flyers19rw....this is a very good point and one that the Phils can do nothing about. Apparently the Braves had deals in place as far back as a couple of years ago and while I am sure its illegal, have probably been privately supplying some income to the family or agents to guarantee that nothing changes.
We know Boston has been doing underhanded stuff for years on the international market. I am not being an apologist here for the Phillies, we all know that this topic has been on going for years and the Phils past lack of aggressiveness on the international market is likely to take its first very public hit this year when Phillie phans who don't follow this stuff closely like many on this site do, will wonder why the Phils, with all this money to spend, couldn't lure at least 1 top of the line prospect.
Still, I have lots of faith in Uncle Sal, and its not like he hasn't been working over the past several years to prepare for this moment. I think the Phils will do fine, and expect that rather than spend it all on one guy like they basically did last year with Ortiz, will spread it around to several players, hoping to hit on 2-3. Not a terrible strategy by any means.
The Dodgers are living proof that simply because you throw all sorts of money at the international market does not mean you are ever going to get a bulls eye. In fact, if you subscribe to my theory that Puig is a mess right now, you can make a case that the Dodgers are doing a terrible job on the international front [Urias looks like a hit, by the way.]