terms of obtaining players. RedbirdRants.com, our FanSided sister site for the Cardinals, notes that the Cards have been scouting Kevin Maitan since the age of 13.

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Well, so have the Braves, and they are the ones who supposedly have this wink-wink agreement in place.

Unfortunately, that’s also exactly the problem here: technically, any agreement with any of these teens is “illegal” by MLB rules at this point, though it is a common practice… hence why so many sign immediately on July 2 when the signing season opens.

Starting at increasingly young ages, kids with talent sign up with free-lance coaches at training facilities where they can get some instruction, playing time, and develop relationships with major league scouts and representatives. The trainers hold much of the power, and are financing their enterprises from kickbacks on the bonuses that their best students receive. Ben Badler of Baseball America even has suggested strongly that these trainers “often hold the decision-making power” over the players and their families.
Venezuela is a special case. Badler also proffered that the top players in VZ come at cheaper rates than those elsewhere. This may have been the case in the past for a variety of reasons, but if the Braves indeed have a $4.25 million deal for Maitan, then it sounds like the playing field may have leveled significantly.

There’s another factor that might be at work in Venezuela now: the economy.

Hyper-inflation is in progress there. The President declared a state of economic emergency 2 weeks ago. CNN described the economy as in a meltdown condition. Forbes declared that their economic catastrophe has already happened – which will culminate in a default on national debt – worse than Argentina’s crisis from 2001.

Why is this relevant? American dollars. American baseball dollars, specifically. The local currency is now almost completely worthless and those with harder currencies will hold more power in this country over the next months and years.

In short, more money might mean more power and there is a real danger that in this particular climate, an agreement could be reneged upon in favor of better security for the relevant trainer(s). Future ramifications in doing so? Yes – they would certainly exist… but in such a situation, survival instincts kick in, and short-term goals typically prevail.

Seizing Opportunity

The Cardinals? Despite the fact that they are a team with an extra ‘small market’ Competitive Balance draft pick, they have funds to spend. Signs are suggesting that they are willing to use them, too.

Typically, we have not heard about any “turf wars” going on in the Latin countries over top players. It is possible – even likely – that such battles happen, but if a war is truly shaping up over Kevin Maitan, then this could get ugly quick.

St. Louis probably figures that it has nothing to lose. They’re already in trouble and getting Atlanta hacked off at them isn’t going to change that. Maybe… somewhere deep down… they kind of figure that the Braves fleeced them in the Heyward deal, and maybe this is a kind of payback. Besides, no “agreement” is official anyway, so why not go for it? Especially for a player like Maitan.

From their point of view, it’s all good competition. The Braves might believe otherwise.

Unfortunately, there’s one way the Braves can solidify their agreement for Maitan. More money. They’d better be prepared to spend it if they want to keep their prized prospect.

Next: Taking Lessons From Football

Ladies and gentlemen, I do submit that this salvo from the Cardinals will not go unanswered. If they are truly putting up a fight for Maitan, it will not be an action taken lightly.

We will continue to monitor this as time marches along.

Shout out to the @BraveReddit community for bringing this to our attention.

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