Saturday, July 18, 2009

July 2 News

July 2 can only mean one thing: the opening of the international signing period. For approximately the next 2 months, MLB clubs are free to sign any 16-or-older player from countries that are not subject to the draft. (That's all of them besides the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico.) It's only been a couple of weeks since July 2, but many of the top international prospects have already inked deals. Here are some of the big names (also check out BA's extensive coverage of July 2 and the international signing period):

Miguel Sano, ss, unsigned
The consensus top talent this year, Sano is bound to net a huge payday (possibly $3-4 million). Many teams, especially the Pirates, Twins, and Orioles, are enticed by his enormous potential with the bat, sound swing, and athleticism. He hasn't signed, though, as MLB is still in the process of confirming all of his documents. At least one prospect has already been caught for concealing his real age and identity.

Wagner Mateo, of, Cardinals ($3.1 million)
Comparable to current Mets prospect Fernando Martinez, Mateo is a bat-first outfielder. He might be relegated to left, so his hitting ability and power will have to carry him.

Gary Sanchez, c, Yankees ($3 million)
New York already has Jesus Montero and several other catchers in the pipeline, but they decided to stock up on some more (not a bad idea). Sanchez, while raw, has shown a plus arm behind the plate and above-average power. He has major upside, as well as need for refinements.

Guillermo Pimentel, of, Mariners ($2 million)
Somewhat similar to Mateo, Pimentel is unspectacular in the field and on the basepaths. He is a menace at the plate, however, and one of the top hitters in this year's class. Scouts say his approach and pure feel for hitting exceeds that of Mateo, and he also has excellent power potential.

Jose Vinicio, ss, Red Sox ($1.95 million)
A skilled defensive player, Vinicio just turned 16 on July 10. He is different from his peers in that he has all-around skills instead of just on offense. Speed, range, instincts, and a solid switch-hitting bat make Vinicio one of the best talents on the market this year.

Cheslor Cuthbert, 3B, Royals ($1.5 million)
The top player from Nicaragua this year, Cuthbert's strengths and weaknesses resemble many of the players in this class. He is modest defensively, and will need his promising bat and power to carry him.

Juan Urbina, lhp, Mets ($1 million+)
Urbina, the son of former big league closer Ugueth Urbina, is a relatively advanced pitcher for his age. He has a smooth delivery, loose arm, feel for pitching, and good projectability. Urbina's repertoire consists of an 88-89 mph fastball and a curveball, both of which could be plus pitches in the future.

Johendi Jiminian, rhp, unsigned
Jiminian is one of the top hurlers available in this year's crop. He brings to the table a high-80s fastball that touches 91, an occasional sinker, and a feel for a curve. He has an ideal 6-3 pitcher's body, a feel for pitching, and nice mechanics.

Luis Sardinas, ss, Rangers
Sardinas, who hails from Venezuela, could improve offensively once he fills out his wiry frame; currently scouts are divided on his bat. Sardinas shines on defense and has good speed.

Daniel Sanchez, rhp, unsigned
Sanchez already has a low-90s fastball (that has been clocked even higher) and above-average mechanics. He is working on his 77-80 mph breaker.

Yonathan Mejia, ss, Astros ($370,000)

Mejia most likely will not stick at short. He has the offensive potential, however, to be an asset at third base or in the outfield.

Humberto Valor, ss, Reds
Valor, a 5-10 Venezuelan, is a steady all-around player who lacks a wow factor. He has good hands at short, but a mediocre arm. He makes consistent contact at the plate, but he doesn't have much power.

Rosell Herrera, ss, Rockies
The Dominican native is big for an infielder, at 6-4, 185. He probably won't be a shortstop for much longer, as his below-average speed is expected to shift him to third or the outfield. Wherever he plays, Herrera's calling card will be his power bat.

Jose Pena, of, Brewers
Pena has power and a strong arm, as well as some average speed. Scouts say he has tons of adjustments to make offensively, though, as he is raw, struggles to hit for contact, and lacks balance.

Santiago Nessy, c, Blue Jays
Nessy is a power-hitting backstop. He has a thick body and below-average defense, meaning he'll have to work hard to avoid a move to first base.

Max Kepler, of, Twins
Some think the German outfielder is the best prospect to ever come out of Europe. He has all-around potential (5 future average-or-better tools), explaining his handsome bonus.

Others:
Jacob Beltre, c, unsigned
Jairo Kelly, ss, Indians
Edgar Ferreira, lhp, Astros
Wilfredo Solano, 3B, A's
Victor Payano, lhp, unsigned
Jurickson Profar, rhp/ss, Rangers
Leonardo Perdomo, rhp, unsigned
Jochi Ogando, rhp, unsigned
Santo Aybar, ss, Brewers
Jorge Polanco, ss, unsigned

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