Very interesting article at MLBTR on teams trying to game a comp pick loophole. It references a pay wall ESPN article by Olney that is much more descriptive. I believe the Players Assn will not be happy how the rules have turned out versus predicted outcomes. It also affis the intelligence of the Rangers in their acquisition strategies designed to avoid losing picks.

Here is the link.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/12/teams-could-seek-loopholes-for-compensation-free-agents.html

Let's say the rangers get Cleveland to sign LaRoche and then trade him for Kyle Castro the 2011 3rd round pick of Texas. Wouldn't Selig just have to not approve that trade to stop that from happening?

Problem is that even if you go to such extremes, you still have to give up something of high draft value, for a free agent. So in essence, rather than getting a "free" player in free agency, you're making a trade in which you have to give to get. That makes the net value of the player you're getting less, it creates issues of whether said player is worth more to you you at any price than the pick it will cost, and it's probably not a coincidence that the best players still lagging on the FA market are ones with that draft pick compensation attached.

I wonder if any of them will have to wait until June to sign (after the pick compensation is removed) in order to get offered a deal they like? It could create an interesting mid-season dynamic if one or more wait until then.

First LaRoche, as example, would have to approve the deal, at least until 15 June ( after the draft ). The trade from Cleveland's, would have to be for that equivalent draft slot: both player and LOST SLOT MONEY. This new draft focus is an attempt to level the field: by cutting way back on draft comp free agents and strict adherence to Slot Money Totals, and even trying to reign in international signings by have a MAX SPENDING ALLOWANCE. But there is a loophole for the RIch Teams, define as those with team salary north of $100m, and that is buy the draft choice visa trades and the MLB League Office is trying hard to avoid that, but by current agreement can not deny such future trade scenarios.

Hey! i Actually know kyle Castro personally.. haha