2015 International Free Agents

[GD]

Your reasoning is why the orioles don't get in the international free agent game, weak

My post was based on the assumption that the money would be sent

[Deadpool]

I hate the fact that it seems like this class isn't as good as last years. Minogue seems to think that Lara and Rondon from last year are better than anyone in this class. Did we pick the wrong year to go all out on IFAs? I really hope we go after Yaddy Alvarez as well.

 

I hope we spend at least $10M before the tax, otherwise it really seems like it won't be worth it to handcuff ourselves over the next few years.

[raBBit]

I don't want to break any hearts but there are more fan bases than just the Jays that think their team has Vlad Jr. locked up. I wouldn't etch that into your brain until July.

 

Anyhow, what is very interesting this year is the course of action of the teams who cannot make a signing of 300K+. There should be a few trades involving these slot values. If a trade were to arise, a team receiving a slot can only acquire up to half of their international pool (a team can only increase their spending pool by 50%). The team's that went over 15% last year were the Yankees, Red Sox, Rays, Brewers (the penalty being that these teams cannot sign any int'l signee for over $300,000).

 

It'll be interesting how those aforementioned teams leverage those slots as they can trade them, but they are not afforded the opportunity to use them themselves unless they strap themselves with a bunch of less-sought after, <300K signings. So the utility of these slot values are best served via trade. With the new CBA coming, teams will only get one to pick their move in their sole experience with the current system. You would think the most prudent teams would make the effort to move these slots and procure some sort of value - I am looking at you Cherrington/BoSox.

[raBBit]

I hope we spend at least $10M before the tax, otherwise it really seems like it won't be worth it to handcuff ourselves over the next few years.

If a team breaks the 15% threshold, they cannot sign any int'l amateur for more than $300,000 for the next two years. Problem is, there may be an international draft in 2017 depending on the how the negotiations/conversations with Cuba and Player's Union turn out.

[Spanky99]

Which teams? I'm curious. Cause I haven't seen any other report out there stating that there's any sort of agreement in place. Ya, he worked out for the ChiSox, but that means nothing. Are there actually any other reports out there?

 

Pffftttt...Angrioter's got this.

[raBBit]

Which teams? I'm curious. Cause I haven't seen any other report out there stating that there's any sort of agreement in place. Ya, he worked out for the ChiSox, but that means nothing. Are there actually any other reports out there?

The North Side of Chicago for one. His workout with the White Sox wasn't with just the White Sox in attendance. Why would he be working out for other teams if he had a deal with the Jays?

[Deadpool]

The North Side of Chicago for one. His workout with the White Sox wasn't with just the White Sox in attendance. Why would he be working out for other teams if he had a deal with the Jays?

 

Yeah, there's been no suggestion of a deal anywhere but with the Jays... He's a kid playing ball to show off, and possibly increase his value. Ang is a solid source, despite his predilection for equus, and the dudes on fangraphs are talking about the Jays having him locked up as well.

 

Also, if the Jays sign VGJ, (I'm gunna go ahead and start calling him va-jay-jay now to get ahead of the curve) they'll be over 15% already, so my point was that they should just spend a metric f***tonne at that point, since there's not double secret probation after that point.

[ace3113]

From everything I've heard this is the top guy from Venezuela or at least one of the top guys. I hope the Jays can sign him.

 

[metafour]

I don't want to break any hearts but there are more fan bases than just the Jays that think their team has Vlad Jr. locked up.

 

There are no reports from anyone with any credibility that link him to having a deal with anyone but the Blue Jays, even after that White Sox workout. If other fan bases are "thinking" that their team has him locked up, then their thinking can be described as nothing more than wishful at this point. The difference is that there is general industry consensus linking us to him.

 

As Krylian mentioned; he's probably trying to drive the price up after his hype started to grow.

[ace3113]

From everything I've heard this is the top guy from Venezuela or at least one of the top guys. I hope the Jays can sign him.

 

 

http://m.mlb.com/news/article/115354866/prospects-rebound-with-international-series-win-over-providence-nc

 

Speaking of Albert Guiamaro he and the international prospect team won on Saturday in their second game against an American high school team (they lost Friday's opener).

 

Guaimaro and fellow prospect Christopher Martinez went a combined 4-6 with 3 runs and 2 rbi. Top prospect Starling Heredia went 2-4 with a double, a stolen base, a run, and an rbi.

 

I don't know much about Martinez but as I said before, I really want Guaimaro.

[Ehjays]

I hope we chase a few of these top guys. Not only Vlad Jr but keep going and don`t let the Dodgers have everyone.

[ace3113]

http://www.baseballamerica.com/international/scouts-didnt-go-mlbs-international-prospect-series/

 

A true game setting shows how strongly ingrained the tryout mentality can be in many Latin American amateur players. Jhailyn Ortiz, a 16-year-old, righthanded-hitting Dominican first baseman, is 6-foot-2, 260 pounds and has the best raw power of the group, although game hitting is another story due to Ortiz’s vulnerability against breaking pitches. In the first game, he drew a walk, then stood around looking confused, wondering why he wasn’t getting a courtesy runner to go to first for him so he could stay at the plate and reset the count. The international pitchers committed multiple balks, their runners were picked off several times (including once at third base with two outs) and one player got a great jump to steal second but was thrown out when he slowed down and didn’t bother to slide.

 

That comes with the territory of evaluating young Latin American amateur prospects. Most players are either tooled up but lack game skills, or they have the high baseball IQ but are still too weak to have any standout tools. Sometimes players are total projections across the board, both physically and in terms of their crudeness on the field.

 

But there were flashes of game ability there as well. Venezuelan shortstop Miguel Hernandez worked deep counts, hit fastballs and breaking pitches and used the middle of the field in games. Power-hitting Dominican catcher Enrique Hatma smartly picked up his third base coach and went first to third on an errant pickoff throw. Navarro made an instinctive play at shortstop, making a quick adjustment going back to his right after a ball hit up the middle deflected off the pitcher, fielding the ball cleanly after changing directions before using his above-average arm to fire a strike to first base to get the out. Dominican center fielder Gilberto Celestino made an incredible catch, getting a terrific jump off the bat on a ball hit into left-center field, showing good range on a direct route before grabbing the ball at full extension.

[Atothe]

I like young shortstops that work the count and have bat control.

[Atothe]

So the Dodgers are going after Yadier Alvarez and that means the jays have no chance

[Atothe]

Depends on whether he's made available before or after July 2nd also.

 

Either way they're going after him as he's a top 3 or 4 signee

[Angrioter]

I saw Yadier Alvarez pitch.....He's really really good at baseball.

Castro-esque

[Laika]

I wonder how much the Dodgers would pay Miguel Castro if he was magically a free agent today

[Atothe]

I wonder how much the Dodgers would pay Miguel Castro if he was magically a free agent today

 

easily 30 million

[nutz003]

Just curious on the thoughts of others here as to whether or not you think the Jays pushing the young guys through the system into majors more quickly could be a factor that works in their favour with the July 2nd signings. If the money is close between them and someone else, say the Dodger's, on someone like Alverez, do you think the possibility of getting to the Bigs quicker if you show the goods would be a tipping point in the decision?

[Angrioter]

Vladimir Guerrero, Jr., RF, Dominican Video: Heavily rumored to have a deal with the Blue Jays for about $4.4 million (estimates vary a bit) that should be the biggest of this year’s class. Has advanced feel to hit and current plus raw power with some projection, but a pretty mature frame and only an average arm, with many suggesting he’ll end up at first base.

 

Jhailyn Ortiz, LF/1B, Dominican Video: Heavily rumored to have a deal with the Phillies for about $4.2 million (these estimates vary a bit as well) that mark the Phillies biggest international bonus by a huge margin, leading the rebuild effort. Ortiz is listed at 6’2/260 but is shockingly quick on his feet, has some looseness to his swing and 70 present raw power, but some trouble with breaking stuff.

 

Wander Javier, SS, Dominican Video: Heavily rumored to have a deal with the Twins for $4.0 million, Javier is a solid shortstop that checks all the boxes defensively, flashes average raw power and feel for the bat head.

 

Starling Heredia, CF, Dominican Video: Rumored to be a Cubs target, then rumored to be a Dodgers target, then not rumored to be anyone’s target when it appeared L.A. would sign Moncada and now once again rumored to have a deal in place with the Dodgers, for $3.0 million. I wrote twice length about how Heredia’s mature frame and skills give some scouts pause about giving him tons of money, but he flashes plus speed and plus raw power, so he’s hard to ignore.

 

Seuly Matias, CF, Dominican Video: Matias is rumored to have a deal with the Royals for $2.2 million, though some have suggested it may be as high as $3 million. Matias is a prototypical July 2nd outfielder, with above average speed that could be plus one day and a slight build, but above average power projection and a plus arm.

 

Leodys Taveras, CF, Dominican Video: The player that’s new to this group is Taveras, who I’m told is realted to Wily Taveras and has is believed to have a deal with Texas, with the estimates ranging from the mid-1’s (considered a bargain) to $3 million (closer to consensus value), with most assuming it’s at the high end. Taveras is an above average runner with a chance to play center field, a solid average arm and a chance for above average raw power at maturity

 

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/the-international-signing-market-part-1/

[ace3113]

Sigh. It looks like the Jays won't be going on a Yankees/Red Sox level spending binge as most suspected. Seems like a waste going over just a little, considering we won't be able to spend much on IFA's for two years as a result. Might as well have waited and signed Kevin Maitan next year.

 

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/the-international-signing-market-part-2/

 

Blue Jays: I’m getting asked frequently if the Jays have another deal lined up behind Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. and I still don’t have any evidence that they do. I have Guerrero landing around $4.4 million and the Jays’ pool is a little over $2.3 million, meaning they can trade for space up to a little shy of $3.5 million. Guerrero’s bonus may not be exactly $4.4 million, but I’m pretty sure it’ll be over $3.5 million. I’d expect the Jays to sign another notable player or two to make the most of going over, but fans assume going over means spending many times the team’s pool amount, when it normally means the team found a couple players they really like in a year they didn’t have a ton of money to spend.

[ace3113]

This is the guy I want in addition to Guerrero. He's not connected to anyone yet, and I like what I've seen and heard about him.

 

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/the-international-signing-market-part-1/

 

Albert Guaimaro, RF/C, Venezuela Video: Guaimaro also isn’t believed to have a deal, but is expected to get over $1 million. He has average raw power, solid average speed that should dissipate over time due to his thick frame and advanced feel to hit. One scout said he’s seen Guaimaro play pretty well behind the plate and thinks his solid average arm would work back there.

[Spanky99]

Sigh. It looks like the Jays won't be going on a Yankees/Red Sox level spending binge as most suspected. Seems like a waste going over just a little, considering we won't be able to spend much on IFA's for two years as a result. Might as well have waited and signed Kevin Maitan next year.

 

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/the-international-signing-market-part-2/

 

Man, this is BS if true.

[metafour]

Man, this is BS if true.

 

To be fair, we could be one of the ~15+ teams that do nothing of significance in this market. We'd still be getting the "best" player in this class, and even if we don't sign multiple other million+ dollar talents I'd bet we'll land several other mid to high six-figure signings with promise. Isamael Cruz and company have done a very good job.

[ace3113]

MLB put out their list of the Top 30 International Free Agents for 2015 today.

 

http://m.mlb.com/prospects/2015?list=int

 

http://m.mlb.com/news/article/122308730/jhailyn-ortiz-vladimir-guerrero-jr-lead-mlb-pipelines-2015-top-international-prospects-list

 

TOP 30 IFA

 

1. Jhailyn Ortiz, OF/1B, DR

2. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., OF, DR

3. Starling Heredia, OF, DR

4. Wander Javier, SS, DR

5. Seuly Matias, OF, DR

6. Alvaro Seijas, RHP, VE

7. Daniel Montano, OF, VE

8. Gilberto Celestino, OF, DR

9. Yonathan Perlaza, SS, VE

10. Cristian Pache, OF, DR

11. Albert Guiamaro, OF, VE

12. Andres Gimenez, INF, VE

13. Yonathan Sierra Estiwal, OF, DR

14. Gregory Guerrero, SS, DR

15. Leodys Tavares, OF, DR

16. Aramis Ademan, SS, DR

17. Anderson Amarista, RHP, VE

18. Ronny Brito, SS, DR

19. Juan Soto, OF, DR

20. Cristian Olivo, OF, DR

21. Derian Cruz, SS, DR

22. Miguel Aparicio, OF, VE

23. Miguel Amaya, C, PA

24. Simon Muzziotti, OF, VE

25. Fernando Tatis Jr., SS, DR

26. Christopher Martinez, 3B, DR

27. Jeison Guzman, SS, DR

28. Rafael Marchan, C, ES

29. Carlos Vargas, SS, DR

30. Franklin Reyes, OF, DR

[ace3113]

The headliner for the Blue Jays

 

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Rank: 2

Hometown: Nizao, Dominican Republic

Position: OF

Age: 16

DOB: 3/16/1999

Bats: R

Throws: R

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 220 lb.

 

Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 65 | Run: 35 | Arm: 45 | Field: 45

 

Son of nine-time All-Star and 2004 American League Most Valuable Player Vladimir Guerrero, the right-handed batter could be the best overall hitter in the class. He is trained by his uncle Wilton Guerrero, a former Major Leaguer and Vlad Sr.'s brother, in Don Gregorio, D.R.

 

Guerrero Jr. also has big raw power, and he continues evolve as a hitter. He reminds some scouts of his father, and Vlad Jr. has shown the ability to hit a pitch almost anywhere it is thrown, but his overall body frame is much bigger than his father's was at the same age.

 

Some scouts wonder if Guerrero's growing body will eventually force him to move out of the outfield, but others are less concerned about his build because of his family pedigree and the work ethic instilled by the Guerrero family. One scout described Guerrero as "talented, but still a grinder."

 

The Blue Jays have been linked to Guerrero.

 

My personal favorite and a player I hope we sign.

 

Albert Guaimaro

Rank: 11

Hometown: Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela

Position: OF

Age: 16

DOB: 1/17/1999

Bats: R

Throws: R

Height: 5'11"

Weight: 188 lb.

 

Scouting grades: Hit: 40 | Power: 50 | Run: 50 | Arm: 60 | Field: 50

 

Known for his aggressiveness at the plate and overall athletic ability, Guaimaro is considered by some to be among the top players, if not the top player, from his country in this year's class.

 

From Miranda, Venezuela, Guaimaro made a name for himself at Major League Baseball's Prospect Showcases and joined the other top international prospects at the International Prospect Series in March at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in North Carolina. His experience in several youth baseball tournaments in Venezuela has helped solidify Guaimaro's reputation as a gamer.

 

Some scouts worry about his body frame, but most expect him to stay on track once he is placed in a team's academy. How good is Guiamaro's arm? The former pitcher's fastball was once clocked at 88 mph. The belief is that Guaimaro will blossom into solid right fielder in the future.

 

Also of note. A Spaniard?

 

Rafael Marchan

Rank: 28

Hometown: Valencia, Spain

Position: C

Age: 16

DOB: 2/25/1999

Bats: S

Throws: R

Height: 5'8"

Weight: 175 lb.

 

Scouting grades: Hit: 60 | Power: 30 | Run: 30 | Arm: 60 | Field: 50

 

From Tachira, Venezuela, Marchan has been described as a "catcher's catcher."

 

Here's why: The hard-working Marchan has shown a high baseball IQ and can be counted on to make the right play. He's savvy, and although he might not have the most tools in the class, he makes the most of his abilities and can make plays in games.

 

Marchan can hit. He's been praised for his ability to make contact and not give away at-bats. Scouts also like that he has a track record of international experience and is not afraid of the big stage. Marchan has impressed scouts with his defense. He also has decent arm, and there's hope his power will increase as he matures.

 

Marchan might not be the flashiest player in the class, but he's the type of player many clubs would like in their system.

 

The Braves, White Sox and Padres have all scouted Marchan heavily.

[ace3113]

According to the list the Cubs are expected to sign about 7 of the top 30.

 

3. Starling Heredia, OF

9. Yonathan Perlaza, SS

13. Yonathan Sierra Estiwal, OF

16. Aramis Ademan, SS

17. Anderson Amarista, RHP

23. Miguel Amaya, C

26. Christopher Martinez, 3B

[z3r0s]

According to the list the Cubs are expected to sign about 7 of the top 30.

 

3. Starling Heredia, OF

9. Yonathan Perlaza, SS

13. Yonathan Sierra Estiwal, OF

16. Aramis Ademan, SS

17. Anderson Amarista, RHP

23. Miguel Amaya, C

26. Christopher Martinez, 3B

 

loving the Cubbies these days. Dodgers were always my NL team, and they are finally good... but I love the way the Cubs are doing it.

[Deadpool]

The reports about the Jays going beyond their cap is Yu Darvish all over again.

 

MiniVlad alone would push them over their cap... My hope is that since they're going over already, they might as well go WAY over...

[z3r0s]

MiniVlad alone would push them over their cap... My hope is that since they're going over already, they might as well go WAY over...

 

Your precious logic may not apply in the world of the Jays.