Wednesday, March 13, 2013

International Report

With the season getting close to the end, a recap of the highest paid Internationals to date.

Iowa City went whole hog on Jolbert Encarnacion with a $24M bonus. A price well paid it would seem for a possible #1 starting pitcher. Could development issues cloud the future to a slow rise.

Grade: A+

Louie Morales was favored by Pawtucket with a $19M carrot. Another high price for a possible #1 starting pitcher. He has the goods in my estimation even though he is three pitcher wunderkind.

Grade: A+

Luis Garza shot onto the scene with an $18.6M signing bonus paid by Rochester. A quick trip to the DL didn't slow development. My scouts show he has lefty tendencies although he is right-handed which makes him kind of a freak. His durability comes into question that might limit depth in games. Another supreme 3 pitch monster however.

Grade: A+

Francisco Chavez was awarded $18.2M by New Britain. Shame he will come up short of a true defensive SS and durability will limit the number of starts during a season. Has some power and speed and a good hitter besides and rarely strikes out. Overall would make a 5 tool 3B.

Grade: A

Fargo gave Hector Jose an $18M bonus. Rated as gangly by most scouts as he has trouble using his glove and an erratic arm. Oddly it doesn't affect his great hitting prowess which has some pop.Not much of a threat stealing bases however.

Grade: A-

Portland dropped $15.3M on Al Bolivar. He will suffer from the dropsies in RF with an illiterate glove but does have a good arm. Hits well with power to the opposite field and speed to steal bases. His biggest drawback is durability which will get him a 100 or fewer starts and will need a suave manager . We feel he was way overpriced.

Grade: B+

Tony Leon announced his $13.8M proclamation by Toledo. Though we are not sure he is of sound mind and body, we do know he can become one hell of power hitting DH. 1B on the other hand will be an adventure better left unsaid as Toledo management thinks his hitting will be enough to make up for it.

Grade: B+

Everth Vazquez was awarded $13.5M by Tucson. My scouts say he was overpriced by a few million at least because at best he is an end of rotation starter. A bit low on stamina and durability will make depth in a game arduous.  Though the great control and good pitches are available his splits are a bit anemic.

Grade: B+

John Chang picked up a $12.1M bonus check from Portland. Chosen originally to play CF but there is some doubt about that as he plays a better 2B and is absolutely horrendous at 3B. A for average hitter with little power has shown problems in consistency that may plague him throughout his career. Does have enough speed to be regular base stealer however. We think he came in overpriced also.

Grade: B

Carlos Quixote garnered $12M out of Tucson. Scouts say there may be some questions about his actual age. Not often do you come across an almost ready ML player in the market.  The DL of course found a way to hinder development. Normally I would say that kind of cash was too much for a shutdown closer but is different in this instance.

Grade: A

Magglio Estalella got a $11M paycheck from Memphis. A lefty starting pitcher that has bust written all over him I am sorry to say. Control might be good, splits is a maybe but lack of pitches drives it down further.

Grade: C

Eli Cruz blew into a $8.4M payday with Syracuse. What I have seen in this world about SS, I am surprised he didn't get a bigger payday. He may be far from a GG SS but I think he has talent for the position.  Not that fleet of foot or really great with a bat but puts the ball in play.

Grade: B

Jhoulys Leon makes the list at $4.5M because I like how he spells his name and Columbus fans love him. I think he was way undervalued at $4.5M. He may not hit well but can play SS and or CF with the best of them.

Grade: B



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