2009 Int'l FA Market: Cubs Sign 6 For $250,000+ Bonuses

[CubsWin]

Serra was an area scout in the Dominican for the Cubs for some time before his promotion.

 

And it sounds like Serra is repeating the organization mantra, at least in Latin America.Since the days when the Cubs dropped big bucks on the likes of Zambrano, Francisco and Pie, it seems like they have gone with more quantity over quality (in terms of bonus money) outside of the Larry Suarez signing.

 

I don't mind the strategy per se because I'm sure it's hard to properly scout a bunch of teenagers you don't get to scout that much but I would like to see the Cubs mix in a few bigger names. They absolutely should be able to do better in Venezuela given Big Z's success in the bigs.

 

I love what they're doing on the Pac Rim.

I agree with your post, but to my knowledge they signed Pie for very little. I thought is was $50,000. Do I have that wrong?

 

I would love to see them throw a lot of money at Sano. Of course, I don't know what the budget is and why...

[craig]

Serra was an area scout in the Dominican for the Cubs for some time before his promotion.

 

And it sounds like Serra is repeating the organization mantra, at least in Latin America.Since the days when the Cubs dropped big bucks on the likes of Zambrano, Francisco and Pie, it seems like they have gone with more quantity over quality (in terms of bonus money) outside of the Larry Suarez signing.

 

I don't mind the strategy per se because I'm sure it's hard to properly scout a bunch of teenagers you don't get to scout that much but I would like to see the Cubs mix in a few bigger names. They absolutely should be able to do better in Venezuela given Big Z's success in the bigs.

 

I love what they're doing on the Pac Rim.

I agree with your post, but to my knowledge they signed Pie for very little. I thought is was $50,000. Do I have that wrong?

 

I would love to see them throw a lot of money at Sano. Of course, I don't know what the budget is and why...

 

I think there have been mixed accounts regarding Pie. One spun it as a low-cost scouting sign, all Serra. A poster on BBF has a scout friend with Baltimore, who said that Pie was certainly well known to them and others before he signed, but that the Cubs spent aggressively to get him. My recall was that he thought (rightly or wrongly) that it was somewhere in the $125-250K range. I never got a real reconciliation between the two versions. One might be that Serra "found him" at 14 or whatever, but by signing time at 16 he was well known, so perhaps both perspectives are true. May also be that an American writing a story likes a story with the poor shoeless kid and the kind and clever scout, it makes a neat story, and perhaps rightly or wrongly there was a bit of embellishment or some other facts were left out that don't fit the romance of the story quite as well. And then it's also possible that Serra might perhaps embellish his own story a bit, the resourceful, clever, hard-working scout finding talent for nothing from the jungle.

[Guest]

I've heard $200-$250K and back in 2001, that was a pretty hefty bonus.

 

But like craig mentioned, I've heard the discovered in the jungle at age 14 diamond in the rough story.

 

He definitely had more hype than an unheralded guy would have had before he debuted in Mesa in 2002.

[Guest]

http://www.baseballamerica.com/online/prospects/international-affairs/2009/268162.html

 

Hitting is where it's at this year but all the talk is about suspensions and how many of these kids are lying about their age.

 

While scouts are split on their individual opinions of specific players, the scouting consensus seems to be that the hitters at the top of this year's July 2 class—shortstop Miguel Sano, center fielders Wagner Mateo and Guillermo Pimentel and catcher Gary Sanchez—are all better prospects than the two Rodriguezes because they have a better feel for hitting in game situations.

 

...

 

While Pimentel's possible $2 million price tag could help set the market, the feeling in the industry is that Sano, Sanchez and Mateo seem near certainties to surpass that amount and contend for the top three bonuses this summer.

 

(The two Rodriguezes are Rafael [Giants] and Yorman [Reds] who signed last year and both get ~ $2.5 million.)

 

• OF Guillermo Pimentel, DR - Texas & NY Yankees (expected to sign for approximately $2 million)
  
• SS/3B Miguel Sano, DR ($2 mil + bonus)
  
• C Gary Sanchez, DR - NY Yankees & Angels ($2 mil + bonus)
  
• OF Wagner Mateo, DR ($2 mil + bonus)
  
• C/1B Jacob Beltre, DR
  
• RHP Daniel Sanchez, Venezuela
  
• LHP Juan Urbina, Venezuela - NY Mets lead the way though ESPN said the Cubs are contenders (he's the son of Ugueth Urbina)
  
• RHP Jurickson Profar, Curacao - Texas
  
• RHP Leonardo Perdomo, DR - Texas

[Guest]

The Pirates are going hard after Sano and could offer him $4 million: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09135/970290-63.stm

 

The Pirates have an inside track on signing one of Latin America's top amateur prospects, Dominican shortstop Miguel Angel Sano, but the cost of the signing bonus could top $4 million and become the highest in Major League Baseball history for that region.

 

"The Pirates are one of many teams interested, and they've got as good a shot as any team as long as the money is there," Sano's agent, Rob Plummer, said yesterday. "There's no question they're interested, just as there's no question this is a special talent."

 

...

 

They have had significant concerns about his age, though those might have been placated in the past week: Sano, whose 16th birthday was Monday according to Plummer, has maintained that, despite his mature physical stature, he is being truthful about his age. The Pirates, highly skeptical, conducted an investigation, one that included a bone-graft test Wednesday that assigns an age range based on DNA, and Sano's range was between 16 and 17. An investigation of birth documents is ongoing.

 

One American League team conducted an investigation earlier this month and confirmed Sano as being of age, according to Plummer. Two other teams, also in that league, are conducting their own.

 

...

 

The investment, if it were to occur, would be extraordinary for the Pirates, whose record bonus in the region was $400,000 for Venezuelan center fielder Exicardo Cayones last year. But the team has vowed a greater commitment to finding talent in the region, most visibly through the $5 million academy it opened last month in Guerra, Dominican Republic. That idea was formed and implemented by owner Bob Nutting.

 

The Pirates spent $9.8 million on the amateur draft last year, plus $2 million in Latin America, each a franchise record. Most of that draft money went to first-round pick Pedro Alvarez -- a $6 million bonus, plus $355,000 more guaranteed -- but there will be no Alvarez type available at No. 4 overall in the next draft June 9. Thus, the team has flexibility to move from one pool to the other if needed. Or it could simply add to the pool, with ownership's authorization.

 

I'm not a fan of a normally frugal division rival putting so much emphasis on amateur player procurement.

[jersey cubs fan]

I'm not a fan of a normally frugal division rival putting so much emphasis on amateur player procurement.

 

How else are the Cubs supposed to get talent?

[TruffleShuffle]

I'm not a fan of a normally frugal division rival putting so much emphasis on amateur player procurement.

 

they did it in the draft last year too. i really think their new regime gets it.

[Guest]

This is subscription-based content at BP but Kiley McDaniel has a preview of the July 2nd market: http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=8950

 

Other BP premium content on the IFA market: http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=8853

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=8902

[Guest]

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette[/url]"]The Pirates remain deeply interested in [Miguel Angel] Sano, but his price could be going up: The St. Louis Cardinals are set to offer Wagner Mateo, a Dominican center fielder, a $4 million bonus, just shy of the record $4.25 million. Mateo is seen by some as the third-best prospect in the region, while Sano is widely seen as No. 1. ... One scouting director for another National League team said yesterday that Sano's potential is on par with that of Pedro Alvarez, the Pirates' top draft pick last summer.

 

St. Louis Post-Dispatch[/url]"]Luhnow acknowledged this afternoon that the Cardinals are interested in outfielder Wagner Mateo, listed by some as one of the top five talents available for this international signing period. Mateo, who just turned 16, is a lefthanded-hitting center fielder and he’s expected to command one of the bigger bonuses of the season. My friend Dejan Kovacevic, the Pirates beat writer for The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, reported this morning that scouts/agents in the area are expecting the Cardinals to make a substantial offer to Mateo. Luhnow stressed that Mateo is one name on a list of players the Cardinals are interested in and added that the Cardinals “haven’t gotten to a point where we are making any offers just yet.”

 

“We’ve seen him,” Luhnow said of Mateo. “We’ve had some people go in and look at him. … I don’t know right now what the market is going to look like. It could be different than last year’s. We have a way to evaluate the player, determine his potential and then also decide what he is worth to us. We’re comfortable with how we’re able to do that.”

 

The Cardinals did bring Mateo to Jupiter, Fla., to work out in front of the team’s coaches and scouts there at the team’s spring training facility. Mateo played in a game with the Extended Spring Training team. He hit a couple doubles and played well in center fielder, Luhnow said. The Cardinals may elect not to wade into the kind of bonus Mateo is said to want, but the organization is making it a priority to be more active — and more of a presence — when it comes to the players of Mateo’s level at the July 2 signing period. It comes at a time that the organization also wants to see more of the international players moving toward the majors.

[Guest]

The Cubs have shown interest in Taiwanese RHP Yao-Lin Wang (along with the Twins and possibly the Mariners). He throws 88-92 mph and has an average slider (he topped out at 94 in a relief appearance in February).

[wvcbxl]

Two Dutch 17yr olds signed pro contracts last week: Daan Cornelissen (OF - currently with PSV Eindhoven) with the Pirates and Raoell Kortstam (CF - Amsterdam Diamonds) with the Red Sox. No bonus figures available on my Dutch sources.

[Guest]

This is subscription-based content at BP but Kiley McDaniel has a preview of the July 2nd market: http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=8950

 

Other BP premium content on the IFA market: http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=8853

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=8902

 

Kiley McDaniel analyzes rumors of Sano to Pittsburgh and Mateo to St. Louis: http://baseballprospectus.com/unfiltered/?p=1297 This one is not subscription-based.

 

Sounds like the leading candidates for Mateo are St. Louis and San Francisco.

[Guest]

Video of Dominican OF Wagner Mateo:

 

Video of Dominican OF Guillermo Pimentel before he went into hiding in the Rangers facility:

 

Video of Dominican OF Jose Peña:

 

Video of Dominican SS Rossel Herrera:

[Guest]

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/9645452/Sources:-Angels-fire-key-scouting-figure-Daniel

 

The Angels fired their international scouting supervisor - Clay Daniels - supposedly because of improper activities by some of the scouts he had hired.

[Guest]

http://www.baseballamerica.com/online/prospects/international-affairs/2009/268294.html

 

Top Latin SSs:

 

• Miguel Sano, DR - Pirates are considered the leaders (possible $3 million + bonus)
  
• Jose Vinicio, DR - Red Sox are considered the leaders (possible $2 million bonus)
  
• Santo Luis Aybar, DR - linked to the Padres; projected to grow into a 3B
  
• Jairo Kelly, DR - linked to the mets (possible mid-six figure bonus)
  
• Rosel Herrera, DR - might have to move to 3B or corner OF
  
• Luis Sardinas, Venezuela - linked to the Red Sox and Yankees
  
• Humberto Valor, Venezuela - linked to the Red Sox and Yankees
  
• Wilfredo Lozano, Venezuela - will likely move to 3B
  
• Jorge Luis Polanco, Venezuela
  
• Jean Carlos Valdez, DR - brother plays in the Padres system and uncle played in the Cubs system
  
• Jurickson Profar, Curacao - better as a pitcher but is adamant in wanting to play SS

[Outshined_One]

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/9645452/Sources:-Angels-fire-key-scouting-figure-Daniel

 

The Angels fired their international scouting supervisor - Clay Daniels - supposedly because of improper activities by some of the scouts he had hired.

 

SI pretty much confirms the skimming rumors.

[Guest]

Another subscriber-only article at BP (top 20 Latin American prospects): http://baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=9027

 

Got this from before the jump:

 

Also, there is a Dominican shortstop that multiple sources indicate will be suspended soon for falsifying his age, but I'll withhold his name until that becomes official; a source added that the player had been offered a $1.3 million bonus before his age was discovered.

[Guest]

http://baseballprospectus.com/unfiltered/?p=1309

 

SS Jean Carlos Batista

 

After consulting some sources, it appears Batista already has multiple offers over $500,000 on the table, and there is legitimate chatter that he will get over $1 million when all is said and done. The Dodgers, Rangers, A’s, Indians, and Yankees are believed to be the front-runners.

[Guest]

Another subscriber-only article at BP (top 20 Latin American prospects): http://baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=9027

 

Got this from before the jump:

 

Also, there is a Dominican shortstop that multiple sources indicate will be suspended soon for falsifying his age, but I'll withhold his name until that becomes official; a source added that the player had been offered a $1.3 million bonus before his age was discovered.

 

From the top 20, the Cubs are interested in #1 SS Miguel Sano (Pirates are the front runners; Rays, Cubs, A's, Jays, Yankees, Rangers and Twins also interested), #11 3B Chesler Cuthbert (Royals, Braves, Pirates, Phillies, Rangers, Mariners, Red Sox, Cubs, and Cardinals are interested) and #14 RHP Chris Cabrera (Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs, Rangers, and Rays are interested).

 

11. Chesler Cuthbert, 3B, Nicaragua

Height/Weight: 6′1″/190

Bats/Throws: R/R

Cuthbert has a chiseled frame that had one international scouting director saying that it reminded him of a linebacker’s. He also has some length and stiffness to his swing, which has some thinking he may struggle to hit at higher levels. Cuthbert has solid to average speed, and good hands and range along with an average arm, which projects him to be a solid defensive third baseman. He can generate some legitimate power in BP displays with impressive bat speed and leverage. The only real concern is his general rawness, including what one scout called, “a little scariness to the bat.” A number of teams are interested, with the Royals, Braves, and Pirates mentioned most often, but the Phillies, Rangers, Mariners, Red Sox, Cubs, and Cardinals are also showing interest. The projected bonus has risen with growing interest from clubs and is projected to be in the $600-800,000 range.

 

14. Chris Cabrera, RHP, Dominican Republic

Height/Weight: 6'1"/185

A number of teams have been chasing Cabrera, with eight clubs showing significant interest or getting private workouts recently. Cabrera has some projection, but he's shorter than many of the other July 2nd pitching prospects, making up for it with more polished stuff and command. He works at 90-91 with his fastball (touching 94), and shows promise with a slider and changeup that both grade out as average at times (with potential for more). The Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs, Rangers, and Rays are all finalists for Cabrera, who should be looking at a bonus in the $500-700,000 range.

[Guest]

The Cubs have shown interest in Taiwanese RHP Yao-Lin Wang (along with the Twins and possibly the Mariners). He throws 88-92 mph and has an average slider (he topped out at 94 in a relief appearance in February).

 

The Chicago Cubs signed RHP Yao-Lin Wang yesterday to a bonus of approximately $260,000:

 

Taiwan Baseball Blogspot[/url]"]San-Hsin senior RHP Yao-Lin Wang becomes the first signing in '09 of an amateur player by a ML club. The Cubs inked Wang to a ~ $260 K signing bonus. The 18 year old (DOB: 2/5/91), who stands 5'11" and weighs 172 pounds has already passed his physical. He has been selected to this year's junior NT.

 

He's the hardest throwing prep in Taiwan, clocking in in the low 90s. I'd recommend clicking on the link if you want to see a picture of him with heart face paint.

 

http://p9.p.pixnet.net/albums/userpics/9/5/1888195/4a27ac32e731a.jpg

 

Also:

 

Word is that INF Ping-Chieh Chen has turned down a $300 K offer from the Cubs. The reason? He reportedly received pressure from his future college coach Hua-Wei Lin (forcing him not to sign).

[TruffleShuffle]

so in the 2009 international free agent market, the cubs have signed a dong and a wang?

[Wrigley Rat]

so in the 2009 international free agent market, the cubs have signed a dong and a wang?

Word is that INF Ping-Chieh Chen has turned down a $300 K offer from the Cubs. The reason? He reportedly received pressure from his future college coach Hua-Wei Lin (forcing him not to sign).

But more importantly, they missed out on a Ping. Word is they were trying to sign his twin brother Pong as well.

[Shilzzz]

 

Video of Dominican OF Guillermo Pimentel before he went into hiding in the Rangers facility:

 

 

Que?

[seanhopper]

I haven't seen this posted anywhere yet, so I thought I would start a new topic, but please put it in the International signing thread if need be.

 

According to a baseball prospectus article, the Cubs have interest in Cuban SS Jose Iglesias. In the article, they quote a scout who compares his skills to Ryan Theriot, but with "better hands".

 

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/unfiltered/?p=1311

 

<

 

A number of teams are interested in Arguelles and Iglesias, but one team is mentioned by every international source I’ve spoken with: the Yankees. Seemingly since the players defected, nearly a year ago while at a Canadian tournament, the players have been tied to the Yankees and many believe they will both end up signing with the Bombers. It won’t be easy for the Yankees, though; expect the other big market clubs and organizations with active Latin operations to enter the fray as well. It’s too early to handicap all the teams that could be involved, but the Cubs are one team that has been mentioned as heavily interested in Iglesias. As a potential late first round pick (if subject to the recent draft), Arguelles would command a bonus of about $1.0-1.3 million, while Iglesias’ 2nd-3rd round projection correlates to a $500,000-$750,000 potential bonus. That being said, Cuban players tend to have their own pay scale, independent of 16-year-old international free agents or domestic draftees, due to the amount of high-level game experience and the refinement most defectors possess. Some sources have suggested the ultimate pay days for these players could be twice or even three times the slot bonuses I’ve suggested. >>

[Banedon]

One Iglesias in town is not enough.