The Phillies took on a $20M or so contract to sweeten the take in the Hamels deal, but are quibbling over a few million in international signings?
The Phillies just took on a $10M contract for a second tier OF that won't get them to .500 but are counting pennies in LA?
Something doesn't compute - this isn't RA who'd spend to be competitive at the ML level but not on the farm system.
MacPhail engineered a complete rebuild in Baltimore, Klentak certainly knows the score, so I have to think there are other things going on.
What I think is more likely in LA is Sal told them (they did sign a handful of bonus babies) that the remaining high cost guys are overrated, we'd rather spend the money on a list of second tier guys we think have upside. And some guys who'll be turning 16 in the next few months that we can nab.
As far as the over 23 international, how many have signed? If they're willing to give Kendrick $10M, I can't imagine they wouldn't pony up for a player they thought was worth it. If there's a young LH OF out there who isn't far from the majors, or a potential closer, I'd have to think they'll be in the middle of the bidding, though probably not for an IF, C or 1B, or a pitcher they don't think has #1 starter potential (because they have lot's of potential #2/3 young starters).