July 2nd IFA Signing Thread

[GD]

With the conclusion of the draft, speculation of the July 2nd signings will probably begin soon. A name the Jays have been linked to is Yeltsin Gudino, an all-around shortstop.

 

OP will be updated with any signings and such. Scouting reports are just below. Our pool is around 3 million dollars.

 

Go Blue Jays!

Edited June 10, 2013 by GD

[ace3113]

First post. Carry on. lol

[GD]

First post. Carry on. lol

 

I think we need some scouting reports up in here lol.

[G-Snarls]

BTW, that's a very GOLDEN looking sombrero that JP is wearing in your avatar...

[ace3113]

Some sites with info and video of many of the top prospects for July 2, 2013. So far the Blue Jays are linked to Venezuelan shortstop Yeltsin Gudino.

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

Yeltsin Gudino, ss, Venezuela:

 

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.

 

Some other names of interest:

Luis Encarnacion, 3B, 6'2" 185lbs, R/R, Dominican Republic

Trainer: Juan Herrera

Age: 15.10 years

 

A third baseman with a big strong athletic build, Encarnacion has the look of a future middle-of-the-order hitter and run producer. Physically imposing in the batter's box he uses simple swing mechanics, and a slight leg lift to generate plus raw power. The ball simply explodes off his bat with natural lift. Encarnacion hit one of the deepest homeruns during the MLB International Showcase. More than just a batting practice monster, Encarnacion was one of the few top prospects to perform well during games at the MLB showcase going 4-7 with a double. His barrel awareness and ability to consistently square up pitches suggest that he will not just be an all-or-nothing slugger, but a good all-around hitter. Recorded a very respectable 60 time(7.02) for a corner infielder, but not a smooth runner at all. Arm looks to be about average but accurate and online for the most part. Has the tools and bat to profile at third but is not a certainty to stick there long term. Okay moving left to right on grounders but range is only average. Reactions and hands need to improve as he seems to have difficulty with balls hit directly at him. Bat should be enough to play at first base if a position shift becomes necessary though. The Phillies are believed to have the most interest, offering as much as 1mm according to a recent report out of the Dominican.

 

Luis Encarnacion, 3b, Dominican Republic:

 

If Devers isn’t the best offensive prospect in Latin America, that title might belong to Encarnacion, who trains with Juan Herrera, plays in the IPL and won’t be able to sign until he turns 16 on Aug. 9. Encarnacion is 6-foot-2, 185 pounds, hits in games consistently and already has plus power from the right side. While Encarnacion earns widespread praise for his offensive upside, scouts are even more sold on him having to change positions soon after signing, either to left field or first base. Sources say the Phillies have been enamored with Encarnacion and have emerged as his most likely destination.

[ace3113]

Ibid:

lewin diaz, 1b/of, 6'3" 195lbs, l/l, dominican republic

trainer: William valdez

age: 16.9 years

 

a long-limbed and thickly built outfielder, diaz offers very little projection, but also doesn't need very much more. He is already close to physically mature with plenty of now strength, and his carrying tool just happens to be his plus raw left-handed power. Diaz is able to generate tremendous power without having the greatest pure bat speed, but simply through strength and leverage. He maintains a balanced approach at the plate, and does not sell out to pull or lift the ball. Diaz swing is simple and repeatable. He uses a leg lift trigger and his plate setup is reminiscent of dodgers first baseman adrian gonzalez. Diaz gets good extension on his swing and has demonstrated the ability to handle 88-91mph velocity and average offspeed stuff. He stands out among other dominican prospects for his ability to translate his hitting tools to games. He plays outfield right now but is a below average runner (7.6) lacking the range for even a corner position. Diaz has above average arm strength but will likely end up at first base in pro ball. His combination of plus power and arm-strength should make him one of the top names available for july 2.

 

roni tapia, 3b, 6'3" 175lbs, r/r, dominican republic

trainer: Banana

age: 16.3 years

 

impressive raw athlete with noteworthy tools. Long and lean body with much projection remaining. Speed is above average to plus for size (6.89-60) with a long effortless gait. Throwing arm also projects to above average or plus. Young and inexperienced but shows good foundation and instruction. Simple and balanced hitting approach that is likely to carry over into games. Excellent bat speed with projectable power.

jeramias portorreal, of, 6'2" 180lbs, l/l, dominican republic

trainer: Banana

age: 15.10 years

 

the youngest player in the 2013 international free agent class, portorreal has pretty swing mechanics from the left side and an advanced feel for hitting. One of the best left handed approaches among the young dominican players available for july. Fast whippy swing and good weight transfer. Looks like he could develop into a very good all-around hitter down the road with the potential to hit for power as well as average. He looks to be a future left fielder or first baseman defensively so his bat will have to carry.

ihan bernal, c/3b, 6'0" 190lbs, l/r, panama

trainer: Emilio sempris

age: 16.9 years

 

bernal is an athletic young catcher with with all the tools to stick at the position. A solid runner for a backstop (7.2) he has quick feet and moves well behind the plate. Defensively, bernal's greatest asset is his plus arm strength (82 mph), which figures to get even better as he physically matures. His recorded pop time of 1.95 at the mlb international showcase was tied for the best among the catchers, and his best reported time of 1.89, is outstanding for a 16-yeard-old. Bernal's strong defensive profile has garnered comparison's to fellow panamanian catcher carlos ruiz of the phillies. He is a smooth receiver and sound blocker, whose baseball fundamentals are well advanced for his age. At the plate bernal has a short simple swing, tailor made for contact. Spread stance, balanced through the ball, he can hit the ball to all fields. Not sure how much power there will be, but he sure looks like he could hit for some average. Bernal has excellent bloodlines and comes from a baseball family. His eldest brother iosif bernal, an outfielder, signed with the braves in 2011 and hit .259/.382/.360 in his debut with their dsl team, while his father iosif bernal sr. Played for the dodgers' dsl affiliate in the early 90s. Bernal's transition to north america should not be as difficult as most latin prospects as he's already bilingual, having attended the canadian international school in his native panama.

dayan perez olmo, of/mif, 5'11" 160lbs, s/r, dominican republic

trainer: Valentin monero

age: 16.7 years

 

smaller in size but a very strong. Quick twitch 5-tool athlete with plus-plus speed (6.55-60) and a centerfield profile. Arm strength is excellent. Flashes good bat speed. Displays some power right-handed, more of a slap hitter as a lefty. Top of the order type of hitter with gap pop. Was named co-mvp of the dpl all-star game after going 3 for 4, with 2 triples, and 3 rbi.

[ace3113]

Continued:

Mayky Perez, RHP, 6'5" 210lbs, Dominican Republic

Trainer: Adam Ramirez

Age: 16.9 years

 

Extra large and projectable frame with long loose limbs. Only 15-years-old, Perez has the kind of size that scouts love in their pitching prospects. He has sound mechanics and throws the ball free and easy out of a 3/4 arm slot. Right now Perez' primary pitch is a fastball that consistently sits in the 86-90mph range, topping out at 93, with more to come. The pitch has natural downhill life with occasional arm side run down in the zone. Perez is a confident and competitive pitcher who likes to pound the strikezone. At times he has a tendency to overthrow and can also become too reliant on his heater, which leads him to either loose his command or get hit around. Perez' 74mph curveball is his best present offspeed pitch. It has tight rotation with hard biting action; and could be a plus pitch in the future. He shows some feel for a chanegup which flashes deception and movement, but it's not a major weapon at this stage. With his size and arm strength Perez, who currently plays in the DPL, is considered by most scouts to be the top pitcher available for July 2. His trainer is said to be looking for a bonus over 1.2mm.

Mikey Edie, OF, 6'0" 165lbs, R/R, Venezuela

Trainer: Carlos Guillen

Age: 16.1 years

 

Edie is arguably the most well-rounded athlete available for the July 2nd free agent period. An above-average runner (6.70), with plus arm strength, and average raw power, the center fielder not only has all 5 tools but has already translated them to performance on the field. Against his own age group at the 15u World Championship he posted a line of .393/.485/.607 to go with 6rbi 2(2b) 2(3b) 2bb 3so 2sb 1cs. That should give any team signing him at least some comfort, knowing he's not quite as raw as other pure athletes. Physically resembles Austin Jackson, and like Detroit's All-Star center fielder will probably hit at the top of a lineup. At the plate Edie employs a leg raise trigger, that allows him to generate very good bat speed. Looks to pull ball and get out in front and he could be a 20-20 player depending on how the power develops. Defensively Edie could improve his reads off the bat, but looks like he should be able to handle centerfield at the next level.

Marcos Diplan, RHP, 5'11" 165lbs, Dominican Republic

Trainer: Luis Polonia

Age: 16.10 years

 

Widely considered the second best IFA pitcher available for July 2nd (after Mayky Perez), Diplan may not have the upside of his fellow countryman, but at present is much more advanced and polished. Despite being only 5'11, Diplan has an slender athletic build and a free-and-easy delivery that should allow him to add at least a tick or two to his fastball which already sits 90mph consistently, and peaks at 94. He shows excellent command of the pitch and seems to be able to throw strikes at will. A fierce and hard-nosed competitor, Diplan backs up his heater with a mid-70s curveball that flashes tight spin and good depth, and an 80 mph changeup. Both pitches look very promising at this stage, with the curve having the potential to be a plus pitch down the road. That gives Diplan the basis for three average pitches or better, which for a 15-year-old is quite remarkable. Pitched well at the MLB International Showcase where he threw two shutout innings retiring all six batters he faced (three on strikeouts). He could fetch as much as 1.3mm on July 2nd, as his advanced arm and stuff could see him move quickly through a team's minor league system.

 

Marcos Diplan, rhp, Dominican Republic:

 

Diplan’s size (5-foot-11, 160 pounds) scares off some teams, but he also has arguably the best stuff of any pitcher in this year’s class. Diplan’s fastball sits at 89-92 mph and he’s touched 93-94, unusual velocity for a 16-year-old, particularly for his size. Diplan has good depth on his mid-70s curveball, another potential above-average pitch, and while he doesn’t need to throw his changeup much yet, it already flashes average at times. Diplan was crisp and efficient at the MLB showcase back in January, although his control has been erratic at other times. Some sources believe the Rangers are the team most likely to sign Diplan, who pitches in the DPL and trains with Luis Polonia.

Jen-Ho Tseng, RHP, 6'1 200, Taiwan

Trainer: N/A

Age: 18.8 years

 

The star of the Taiwanese Junior National Team, Tseng has a wealth of international experience and is pretty physically mature for an 18-year-old. While that might mean there isn't a whole lot of projection left in his frame, he already brings plenty of now stuff. Tseng throws his fastball in the 91-93 mph range with a peak of 95. He compliments the pitch with a hard-breaking curveball, a potentially plus changeup, and a solid slider. He throws all of his pitches from a 3/4 delivery which gives them excellent movement and life. There's also a slight hesitation in his delivery like many pitchers from Asia, which adds deception. Tseng was the only high school player picked for Taiwan's squad in the 2013 WBC. He pitched an inning of relief against New Zealand striking out two and walking 1. In the 2012 World Junior Baseball Championship he was superb going 3-0, with a 0.84era and and 22 strikeouts in 21 1/3 innings against Canada, South Korea and Colombia. Sources indicate his handlers could be looking for as much as 2mm.

Yimmelvyn Alonzo, SS, 6'1" 185lbs, R/R, Dominican Republic

Trainer: Edwin Sabater

Age: 16.3 years

 

A potential power hitting shortstop, Alonzo has a medium athletic build with present strength. He hits from an open stance, with a leg lift trigger and a deep load. Alonzo is an aggressive hitter with good batspeed. He swings hard and can put a charge into the ball. Swing can get long at times, but he has plus raw power right now. A 6.94 runner, his arm and range may profile better at second base, especially as he fills out more. If he can stick at short he has all-star potential with the bat, at second he's average to slightly above average. Went 1 for 3 with 1 rbi and a strikeout in the APL.

Jefferson Mejia, RHP, 6'7" 220lbs, Dominican Republic

Trainer: Edgar Mercedes

Age: 17.12 years

 

Mejia's age may be in question but his ability and size isn't. With his massive extra large frame he's an intimidating presence out to the mound. Fastball sits 91-93 with good downward plane. Can get both righties and lefties out with a nasty 74-75mph changeup that falls off the table. Also throws a solid curveball at 75-76. His mechanics are fairly sound for someone his size and he seems to have the athleticism to repeat his delivery. Was declared ineligible to sign for one year by MLB after lying about his age. He claimed to be 16 when he was apparently 17. He will be allowed to sign on April 4th.

Rene Pinto, C, 5'10" 160lbs, R/R, Venezuela

Trainer: Jaime Torres

Age: 16.8 years

 

Prototypical catcher's build, short compact, very good present strength. Solid athlete with average 60 time (7.20) for the position. Excellent receiving skills and very strong arm (82mph), his 1.95 pop time is well above average for his age. Catching fundamentals are advanced. He looks like he's had excellent instruction. Good baseball bloodlines. Father Rene Sr. (also a right-handed hitting catcher), played 7 years in the Yankees system in the early 90s hitting .277/.324/.439 for his minor league career. Pinto's trainer, Jaime Torres, played with his father with New York's Double-A affiliate. Rene Jr. has much more power at the plate than his father, but employs a deep hand load. Has the tools and pedigree to be a top-level defensive catcher, and the power bat is a bonus.

[ace3113]

And more:

 

Luis Asuncion, OF, 6'3" 180lbs, R/R, Dominican Republic

Trainer: Nube

Age: 16.4 years

 

Lean projectable build with some thickness to lower half. Average runner, but faster than his 60 time (7.07). Massive kid, but should be able to handle left field. Bat would profile anywhere regardless. Plus raw arm strength, with quick release. Easy power, obvious strength in hands, gets good extension. Balanced approach at the plate with a nice consistent swing path. Simple swing, makes contact. Leg lift trigger. Patient approach in games, has an idea. Hit 19 homeruns at the DPL Power Showcase. Huge power potential, can really drive the ball, but doesn't sellout to pull and lift the ball. Lets the ball get deep and drives it to all parts of the field. Impressed scouts with his showing in the MLB Amateur Prospect League where he went 3 for 7 with a homerun, two rbi, a walk, and a stolen base.

 

Nestor Tejada, OF, 5'10" 180lbs, L/L, Venezuela

Trainer: Carlos Guillen

Age: 16.2 years

 

He's not a tremendously smooth or fast runner (7.00), he's small and stocky without a whole lot of projection, and his fringe average arm screams left field profile, but what Tejada can do is hit the baseball, and at present he does it as good as anyone in the July 2nd class. A left-handed hitter with a short compact swing, Tejada brings an aggressive approach to the plate without being undisciplined. He has excellent bat speed, and always seems to square up the ball. There is a slight wrap in his swing, but he's able to compensate for it with his ultra quick hands. Tejada employs a leg lift trigger, which helps him generate at least average power despite the lack of leverage from his frame. More of a game player than a showcase player, Tejada has a strong record of performance in international competitions. Named a tournament all-star at the 15-and-Under World Championship of Baseball after hitting a ridiculous .520/.629/.1080 in 25ab to go with 2hr 13rbi 4(3b) 4bb 5so 4sb 0cs. He will have to continue to hit that way in pro-ball as he projects to be an average defender at best.

 

Tejada, like Herrera, made the tournament all-star team, hitting .520/.629/1.080 by going 13-for-25 with four triples and two home runs, good for fifth in the tournament in on-base percentage and second in slugging. He has plenty of international tournament experience, having played for Venezuelan youth national teams since 2009 when he and Herrera were teammates in Puerto Rico at the 12U Pan American championships. Tejada, 16, now trains at Carlos Guillen’s academy and will probably be in line for a low six-figure bonus. He’s 5-foot-10, 180 pounds and has some similarities to Melky Cabrera. He’s an above-average runner with a decent arm who could play center field. He doesn’t project to have much power, but he’s a quality line-drive hitter.

Joan Mauricio, SS, 6'2" 150lbs, L/R, Dominican Republic

Trainer: Nelson Montes de Oca

Age: 16.8 years

 

Rail thin shortstop with wiry build and long loose limbs. Physically immature and needs to tack on weight. Shouldn't outgrow position despite size. He could put on up to 30 pounds and still be at ideal weight. Smooth gliding actions at short. Nice hands and strong arm, capable of making plays deep in the hole. Comfortable going to his right, shows range. No sixty time available, but looks to be about a 5 runner. Not a burner, but moves well in stride. Shows very good bat speed at the plate and surprising power. Mostly a linedrive hitter, but projects for more as he adds strength. Toe-tap trigger, no stride, small pull back load. Balanced stance, slightly upright with a medium base. Good bat to ball ability. High waist gives him leverage in swing, uses his lower half well. Gets good extension on swing. Did not see from right side. Currently plays for team Red in the IPL. Blue Jays have connection with trainer Montes de Oca who also trained prospect Rolando Segovia.

 

Joan Mauricio, SS

 

Mauricio is a good defender with clean hands, and while he doesn’t have a plus tool now, he has the body type where all of his tools could improve once he gains strength, including his below-average speed and average arm. He already shows good bat speed and can drive balls to the warning track in BP. He’ll add more pop once he gets stronger, but he will need to make adjustments at the plate to hit more against live pitching.

[ace3113]

Ibid:

 

yeffry de aza, ss, 6'0" 170lbs, r/r, dominican republic

trainer: Nube

age: 16.5 years

 

de aza is a sure handed middle infielder with a ton of offensive potential. A solid runner (6.89), he possesses the range and hands to stay up the middle though his average arm strength may profile better at second long term. Should he have to move to the right side of the bag, his exceptional hitting tools should still allow him to become an above average regular at the position. De aza's bat stands out and really projects despite his seemingly modest size. He has explosive bat speed and a whippy swing that allows him to put a charge into the baseball. Hits some very hard line drives, and looks like he'll hit for at least average power in the future. His overall approach could use some refinement as he has a big load and a slight bat wrap in his swing. Played 2 games in the apl and went 1 for 6 with a double, an rbi, and a walk.

 

jose herrera, c, 5'11" 177lbs, s/r, venezuela

trainer: Felix olivo

age: 16.4 years

 

one of the top catching prospects for july 2nd, herrera is known more for his bat than his glove. The young backstop was one of venezuela's best hitters at the 15-and-under world championship, posting a line of .455/.571/.636 with 11 runs 2 doubles, 1 triple, and 8rbi in 8 games. He came up especially big in the championship game against cuba, leading his team to victory on the back of 3 hits, 3 runs, and 3 rbi. The switch hitting herrera is purported to have a polished approach at the plate with excellent contact ability as evidenced by his 3:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio at the worlds. From the right side his swing is shorter and more compact. Left-handed there is more loft in his swing, and he gets out in front of the ball. Herrera doesn't have a lot projection left, with a thick lower half, and a small frame, so he likely will not hit for more than average power. Defensively, the converted infielder may not have the greatest physique or athleticism, but he's a smart cerebral player who will be able to make the most of the tools he has including his above average arm-strength.

 

jose herrera, c, venezuela:

 

the top july 2 catcher on the market is herrera, who is represented by felix olivo. Herrera was teammates with gudino on the venezuelan team that won the 15u world championship in august in mexico and made the tournament all-star team. Herrera’s swing generates loft and he has good power from both sides of the plate. Some scouts aren’t sure he’ll be able to hit for a high average, but he has a good eye at the plate. A former shortstop, the 5-foot-10, 180-pound herrera moved behind the plate last summer shortly before the world championship, so his receiving is still a work in progress but he should be able to stick at catcher. Sources believe the astros may be in the lead for herrera, although the diamondbacks are another team that could be involved.

 

jose herrera, c

 

with only a few months of experience behind the plate, herrera went to the 15u world championships last august in mexico and made the tournament all-star team as a catcher. Herrera went 10-for-22, hitting .455/.571/.636 with two doubles, a triple, six walks and two strikeouts. In the championship game, herrera went 3-for-6 with a double and drove in three runs to lead venezuela to a 10-2 victory over cuba. Herrera stands out at the plate with a good eye along with the strength and loft in his swing to hit for power. Even though he’s only been switch-hitting for a year, some scouts already think his lefthanded stroke is more advanced than his righty swing. His footwork and receiving need improvement, but he has solid arm strength and should stick at catcher. Several teams believe the astros are the leaders to sign herrera, although the diamondbacks have also been connected to him. The diamondbacks even had him at their spring training complex in arizona last week to work out and play in an extended spring training game (thus explaining bill mitchell’s photo of him in diamondbacks gear). Wherever he signs, he should be able to command at least $1 million. “he’s a young kid with tools,” said one scout. “the arm is probably going to grade above-average when it’s done. The receiving is rough right now, but he’s fairly new to the position and i love the makeup. He’s not going to be a high average guy, but he’s going to hit for power, and the way he takes pitches makes you think he’s going to get on base a lot, too.”

[ace3113]

http://www.baseballamerica.com/international/marten-gasparini-15-might-be-europes-best-prospect-ever/

 

Italian shortstop one of the Top International Prospects for 2013.

One of this year’s top international prospects is Marten Gasparini, a 15-year-old Italian shortstop who is expected to sign the biggest contract ever for a European amateur player. Gasparini, who turns 16 on May 24, is 6 feet, 175 pounds, hits from both sides of the plate and is an outstanding athlete with 65-70 speed on the 20-80 scouting scale.

 

Once he becomes eligible to sign when the 2013-14 international signing period opens on July 2, Gasparini will likely net a bonus north of $1 million. While Dodgers vice president of international scouting Bob Engle made the Mariners a leader in signing European prospects until he left in October and the Cubs have also shown interest, most sources believe the Royals are the frontrunners to sign Gasparini.

 

The last European prospect to captivate this much attention from major league teams was Max Kepler, a German outfielder who signed with the Twins in 2009 for a European-record $800,000 and entered 2013 as Minnesota’s No. 10 prospect. In Gasparini, some scouts believe they are watching the best European prospect they have ever seen.

 

Yet Gasparini isn’t just good for a European player—he’s one of the premier prospects in the entire international market.

 

“He’s a well-above-average athlete with really good agility and really good body control,” said one international scouting director. “It’s a good body on an athlete with tools. He brings a lot to the table. Even if he goes to center field, he profiles there at a premium position. The competition level in Europe is more like middle-of-the-road high school in the United States and he’s not facing the 92-94 mph some of the Dominicans face, but he hits in games. He’s a really interesting guy.”

 

Discovering The Game

 

Born to an Italian father and a mother of Jamaican descent who grew up in London, Gasparini speaks Italian and English. Growing up in the small northeastern Italian town of Alture in the Friuli region along the Slovenian border, Gasparini originally dabbled in other sports as a child. He had played soccer. He had tried his hand at martial arts.

 

“He was extremely raw in his actions at shortstop, and his swing wasn’t what it has become,” Cubs' scout Bill Holmberg said. “But from the beginning you could see he had bat speed, range and an above-average arm for his age (85 mph) at 13 from shortstop.”

 

At the Italian academy, Gasparini worked with infield instructor Pedro Jova, hitting instructor Marco Mazzieri, Gianni Natale, Armando Gutierrez, Daniele Santolupo and the rest of the academy coaching staff every day. By 14, he was already attracting the attention of major league scouts.

 

After a year in the academy, Gasparini went to Chihuahua, Mexico to play shortstop for Italy in the 15U World Championship, a tournament heavily attended by international scouting directors. While Italy went just 3-5 in the tournament, Gasparini shined, hitting .419/.514/.710 by going 13-for-31 with a double, four triples and six stolen bases in six tries.

 

Just a few days after the 11-day tournament ended, Gasparini was in Seoul, South Korea playing center field for Italy in the 18U World Championship. Gasparini struggled at the plate (2-for-17), but he was the second-youngest player in the tournament, facing players three years older than him.

 

Since those tournaments, Gasparini has only continued to improve and draw more top scouts from major league teams to Italy. Scouts highest on Gasparini believe he has the potential to hit at the top of the order, with gap power now that should improve as he adds strength to his frame.

 

“The thing I see when I watch Marten swing the bat is the bat speed,” Holmberg said. “I don’t think he will be a pure power guy, more of a leadoff guy or maybe a two-hole hitter. But I do think that he could eventually hit 20 or so home runs a year.”

 

If a team is willing to spend more than $1 million on Gasparini, it’s likely that organization will let him start his career at shortstop. He has good range up the middle, although making plays on balls hit to his right are more of a challenge because of his arm strength. Scouts give him a 40 to 50 arm on the 20-80 scale and have concerns about his throwing mechanics, which is why some think he might be a better fit in center field. Yet while some scouts last year thought he was a surefire center fielder, now those same evaluators believe it’s a coin flip whether he will have to change positions.

 

“His arm action is a short arm action with a little funk to it, so I’m not sure if you can project it enough to play the shortstop position,” said one scout. “But he’s athletic and he has really good actions for a kid coming from that area. You look at that kid and you can compare him to some of the really smooth actions coming out of the Dominican Republic and Venezuela.”

[GD]

Perez, Diplan, De Aza, and Gudino are the ones that really interest me.

[GD]

I would love Aldemys Diaz from Cuba.

[ace3113]

I would love Aldemys Diaz from Cuba.

 

I read on MLB TRADE RUMORS that he can't sign until February.

[eastcoastjaysfan]

Rofl @ having the name "Yeltsin"

 

Is he a fat, alcholic commie?

[GD]

I read on MLB TRADE RUMORS that he can't sign until February.

 

Oh, he can't? I thought there was some confusion about his age that might have made him eligible to sign during this period or whatever. Haven't followed that too closely.

[Angrioter]

Eloy Jimenez has a f***ing verbal agreement with the Cubs.

[Caper]

They should allow teams that want to go into non traditional baseball markets and set up camp, grow the game..... and when they do... they should be able to freely sign the talent they produce. If a team wants to set up a baseball academy in Uganda or Russia... let them.... and let them sign what ever talent they may produce.

[Deadpool]

Rofl @ having the name "Yeltsin"

 

Is he a fat, alcholic commie?

 

If he is, we'd better sign him ASAP!

[ace3113]

So far AA has missed the boat on Chapman, Puig, Soler, and Cespedes and spent heavy on Hechavarria:rolleyes:. Now I don't know if this Gonzalez guy is any good, but AA better be doing his freakin due diligence, in case he is.

 

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?c_id=mlb&content_id=49837998&vkey=news_mlb&ymd=20130606

 

Seven teams -- including the Cubs, Dodgers, Rangers and Red Sox -- have expressed serious interest in Cuban right-hander Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez and have been watching him throw bullpen sessions in Mexico since April, according to an industry source.

 

Gonzalez, 26, fled Cuba earlier this year, landed in El Salvador and worked out for a month in Mexico City before making his way to Tijuana, where he currently resides. He has been throwing full bullpen sessions in front of scouts twice each week for the past two months and expects to face hitters this week.

 

Representatives for the 6-foot-3 Gonzalez submitted paperwork to the United States Department of Treasury for the purposes of unblocking the player in February and began petitioning MLB for free agency a month later. Gonzalez filed a copy of his residency card from Mexico -- the final step to becoming a free agent -- to the Commissioner's Office last week, but does not expect to hear back until after the conclusion of the 2013 First-Year Player Draft.

 

Gonzalez still has to be cleared by the U.S. government before he can enter into an agreement with a Major League club. The unblocking process could be resolved immediately, or last several months.

 

A full-fledged showcase is expected once he becomes eligible to sign with a Major League club.

 

The hard-throwing right-hander has a fastball in the mid-90s, a changeup, fork and a curveball. He made a splash on the international scene at the 2010 University Baseball Championships in Tokyo, and also shined at the Baseball World Cup in '09 and '11. He was suspended from Cuba's national team for most of the past two seasons for trying to leave the island.

[GD]

Any video on the kid and info on what he'd be signing for?

[ace3113]

Any video on the kid and info on what he'd be signing for?

 

#75 in the video.

[GD]

#75 in the video.

 

Which video, exactly? It's late and I'm dumn haha.

[ace3113]

Ooops. I thought I posted it.

 

[imsorry4beatinU]

So far AA has missed the boat on Chapman, Puig, Soler, and Cespedes and spent heavy on Hechavarria:rolleyes:. Now I don't know if this Gonzalez guy is any good, but AA better be doing his freakin due diligence, in case he is.

 

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?c_id=mlb&content_id=49837998&vkey=news_mlb&ymd=20130606

 

We need to sign this guy. He is at the age of his prime. AA needs to take another gamble and sign him.

[GD]

Ooops. I thought I posted it.

 

 

Hot damn, that's my kind of pitcher. We need this guy. How much do you think he goes for?

[ace3113]

Hot damn, that's my kind of pitcher. We need this guy. How much do you think he goes for?

 

I'm not sure but the usual suspects are after him (Red Sox, Cubs, Dodgers, Texas).

[imsorry4beatinU]

Hot damn, that's my kind of pitcher. We need this guy. How much do you think he goes for?

 

I'm not sure but the usual suspects are after him (Red Sox, Cubs, Dodgers, Texas).

 

I say 30-40 million

[ace3113]

Miguel Alfredo González Puebla

Bats Right, Throws Right

Height 6' 2", Weight 185 lb.

 

Miguel A. González was 14-14 with a 4.66 ERA in his first four seasons, though 2007-2008. The young right-hander then took a big step forward, going 8-4 with a 2.86 ERA. He was 4th in the league in innings pitched (126), 4th in strikeouts (101) and was 7th in ERA. He was second in ERA on a strong La Habana staff which featured national team members Yulieski González, Jonder Martínez and Yadier Pedroso. He was even better in the postseason, winning five games. In game five of the Serie Nacional finals, he tossed a 5-hit shutout against Villa Clara to give La Habana its first pennant in three decades. He was named postseason MVP.

 

González went 2-0 with a 2.13 ERA in the 2009 World Port Tournament, fanning 12 and allowing only 8 hits in 16 innings; he won a 1-0 duel against former AA hurler Diegomar Markwell and later shut down Japan. In the finale, he was not as sharp against the Dutch national team, giving up a second-inning run then a 2-run homer by Sidney de Jong in the 6th; he left with a 3-3 tie but Cuba rallied to win as Maikel Folch provided strong relief. For the tourney, Miguel was 5th in ERA, 2nd in WHIP (behind Folch), tied for 4th in strikeouts and tied for first in wins (even with Folch, Rob Cordemans, Syogo Suenaga and Yaumier Sánchez).

[GeorgiaPeach]

Eloy Jimenez has a f***ing verbal agreement with the Cubs.

 

And????

[GD]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/06/july-2-international-prospect-update.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook

 

Some tidbits from MLBTR. Also, can someone *looks at ace* copy and paste this article?

 

http://www.baseballamerica.com/international/july-2-notebook-international-scouting-reports/