I don't know how small-market teams are supposed to compete when big spenders like the New York Yankees and Kansas City Royals are snapping up all the top talents. Clearly, MLB needs a worldwide draft to level the playing field, since the current system just allows Kansas City to sign whomever they want for these exorbitant dollar figures.

Needless to say, I'm confused at how this system that is supposedly stacked so heavily in favor of the Yankees and Red Sox allowed the Royals to grab Noel Argüelles, the lesser-known Cuban defector/left-handed pitcher on the market this winter; the Royals deserve credit for being so aggressive in landing themselves the equivalent of an extra first-round pick. Argüelles is 19 and worked at 91-94 for the Cuban national team before defecting with current Boston farmhand Jose Iglesias. Argüelles earns raves for his athletic body and wide receiver-like build, and his changeup projects as a plus pitch with his curveball further behind it. Argüelles's command and control are still well below average and he has limited professional pitching experience, so I wouldn't expect him to reach the majors for three or four years.