| By Jason A. Churchill |  | 07-02-2009 |
If the reports are to be trusted, the Pittsburgh Pirates, among other clubs, punted the 2009 draft, to an extent, so they could allocate funds to the international free agent market.The front runner to land the prize of this year's Latin class -- shortstop Miguel Angel Sano of the Dominican Republic -- Pittsburgh reached for Boston College catcher Tony Sanchez at No. 4 overall in last month's draft, paid him what basically amounts to slot, instead of selecting a $4-6 million player such as RHP Aaron Crow, LHP Tyler Matzek or RHP Shelby Miller, among others.
Sano is expected to cost about $4 million and is a heck of an athlete with some really intriguing physical tools. But I don't get it.
Tyler Matzek for $6 million or Sano for four? Matzek, not even close.
Let me tell you what goes through my mind when clubs splurge for all these international talents every summer, throwing around signing bonuses that the Top 15-20 selections in the draft typically warrant.
What's the track record of these international kids versus that of the draft picks?
I can't believe clubs can actually believe that signing a relatively unknown kid from...
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Pimentel gets good grades for raw power, but his hit tool pales in comparison to that of Wagner Mateo, thought to be the No. 2 prospect on the international market this summer. He's a corner outfielder -- will not play center beyond the low minors -- and has an average throwing arm in terms of strength. But he is left-handed and if... Full Story - Discuss (10) |
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I will also send the report to any new annual subscribers. To subscribe for a one-year subscription, click here and choose the top option. Notes I went 30 deep, rather than 20 or 25, and assumed that 2, 27, 51 and 82 from this year's draft will sign and become part of the farm system. I did not assume Baron would sign, and did not include any potential signing on the International market at this time. I also did not include RHP Shawn Kelley, even though he currently qualifies, because he's within days of being re-activated and will very likely lose rookie status this summer. Again, these will be sent out late today or tonight (Wednesday). Please do not email or ask within this thread about the handbook. I'm doing the best I can to financially fix the issues with the publishers. The book is completed, but it is not in any form to be distributed at this time. Discuss (18)
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 Subscribers can check out video of Tacoma Rainiers outfielder Prentice Redman, C/DH/1B Jeff Clement and Toronto Blue Jays catching prospect -- and former Seattle Mariners draftee - J.P. Arencibia by Clicking HERE.Couple things to check out: Redman's swing is nice and easy in BP and while the swing stays the same versus live pitching, the difference for him the past 500 ABs versus the previous several years for him has been pitch recognition and plate coverage. That swing takes care of right field,... Full Story - Discuss (63) |
 Literally, all this is going to be is a bunch of videos. No analysis whatsoever.Fun, eh? We'll start off with four videos, one each of... Full Story - Discuss (7) |
 Got word today (thanks base) that right-hander Maikel Cleto is headed to Clinton to join the Lumberkings, and could be available as early as Thursday. Cleto, 20, made one appearances for the Peoria Mariners in the Arizona Rookie League, allowing an earned run on three hits and a walk in 2/3 of an inning.Cleto was caught behind in the Dominican Republic as the Federal Government and Major League Baseball worked jointly to clean up false documentation in the c... Full Story - Discuss (8) |
 When the season began, most prognosticators, pro, amateur and wannabe alike, tossed out a number between 70 and 78. A few pessimistically projected less than 70 and fewer spun it for 80 or more.So the month leading up to the 2009 trade deadline was supposed to be covered in easy decisions – trade them, trade them all. But right now the Seattle Mariners have 35 wins, paced for at least 80 on the season, and in a bad division such as the American League West, sit just 2.5 games behind the leaders and, when healthy, boast the division’s best pitching staff. Full Story - Discuss (16) |
 The middle of the season is upon us, which makes it a good time to take a look at the worthy names on the rosters of the High Desert Mavericks of the Advanced-A California League and the Double-A West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx.High Desert With several players boasting big time numbers, the questions coming in from readers this season are generally centered on the bats -- Outfielder Tyson Gillies, third baseman Alex Liddi and... Full Story - Discuss (21) |
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