July 2, 2016 - International Free Agent Signing Period

[Krylian]

Jays are handcuffed a bit this year and can't sign any one player to more than a $300,000 bonus. However, if I'm not mistaken their actual IFA pool is still over $2M. So they should be able to sign a few of these low 6-figure guys that might develop into something.

 

My worry is that the Shatkins era doesn't focus nearly as much as the AA era on the IFA market. From what I understand, Cleveland wasn't really good with the IFA side of things, so we may be heading back towards a JP Ricciardi view of the IFA market. I sure hope not.

[Angrioter]

Time is near

[metafour]

BA just released their projections for all 30 teams. Anyone got access to the article?

[jays4life19]

BA just released their projections for all 30 teams. Anyone got access to the article?

 

I'll post it later.

 

When I'm not at work and/or not lazy.

[Krylian]

BA just released their projections for all 30 teams. Anyone got access to the article?

 

Toronto Blue Jays

 

Spending more than 15 percent over your bonus pool triggers the maximum penalty, which is the inability to sign any international players subject to the pools for more than $300,000 for two years. When teams go over, that’s typically what they do, but the Blue Jays exceeded their pool by just a hair under 15 percent, basically just to sign Vladimir Guerrero Jr. for $3.9 million. The penalty for going over your pool by 10-15 percent is a one-year ban on signings of at least $300,000, so unlike the Dodgers and Cubs, the Blue Jays will be back without restrictions in 2017-18. For this year, though, the Blue Jays are under the penalty, and it’s not clear yet who they’re targeting in their first July 2 with Sandy Rosario in charge.

 

AND AS A CONTRAST TO THAT

 

Atlanta Braves

 

Between special assistant Gordon Blakeley, international director Marc Russo and Latin American scouting director Mike Silvestri, the Braves have three highly respected scouts at the helm of what should be a huge year for the organization internationally. The Braves decided early on that they were going to blast past their international bonus pool this year, with a spending plan that should look comparable to what the Yankees did in 2014-15 when Blakeley was with New York.

 

That decision to be aggressive early on looks like it will allow them to capitalize on securing the top talent on the board, Venezuelan shortstop Kevin Maitan. Their proactive scouting also should get them Venezuelan Abrahan Gutierrez, who is expected to be the second-highest paid player from that country this year. Other seven-figure targets include Dominican shortstop Yunior Severino (No. 8), Venezuelan shortstop Livan Soto (No. 16), Dominican shortstop Yenci Pena (No. 32) and Dominican righthander Juan Contreras (No. 41). At one point, it looked like they might also sign Dominican righthander Yefri Del Rosario (No. 26), though it’s not clear yet where Del Rosario will end up.

 

And that’s just the first wave. Dominican outfielder Joel Reyes, Colombian righthander Guillermo Zuniga and Venezuelan outfielder Antonio Sucre are all players expected to sign six-figure deals for the Braves. Expect plenty more to come in that group, both on July 2 and deeper into the year.

[Krylian]

We got no monay

 

We got plenty. Just can't spend it all on one place like we did last year.

[G-Snarls]

We got plenty. Just can't spend it all on one place like we did last year.

 

Excellent then

 

Plus, early reports are fapworthy from last year's binge:

 

http://www.sportsnet.ca/590/jeff-blair-show/future-bright-vladimir-guerrero-jr/

[Krylian]

...was curious what they say about Cleveland. Sounds like the Shapiro era is not going to be good for the International side of things.

 

Cleveland Indians

 

The Indians are in transition mode internationally. After Mark Shapiro and Ross Atkins left Cleveland to run the Blue Jays, Indians president Chris Antonetti and Latin American director Ramon Pena, who had run the team’s Latin American scouting the past six years, agreed to part ways in January. To replace Pena, the Indians promoted Koby Perez, who had been an international crosschecker for the team since November 2013 and previously scouted international players for the Phillies.

 

The rest of the scouting staff remains intact, but the change signals a new approach. It also means the Indians got off to a relatively late start trying to lock down players for 2016, but they might still come away with some of the top talent this year. As ridiculous as it sounds to call a 16-year-old a “late bloomer,” Dominican shortstop Marcos Gonzalez started showing better tools later in the scouting process and has performed well against live pitching. He’s linked to the Indians and could be a bargain.

 

What will happen with Dominican righthander Yefri Del Rosario is less certain—he might not even sign on July 2—but the Indians are one of the favorites to get him. Two other players tied to the Indians for low six-figure bonuses are Nehemias Celestin, a power-hitting Dominican third baseman, and Gaspar Palacios, a shortstop from Colombia.

[G-Snarls]

Is MLB eventually going to start including these players into the normal draft?

 

Is that the eventual plan or no??

[King]

Is MLB eventually going to start including these players into the normal draft?

 

Is that the eventual plan or no??

 

International Draft in a few years

[G-Snarls]

International Draft in a few years

 

So, similar system but still separate from US/Can players?

[Krylian]

Hearing that MLB had voided the contracts of 5 Red Sox signees in 2015 due to the team overspending and will not be allowed to sign anyone in 2016? Or something along those lines. Didn't have a chance to look into the details, but LOL at the BoSox.

[Deadpool]

Hearing that MLB had voided the contracts of 5 Red Sox signees in 2015 due to the team overspending and will not be allowed to sign anyone in 2016? Or something along those lines. Didn't have a chance to look into the details, but LOL at the BoSox.

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/source-red-sox-banned-from-signing-international-players-for-a-year-153432545.html

 

The five players declared free agents are outfielders Albert Guaimaro and Simon Muzziotti, infielders Antonio Pinero and Eduardo Torrealba, and right-handed pitcher Cesar Gonzalez, according to the source. They are free to sign with any team starting Saturday, the start of the new international signing period, and the first $300,000 of their bonuses will not count against teams’ bonus-pool limits. The players, according to the source, will keep their original signing bonuses from Boston.

 

That could be interesting, we could get some $600K guys and stay under our $300K limit...

[Maahfaace]

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/source-red-sox-banned-from-signing-international-players-for-a-year-153432545.html

 

 

 

That could be interesting, we could get some $600K guys and stay under our $300K limit...

 

This should be more than just a 1 year ban.

[Jonn]

Hopefully you're worth it Vlad Jr. Also nice to see Boston punished.

[Krylian]

Hopefully you're worth it Vlad Jr. Also nice to see Boston punished.

 

I have a feeling we've seen the end of 7 figure international signees for a while. I don't get the impression that Shatkins are into it.

[Key22]

I have a feeling we've seen the end of 7 figure international signees for a while. I don't get the impression that Shatkins are into it.

 

Just remember the GM is under the guidance and control of ownership. For instance you are assuming that Shapiro didn't spend - how do you know he didn't want to spend but wasn't given the budget to do so? Toronto has somehting like double the payroll and at least double the market that Cleveland has. And Cleveland in 2016 is the team Shapiro/Atkins built and they seem to be doing quite well.

[Krylian]

Just remember the GM is under the guidance and control of ownership. For instance you are assuming that Shapiro didn't spend - how do you know he didn't want to spend but wasn't given the budget to do so? Toronto has somehting like double the payroll and at least double the market that Cleveland has. And Cleveland in 2016 is the team Shapiro/Atkins built and they seem to be doing quite well.

 

Ricciardi didn't spend in the international market. Ownership? Maybe. AA comes in and is one of the higher spenders in that same market? Ownership again? Maybe. Shatkins in now in? History dictates that he doesn't spend in this market place. Ownership? Maybe.

 

More likely... Whoever is running the show (GM and President) knows more about building a franchise and adding talent than a bunch of Rogers suits. Rogers says 'you have $X to spend. Figure out how you want to spread it out and build the franchise up. That's what we pay you for.'

[Angrioter]

My guy Yenci Peña 1 millon Braves

[Jonn]

I have a feeling we've seen the end of 7 figure international signees for a while. I don't get the impression that Shatkins are into it.

 

Perhaps he doesn't see the value in it. Its a high bust market. Will see what happens. Its part of building a farm system. If hes not spending those funds in Latin America I would hope they would be reallocated elsewhere.

[Krylian]

Perhaps he doesn't see the value in it. Its a high bust market. Will see what happens. Its part of building a farm system. If hes not spending those funds in Latin America I would hope they would be reallocated elsewhere.

 

I have no doubt he doesn't see the value in it. And yes...it's high risk high reward. Similar to drafting High Schoolers, but to an even high degree (coincidently...not many high schoolers were drafted, and far less signed this year as well).

 

I like taking some gambles...maybe more than most. Playing it safe drives me nuts...a big reason I was not a Ricciardi fan in the way he stocked the farm system. I'm going to wait before I pass judgement on the Shatkins....but I already have one eyebrow raised.

[Jonn]

I have no doubt he doesn't see the value in it. And yes...it's high risk high reward. Similar to drafting High Schoolers, but to an even high degree (coincidently...not many high schoolers were drafted, and far less signed this year as well).

 

I like taking some gambles...maybe more than most. Playing it safe drives me nuts...a big reason I was not a Ricciardi fan in the way he stocked the farm system. I'm going to wait before I pass judgement on the Shatkins....but I already have one eyebrow raised.

 

No I'm the same I couldn't stand the way we drafted under J.P. he just wanted to get guys up to the big leagues. Upside seemed irrelevant to him. You have to take some gambles and he absolutely refused too. You either have to try to hit a homerun like the Jays did with Vlad Jr or you have to find some diamonds in the rough that will sign for under 300k. But that means you're spending money anyway increasing your scouting force and your reach into that market.

[THANOS]

I have no doubt he doesn't see the value in it. And yes...it's high risk high reward. Similar to drafting High Schoolers, but to an even high degree (coincidently...not many high schoolers were drafted, and far less signed this year as well).

 

I like taking some gambles...maybe more than most. Playing it safe drives me nuts...a big reason I was not a Ricciardi fan in the way he stocked the farm system. I'm going to wait before I pass judgement on the Shatkins....but I already have one eyebrow raised.

 

Atkins has been on record countless times discussing the importance of scouting and development in Latin America, so what makes you believe that they see no value in it?

[TheHurl]

Arizona Diamondbacks

Jorge Despaigne, rhp, Cuba

Sandy Martinez, c, Dominican Republic, $225,000.

 

Atlanta Braves

Kevin Maitan, ss, Venezuela (No. 1 prospect)

Yunior Severino, ss, Dominican Republic (No. 8 prospect), $1.9 million.

Abrahan Gutierrez, c, Venezuela (No. 15 prospect)

Livan Soto, ss, Venezuela (No. 16 prospect)

Juan Contreras, rhp, Dominican Republic (No. 41 prospect), $1.2 million.

Guillermo Zuniga, rhp, Colombia

Antonio Sucre, of, Venezuela

 

Baltimore Orioles

 

Boston Red Sox

Banned from international signings during the 2016-17 signing period.

 

Chicago Cubs

 

Chicago White Sox

Josue Guerrero, of, Dominican Republic (No. 33 prospect), $1.1 million.

Luis Mieses, of, Dominican Republic (No. 36 prospect), $428,000.

Anderson Comas, of, Dominican Republic (No. 37 prospect), $450,000.

Lenin Sosa, ss, Venezuela

Jenderson Caraballo, rhp, Venezuela

Anthony Coronado, of, Venezuela

 

Cincinnati Reds

Alfredo Rodriguez, ss, Cuba

Jayson Rijo, ss, Dominican Republic

 

Cleveland Indians

Marcos Gonzalez, ss, Dominican Republic (No. 27 prospect), $250,000.

Carlos Vargas, rhp, Dominican Republic, $275,000.

Nehemias Celestin, 3b, Dominican Republic, $185,000.

Gaspar Palacios, ss, Colombia, $150,000.

Jeikol Contreras, 3b, Dominican Republic, $100,000.

Jesus Maestre, 2b, Venezuela

 

Colorado Rockies

Luis Noguera, lhp, Venezuela (No. 17 prospect)

Yeikel Blandin, of, Venezuela (No. 21 prospect)

Diego Blanco, rhp, Venezuela (No. 42 prospect)

 

Detroit Tigers

Wenceel Perez, ss, Dominican Republic (No. 23 prospect)

Jhon Sandoval, of, Venezuela

Enrique Bautista, of, Dominican Republic

Ernesto Adames, of, Dominican Republic

 

Houston Astros

Freudis Nova, ss, Dominican Republic (No. 5 prospect), $1.2 million.

Yorbin Ceuta, ss, Venezuela (No. 11 prospect)

Angel Macuare, rhp, Venezuela (No. 40 prospect)

Nerio Rodriguez, c, Dominican Republic (No. 43 prospect), $450,000.

Deurys Carrasco, ss, Dominican Republic (No. 46 prospect), $480,000.

Jeury Castillo, ss, Dominican Republic

Jairo Solis, rhp, Venezuela

 

Kansas City Royals

 

Los Angeles Angels

Adderlin Santana, ss, Dominican Republic, $150,000.

 

Los Angeles Dodgers

Albert Suarez, ss, Dominican Republic, $300,000.

 

Miami Marlins

 

Milwaukee Brewers

Jean Carlos Carmona, ss, Dominican Republic (No. 20 prospect), $725,000.

Pablo Abreu, of, Dominican Republic (No. 44 prospect), $800,000.

Francis Tolentino, of, Dominican Republic, $500,000.

Anderson Melendez, of, Venezuela

Victor Maria, ss, Dominican Republic, $375,000.

Yancarlos Cruz, ss, Dominican Republic

 

Minnesota Twins

Wander Valdez, 3b, Dominican Republic, $495,000.

Jesus Feliz, ss, Dominican Republic. $260,000.

Stamy Gabriel Urena, ss, Dominican Republic. $130,000.

Francisco Martinez, of, Dominican Republic

Prelander Berroa, rhp, Dominican Republic

 

New York Mets

Sebastian Espino, of, Dominican Republic, $300,000.

Ezequiel Pena, of, Dominican Republic, $200,000.

 

New York Yankees

Roancy Contreras, rhp, Dominican Republic (No. 25 prospect)

Saul Torres, c, Dominican Republic, $300,000.

Jose Devers, ss, Dominican Republic

Asdrubal Alvarez, ss, Venezuela

Jesus Severino, of, Venezuela

Christian Andrade, of, Venezuela

Wellington Diaz, rhp, Dominican Republic

 

Oakland Athletics

Lazaro Armenteros, of, Cuba, $3 million.

Marcos Brito, ss, Dominican Republic (No. 13 prospect), $1.1 million.

Yerdel Vargas, ss, Dominican Republic (No. 24 prospect), $1.5 million.

Kevin Richards, of, Dominican Republic (No. 39 prospect), $600,000.

George Bell, ss, Dominican Republic, $500,000.

 

Philadelphia Phillies

Francisco Morales, rhp, Venezuela (No. 12 prospect)

Brayan Gonzalez, ss, Venezuela (No. 19 prospect)

Nicolas Torres, ss, Venezuela (No. 45 prospect)

Juan Aparicio, c, Venezuela (No. 47 prospect)

Jose Tortolero, ss, Venezuela

Luigi Mujica, ss, Venezuela

 

Pittsburgh Pirates

 

St. Louis Cardinals

Jonatan Machado, of, Cuba

Johan Oviedo, rhp, Cuba, $1.9 million.

Victor Garcia, of, Venezuela (No. 10 prospect)

Carlos Soler, of, Dominican Republic (No. 35 prospect), $600,000.

Franklin Soto, inf, Dominican Republic, $550,000.

Diomedes Del Rio, of, Venezuela

Roy Garcia, rhp, Dominican Republic

Alexander Samuel, of, Dominican Republic, $100,000.

 

San Diego Padres

Luis Almanzar, ss, Dominican Republic (No. 2 prospect), $4 million.

Gabriel Arias, ss, Venezuela (No. 4 prospect)

Jeisson Rosario, of, Dominican Republic (No. 6 prospect), $1.85 million.

Alison Quintero, c, Venezuela (No. 22 prospect)

Justin Lopez, ss, Venezuela (No. 28 prospect)

Tirso Ornelas, of, Mexico (No. 34 prospect)

Michell Miliano, rhp, Dominican Republic (No. 48 prospect), $450,000.

Yordy Barley, ss, Dominican Republic (No. 50 prospect), $1 million.

Jose Manuel Guzman, rhp, Dominican Republic, $400,000.

Carlos Batista, of, Dominican Republic, $400,000.

Tucupita Marcano, ss, Venezuela

Carlos Luis, ss, Dominican Republic, $200,000.

Juan Vasquez, c, Dominican Republic, $100,000.

Martin Carrasco, rhp, Mexico

Augustin Ruiz, of, Mexico

Luis Patinio, rhp, Colombia

 

San Francisco Giants

Gordi Santos, ss, Dominican Republic, $300,000.

Ismael Alcantara, of, Dominican Republic, $300,000.

Andrew Caraballo, ss, Venezuela

Rafael Martinez, rhp, Venezuela

 

Seattle Mariners

Luis Veloz, of, Dominican Republic (No. 29 prospect)

 

Tampa Bay Rays

Diego Infante, of, Venezuela (No. 18 prospect)

Roimer Bolivar, of, Venezuela (No. 31 prospect)

Abiezel Ramirez, ss, Dominican Republic

Angel Lopez, ss, Venezuela

Luis Arcendo, ss, Dominican Republic, $100,000.

Dewins Verbel, ss, Colombia, $100,000.

 

Texas Rangers

David Garcia, c, Venezuela (No. 7 prospect)

Danny Drullard, of, Domninican Republic, $100,000.

 

Toronto Blue Jays

 

Washington Nationals

Luis Garcia, ss, Dominican Republic (No. 3 prospect), $1.3 million.

Yasel Antuna, ss, Dominican Republic (No. 14 prospect), $3.9 million.

Ricardo Mendez, of, Venezuela (No. 30 prospect)

Israel Pineda, c, Venezuela

[Krylian]

Big donut for the Jays so far it appears.

[Nafro]

Very disappointing, I would have liked to see a couple player's at least.

[THANOS]

With all of Ross Atkins' talk about the importance of scouting and development in Latin America, you'd think the guy would sign at least one prospect from there..

[Krylian]

They were not big on the International market in Cleveland. It's reasonable to believe that they likely won't be here either... At least not like AA was.

[Atothe]

Is the kid that Oakland signed (George bell) related to the bluejays' George bell?

[RealAccountant]

Shatkins suffers from indecision since they take opinion from too many people

 

Need a solid guy at the helm like AA, who brought over a superstar signing in Vlad Jr.