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

[RynoRules]

One Iglesias in town is not enough.

 

There's more than one in the music industry, and that's one too many.

[Guest]

One Iglesias in town is not enough.

 

There's more than one in the music industry, and that's one too many.

 

Yeah, but didn't one of them die?

 

ETA- Nope. Apparently Julio is still kickin'.

[shnsajax]

An international scouting director called Iglesias’ total package, “Ryan Theriot with better hands.”

 

This might be the only time the words total package and Ryan Theriot are mentioned in the same sentence.

[Guest]

http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/?p=4798

 

Miami-based agent Jaime Torres confirmed a report in El Nuevo Herald (the Spanish-language version of the Miami Herald) that Cuban defectors Noel Arguelles and Jose Iglesias have cleared the unblocking process and have been declared free agents by Major League Baseball.

 

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

 

Arguelles is considered a better prospect than Iglesias, as a left hander standing 6’3, tipping the scales at 210 lbs., and hitting 93 mph with his fastball. Arguelles has a solid curveball, changeup, and command, along with a recently-added slider that some scouts say has quickly become his best off-speed pitch.

 

Looks like the Cubs might be interested in Iglesias:

 

Iglesias has a similarly strong tournament record, drawing attention for his flashy glovework at shortstop, with one scout grading his fielding as an 80 on the 20-80 scouting scale. His arm is enough to stick at shortstop, but his range is somewhat limited by his fringe-average speed. Iglesias makes the most of his ability, with instincts that enhance his tools and excellent makeup. He bats from the right side and while his overall offensive package leaves a bit to be desired, most scouts agree Iglesias will hit enough to allow him to profile as a big league regular. He has decent pop in his 5’10 frame, at a maxed-out 180 lbs., though he can get pull-happy at times. An international scouting director called Iglesias’ total package, “Ryan Theriot with better hands.” Iglesias is a defensive-oriented overachiever and executives say he would be more of a 2nd-3rd rounder if eligible for the recent draft.

 

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.

[ConstableRabbit]

An international scouting director called Iglesias’ total package, “Ryan Theriot with better hands.”

 

This might be the only time the words total package and Ryan Theriot are mentioned in the same sentence.

[points to sig]

[RynoRules]

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).

 

Good to see us being so proactive in Asia. Looks like the talent there may be as good (on the top-end if not the depth) and the signing bonuses are smaller.

[Guest]

 

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

 

 

Que?

 

Teams are allowed to keep an un-signed prospect in their Latin American facility for about 30 days. They do this to hide them from other teams and also to treat them lavishly to help convince them to sign with their franchise. When a guy goes missing in May or June, it's likely he's already come to a verbal agreement with a team with whom he's hiding.

 

The Yankees - who previously complained about the way the Rangers acted around Michel Ynoa - have complained to MLB about the way the Rangers have acted around Pimentel (likely meaning he's been hidden for more than the maximum 30 days).

[javy knows my name]

That is bizarre. Now I know what my buddy was referring to when he said we should re-structure the recruiting process in Latin America.

[Guest]

That is bizarre. Now I know what my buddy was referring to when he said we should re-structure the recruiting process in Latin America.

It's the Wild West. Way back in this thread people were complaining that the Cubs don't spend big in LA. I can see why. They are cleaning things up, or so it seems. I'd like to see an international draft. If teams don't want to invest in LA or the Pacific Rim, find and draft top talent so be it, but those that do will spend their pick on a longer term "investment". I think it will be good for both large and small market teams.

[javy knows my name]

That is bizarre. Now I know what my buddy was referring to when he said we should re-structure the recruiting process in Latin America.

It's the Wild West. Way back in this thread people were complaining that the Cubs don't spend big in LA. I can see why. They are cleaning things up, or so it seems. I'd like to see an international draft. If teams don't want to invest in LA or the Pacific Rim, find and draft top talent so be it, but those that do will spend their pick on a longer term "investment". I think it will be good for both large and small market teams.

I agree. This is a lot to be gained by looking in the pacific rim. Though the practice of "hiding" a player bothers me from a moral standpoint, it doesn't keep a great spirit of fair competition, either. If I were an MLB team scout, I'd look elsewhere just to seek out a more level playing field.

[Outshined_One]

That is bizarre. Now I know what my buddy was referring to when he said we should re-structure the recruiting process in Latin America.

It's the Wild West. Way back in this thread people were complaining that the Cubs don't spend big in LA. I can see why. They are cleaning things up, or so it seems. I'd like to see an international draft. If teams don't want to invest in LA or the Pacific Rim, find and draft top talent so be it, but those that do will spend their pick on a longer term "investment". I think it will be good for both large and small market teams.

I agree. This is a lot to be gained by looking in the pacific rim. Though the practice of "hiding" a player bothers me from a moral standpoint, it doesn't keep a great spirit of fair competition, either. If I were an MLB team scout, I'd look elsewhere just to seek out a more level playing field.

 

Plus, most importantly, players in the Pacific Rim tend to come much cheaper than in Latin America.

[Guest]

Stan (Pittsburgh)

What are you thoughts on Miguel Angel Sano and who do you think he signs with on July 2nd? Is he worth Ynoa money?

 

Ben Badler

You guys know me, Im fairly conservative with heaping praise on a player, particularly a 16 year old from Latin America. Yorman Rodriguez and Rafael Rodriguez got $2.5 and $2.55 million last year, but the reports I had on them from scouts is that they have tools but struggle in games and just arent special players, and that is what I wrote up in my reports. With Sano, after talking to more people and obtaining more evidence, he sounds like he is one of the best Latin American hitters to come along in quite some time. I dont think he is just the best player on the market this year, I think hes the best July 2 hitter in several years. Where he signs, I dont know. Maybe the Pirates, but there are several teams who really, really like him.

 

Mike (Rutland, VT)

Any insight on who may be in the lead position for Sano? Is worth a $4 million signing bonus?

 

Ben Badler

How much money is he going to get? I dont know, and I dont think anyone else could give you an honest answer at this point because there are A TON of variables in play here: the down economy, small market teams getting more heavily involved in Latin America, a relatively down year in the draft for hitters, a premium prospect (without the injury risk of a pitcher) and an agent, Rob Plummer, who has a proven track record of getting maximum dollars for his clients. Some scouting directors told me they would love to sign Sano, but they are focusing on other players because Sano is just out of their budget. Teams can say publicly whatever they want about not being willing to go past X or Y million dollars (and some of them are saying that sincerely), but we will see what happens come crunch time.

 

Hugh (Toronto)

Have you ever heard of Guatemalan prospects being considered for the international signing period? Is there a chance a team could scour a lesser scouted country for a true find?

 

Ben Badler

It is not a big country for baseball, but the Padres did recently sign Marlon Calveira, a righthander from Guatemala who throws in the mid to high 80s. Teams are always looking for the newest talent markets, but right now I think more of that focus is in the Pacific Rim and in Europe.

[Guest]

During MLB's age investigation, which was ordered by the Minnesota Twins, investigators found that Sano's mother had a child, born after Sano, that had died at birth. Investigators are trying to determine whether Sano used that child's identity in order to appear younger.

 

MLB will have a tough time finding if there are any irregularities since this other child would likely not have any paperwork created.

 

Found an interview with BP's international guy, Kiley McDaniel, here: Part 1 and Part 2.

 

The Dodgers signed an 18-year old Korean infielder by the name of Tae-hyeok Nam recently.

[Guest]

Found an interview with BP's international guy, Kiley McDaniel, here: Part 1 and Part 2.

 

Part 3 of the interview reveals that the Cubs are the dark horse for Wagner Mateo - one of the top 3 Latin American prospects this year:

 

MVN.com[/url]"]Tyler: The early rumor was that Mateo had a deal worked out with the Giants. Is that still the case, and what's the latest on this front?

 

Kiley: He was linked with the Dodgers, Giants and Cardinals for a while. It seems like the Dodgers have dropped out, presumably to spend their money on a couple of guys rather than one. So between the Giants and Cardinals, it was thought that the Giants had a deal for $2.25-M, but it turned out to be a false report. It came out that the Cardinals offered $4-M, and the just the fact that the bonus total jumped so high should probably tip you off that the talent is legit. It seems like the Cardinals and the Giants are the two teams on him and that the price will fall anywhere from $2.25-to-3-M.

 

That being said, the Cubs now are interested and this is kind of the jefe season where all of the VPs are coming in and looking at these guys. And a team could come in pricing him at $2-M, and then have the jefe come in and see him rake in BP and decide to go to $3-M. And all of the sudden they're in the driver's seat. He is one of those guys who doesn't clearly have a deal done. Where a guy like Sanchez everyone assumes is going to sign with the Yankees, a guy like Mateo is still out there. It just appears the Giants and Cardinals--and I guess the dark horse as the Cubs--are right there at the top.

 

Here's what McDaniel said about Mateo - sounds like the type of guy the Cubs would like:

 

Tyler: Wagner Mateo is the next guy on the list. Mateo really looked impressive in the video you posted and you labeled him as a toolshed in your piece. What can you tell us about his physical gifts?

 

Kiley: You can see why guys like Mateo are the ones who get noticed, because two or three years ago when most kids are kicking around juice boxes and that kind of thing, he's out there with an adult-looking body hitting the ball all over the place from the left side. He showed plus speed, running all over the place and showed a good arm. The whole deal. And he was like that a couple years ago, so you can see where the hype comes from. A couple teams have said they project him as having five tools at 60 or better. And I actually tried to think of guys that qualify as that currently in the big leagues. If I remember correctly, I think B.J. Upton qualified at one time, but now that his shoulder's hurt, I'm not sure if he still does. But it's a small handful guys with those kind of tools. There are guys that may have three or four tools, but Mateo may have five, so you can see where the demand comes from.

 

There are two concerns with him. One is he's a little bit of a free swinger at the plate. He can kind of pull his head out, his bat will drag a bit, so there's a little bit of disconnect between BP and game performance. And the other one is that he's pretty filled out as a 16-year-old--he's 6'2, 190. And while he's been timed in the 60-yard dash with plus speed, it doesn't translate completely either on the base paths or in center field. So the concern is that if he adds some weight, he'll lose the speed and projectability if he falls behind in center and is forced to move to a corner. Still, even without the speed, he still has four plus tools instead of five and is still a legitimate talent. Presumably the power will jump, also, but there's a little bit of concern there and that's why he's below Sano and around Sanchez; though he's behind in my rankings, there are wildly divergent opinions so it would be almost dishonest to rank these guys. He could still end up getting $4-M, for all we know, and at least $2-M.

 

Players will tools like that don't always work out in the majors, but the really good players almost always have tools like that.

[Guest]

For those who remember the Saber Scouting blog, Kiley McDaniel was one of the two contributers there and he did all their international stuff last July 2.

 

Kiley McDaniel over the past few weeks have linked the following players to the Cubs:

 

1. SS Miguel Angel Sano, Dominican Republic (age 16)

3. OF Wagner Mateo, Dominican Republic (age 16)

11. 3B Chesler Cuthbert, Nicaragua (age 16)

14. RHP Chris Cabrera, Dominican Republic (age 16)

SS Jose Iglesias, Cuba (age 19) - he didn't rank the Cubans

 

BA had also previously linked the Cubs to LHP Juan Urbina of Venezuela.

[Guest]

NY Post says the Yankees will sign Dominican catcher Gary Sanchez to a $2.5 million signing bonus on July 2.

 

ESPN Deportes says the Red Sox will sign Dominican lefty Victor Payano to a $900,000 bonus on July 2.

[Guest]

For Werner:

 

Baseball America[/url]"]• While most of the money on amateur international free agents will go to players from Latin America, scouts say 16-year-old German outfielder Max Kepler is one of the better European prospects to come along in recent years. Kepler, who bats and throws lefthanded, has an athletic, projectable body at 6-foot-4, 180 pounds. Kepler's power should develop as he fills out his frame, but he already has a plus arm and above-average speed. The Red Sox, Mets and Reds have all signed players from Germany in recent years, and all three teams have reportedly shown interest in Kepler.

[wvcbxl]

For Werner:

 

Baseball America[/url]"]• While most of the money on amateur international free agents will go to players from Latin America, scouts say 16-year-old German outfielder Max Kepler is one of the better European prospects to come along in recent years. Kepler, who bats and throws lefthanded, has an athletic, projectable body at 6-foot-4, 180 pounds. Kepler's power should develop as he fills out his frame, but he already has a plus arm and above-average speed. The Red Sox, Mets and Reds have all signed players from Germany in recent years, and all three teams have reportedly shown interest in Kepler.

 

You rang? :wink:

 

Plays for Regensburg Legionairs in the Bundesliga South.

DOB: 1993-02-10

2009 stats so far: .467 BA, .533 SLG, .526 OBP albeit in limited action

And 3 SB to boot (hasn't got caught stealing yet)

 

His stat page in Bundesliga.

[Guest]

BP subscribers only (rumor mill): http://baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=9107#commentMessage

 

BA subscribers only (down year for pitchers): http://www.baseballamerica.com/online/prospects/international-affairs/2009/268424.html

[Guest]

Well, the Cubs finally got through on this one:

 

Taiwan Baseball Blogspot[/url]"]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).

 

The Cubs signed IF Ping-Chieh Chen from Taiwan earlier this week. $300,000 bonus, 5'11 / 160 lbs / age 17 (7/23/1991).

 

Taiwan Baseball Blogspot[/url]"]The Cubs continue to stay busy in Asia (& Taiwan) by inking their 5th player from the island (including HW Chen, CH Wen (has been released), HH Tsai (had his contract voided), & YL Wang). Ping-Chieh Chen is the second player on the 2009 junior NT to sign with a ML team (joining Yao-Lin Wang). He received a ~ $300 K signing bonus.

 

http://www.nyvs.tn.edu.tw/internal/baseball/img/member/9518.jpg

 

http://p6.p.pixnet.net/albums/userpics/6/3/171563/normal_1195821252.jpg

 

Videos in link.

[1908]

Chen's signing is also mentioned on East Windup Chronicle by Jackson, a part time scout for the Twins living in Taiwan.

http://eastwindupchronicle.com/cubs-sign-chen-pin-chie/

 

The Cubs continued their spending ways in Taiwan this week, signing Nan Ying high school second baseman Chen Pin-chie to a minor league deal. Pin Chie was the big ticket offensively this year in Taiwan, and reportedly received a signing bonus upwards of 300,000.

I like the part about him being the big ticket offensively.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Unless that's simply a posed shot, that is a very confusing photo.

[Outshined_One]

Unless that's simply a posed shot, that is a very confusing photo.

 

Maybe he's doing exercises? I don't see a base anywhere close to him to make me think it's an in-game shot.

 

His profile picture makes him look like he's 12.

[Guest]

http://www.baseballamerica.com/online/prospects/international-affairs/2009/268435.html

 

• The anticipation of who might get suspended this year is as intriguing as which teams will sign which players. If Major League Baseball does suspend any of the top prospects this year for misrepresenting their ages or identities, that could lead to a late scramble for teams going after their second or third options with extra money in their budgets.

 

"This is the year that I've never seen so many 16-year-old kids that people are looking at," said one international scouting director. "I wouldn't be surprised to say if its almost double than last year. The interesting thing is that some of them have been caught (misrepresenting their ages), and I imagine there will be others, too."

[jersey cubs fan]

Unless that's simply a posed shot, that is a very confusing photo.

 

Maybe he's doing exercises? I don't see a base anywhere close to him to make me think it's an in-game shot.

 

His profile picture makes him look like he's 12.

 

It looks like he's playing defense at third and expecting the bunt, but without a glove. Or he's leading off in reverse from third.