2013 International Free Agents

[ace3113]

Baseball America just came out with their top 10 list of International Free Agents for July 2nd 2013, linking us to Venezuelan shortstop, Yelstin Gudino. That's very good news as Gudino is considered either the 1st or 2nd best shortstop prospect in this class, and has a lot of polish.

 

Here is BA's list along with what they have to say about Gudino

 

http://www.baseballamerica.com/international/ten-international-prospects-to-watch-for-july-2/

 

7) Yeltsin Gudino, ss, Venezuela (video): When scouts grade out Gudino’s tools, there isn’t a 60 on his scouting report, but he’s a well-rounded player with success on the international circuit and strong baseball instincts. Gudino, who trains with Carlos Guillen, excelled at the 15U World Championship last August in Mexico and has continued to show an advanced hitting approach for his age. Gudino’s game will benefit from additional strength, which is a positive because there’s room to project more power and perhaps arm strength from his 6-foot, 150-pound body. He’s an average runner and a good fielder who projects to stay at shortstop. Oakland and Texas were tied to Gudino at one point, but now it looks like the Blue Jays are the leaders to sign him.

 

An earlier list from John Sickels' Top 50 International Free Agents of 2013 at Minor League Ball

 

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2013/4/24/4259466/2013-international-free-agents

 

9) Yeltsin Gudino, SS, 6'0" 152lbs, R/R, Venezuela

 

Trainer: Carlos Guillen

 

Age: 16.5 years

A smart player with good instincts, Gudino shows the kind of feel for the game that belies his age. "He knows how to play," remarked one scout, who also noted Gudino's strong fundamentals and leadership qualities. Gudino's intangibles are off the charts, and his sound positioning and plus arm-strength help make up for his lack of pure footspeed (6.96). Already a pretty slick defensive shortstop who will make all the routine plays, if he can improve his overall range, his defense would project to plus. Gudino has a muscular athletic build. He hits from an open stance and employs a toe-tap trigger. His setup begins with an open stance, hands high and close to the body, and there is a slight bat wrap in his swing. Mostly a linedrive hitter, Gudino has very good bat speed, and shows some power to the pull side. Gudino has a wealth of experience having played for Venezuela internationally, leading the 15-and-Under team to the 2012 World Championship of Baseball. Gudino finished that tournament with an impressive line of .455/.611/.833 to go with 10rbi 1(2b) 4(3b) 10bb 3so 5sb 1cs in 8 games. Rumors have Seattle and Oakland interested in signing him. He's expected to receive a bonus in the 1mm range.

[Abomination]

All kinds of intriguing sounding guys on those lists! Of the potentially lesser guys, Aybar in particular could be interesting as it sounds like his bonus demands will have really dropped due to possible age. Pinto also sounds kind of interesting. Advanced, plus defensive catcher with some pop.

[ace3113]

All kinds of intriguing sounding guys on those lists! Of the potentially lesser guys, Aybar in particular could be interesting as it sounds like his bonus demands will have really dropped due to possible age. Pinto also sounds kind of interesting. Advanced, plus defensive catcher with some pop.

 

Yeah, if Aybar's bonus demands drop far enough, I would jump all over that. His physical tools are all outstanding, and he's said to be the best defensive shortstop in the class. The unfortunate thing is he won't be able to play for a year (suspension) for lying, which would mean he'd be 19 in rookie ball, which wouldn't be too bad, except that his hit tool needs time to develop. Gudino is almost the complete opposite. No big tools, but a lot of hitting polish.

[GD]

Perez, Gudino, Diplan, and De Aza are all guys I've had my eye on.

[OtisNixonFan]

Whats our pool this year?

[GD]

Whats our pool this year?

 

2.8MM. Budget space for ITL signings is tradeable now, though.

[OtisNixonFan]

So one big name at around 1.5 and three guys around 300K a pop seems like a decent way to go. Though one never really can read AA's mind.

[LGBJ29]

6 ft 150? holy crap