7/2 international signing period - 2011

[OregonStrosFan]

The date is fast approaching, but I haven't seen the Astros linked to anybody yet.  Anyone seen/heard anything?

[astrosfan76]

Nope.  BA may have something, but I haven't seen anyone mentioned in tweets.  I know they have plenty of stuff behind the paywall (which may or not link us to someone), but I don't have a subscription.

[OregonStrosFan]

Nope.  BA may have something, but I haven't seen anyone mentioned in tweets.  I know they have plenty of stuff behind the paywall (which may or not link us to someone), but I don't have a subscription.

I have one, but not much Astros noise there as of yet, though Badler is generally conservative with linking kids to teams.  He has been posting his 7/2 previews though, so there is some good info out there on some of the potential signees.

[Navin R Johnson]

I hope they can sign a big arm.  Maybe it is just where they have been picking but they haven't used big bucks on a pitcher since Heck took over.  Castro, Jio, Deshileds Jr, Springer(soon to be), & Ovando are the highest paid guys to date.

[EasTexAstro]

I hope they can sign a big arm.  Maybe it is just where they have been picking but they haven't used big bucks on a pitcher since Heck took over.  Castro, Jio, Deshileds Jr, Springer(soon to be), & Ovando are the highest paid guys to date.

They have signed a lot of arms, maybe not at the very top, but if they don't have a defense behind them, even a good pitcher will struggle. There was almost no position players in the system. I know, if you develop enough good arms, you can do some trading for position players, but...

Maybe they have seen pitching in the drafts have had more depth, and they needed to get some solid players early to build up the system to support them.

[astrosfan76]

I hope they can sign a big arm.  Maybe it is just where they have been picking but they haven't used big bucks on a pitcher since Heck took over.  Castro, Jio, Deshileds Jr, Springer(soon to be), & Ovando are the highest paid guys to date.

I think it's been part design, part luck-of-the-draw when it's come to pitching.  They seemed ready and eager to drop a lot of money on Archie Bradley, had they been given the opportunity.  Armstrong may wind up jumping one or two of those guys if he proves himself dominant this summer (not guaranteeing it, but I could see it happening). 

When it comes to the international market, it depends on what's out there.  I don't know too much about this year's crop, other than that it is better than last year's.  Granted, it was Wade and Drayton's baby (and there's the limbo with Crane), but with the new Dominican academy, I can't see them dropping a big contract on Ovando one year and then reverting to 5-figure contract maximums afterward.  So, I imagine they'll try to make at least one splash this year.  We may not be talking Ovando-money, but someone significant.

[OregonStrosFan]

I don't know too much about this year's crop, other than that it is better than last year's.

IIRC, they were saying this 7/2 crop was a very good one!

[jbm]

Seems to me at least that while Wade/Heck values ceiling over certainty, they focus more on the mid-priced young arms, rather than the high-priced young arms.  I am curious what the hit rate is on first round high school arms versus first round high school position players. 

[OregonStrosFan]

I don't know too much about this year's crop, other than that it is better than last year's.

Via Badler at BA in his June 13 article: LINK (subscription required)

Many international scouts say the 2011 class looks stronger than last year's. The Dominican Republic has several talented outfielders who should be in line for seven-figure bonuses, Venezuela has a host of promising pitchers and catchers, and both countries have solid depth of position players. Mexico and Colombia also have players who are expected to command bonuses around $1 million or more.

"I definitely think this year's class has more depth and better players out there than last July 2," said an American League international director. "More teams are going to focus on Latin America, there are more showcases, more agents and it's easier to see the players. It does sound like there's going to be money spent on July 2."

[Duman]

I hope they can sign a big arm.  Maybe it is just where they have been picking but they haven't used big bucks on a pitcher since Heck took over.  Castro, Jio, Deshileds Jr, Springer(soon to be), & Ovando are the highest paid guys to date.

Folty got 1.3 - that is nothing to sneeze at and is almost the same as what Jio got (1.38m).  In addition each of the following got 500K or more: Lyles 900K, Seaton 700K, Velasquez 655K and Bushue 530K. 

[OregonStrosFan]

Folty got 1.3 - that is nothing to sneeze at and is almost the same as what Jio got (1.38m).  In addition each of the following got 500K or more: Lyles 900K, Seaton 700K, Velasquez 655K and Bushue 530K.

Dydalewicz got $425,000 too.

[OregonStrosFan]

One of the few Astros mentions for Badler this year is kind of, well, interesting.  LINK (subscription required)

At a showcase run by the Arias and Goodman academy in the Dominican Republic on June 18, scouts started asking questions about a new pitcher who showed up throwing 98 mph. As it turns out, the pitcher—6-foot-2, 220-pound righthander Enmanuel Cedano—isn't so new. Cedano was an outfielder three years ago when the Astros signed him in August 2008 and immediately put him on the mound. Cedano spent two years pitching in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League and racked up a 9.75 ERA in 26 2/3 innings as he battled his control, though he was better in 2010 with a 4.50 ERA 18 strikeouts and 13 walks in 18 innings.

Cedano, 21, was still with the Astros in extended spring training this year until they released him on April 29. According to a source who saw him this spring, Cedano threw up to 95 mph but was also extremely wild. His velocity has increased since the Astros released him, though he's still more of a thrower than a pitcher and his secondary stuff is well behind his fastball. *** He's likely to get a second chance with another organization.

[Travis]

Do you think the Astros will actually be that active in the signing period? It seems like the ownership transition could diminish the team's ability to sign players. I guess I'm confused about how this would work.

If the Astros sign players, is it Drayton's money still or is it Crane's? If it's Drayton's, why would he spend at this point? If it's Crane's, then how does Drayton deal with it?

[OregonStrosFan]

Do you think the Astros will actually be that active in the signing period? It seems like the ownership transition could diminish the team's ability to sign players. I guess I'm confused about how this would work.

If the Astros sign players, is it Drayton's money still or is it Crane's? If it's Drayton's, why would he spend at this point? If it's Crane's, then how does Drayton deal with it?

TOTAL conjecture, but I'd imagine that there was some sort of budget figure included in the sale talks/agreement for $X to be spent on draftees and $X to be spent on the international front. Best GUESS is that the Astros prospect people are going to be allowed to do what they do with the $X alloted to them, and that if there were a legitimate reason to go above that then Crane would have a say.

[Travis]

TOTAL conjecture, but I'd imagine that there was some sort of budget figure included in the sale talks/agreement for $X to be spent on draftees and $X to be spent on the international front. Best GUESS is that the Astros prospect people are going to be allowed to do what they do with the $X alloted to them, and that if there were a legitimate reason to go above that then Crane would have a say.

That would make complete sense, and is hopefully the case.

[Reuben]

That would make complete sense, and is hopefully the case.

Good conjecturing by OSF, makes sense to me too. Looking at it another way, Crane obviously has incentive to want to get moving restocking the system in this critical time of year. And Drayton, too- if Crane for some reason doesn't get approved and he has to put the team back on the market, beefing up the farm system and/or making a splash international signing will only help the franchise look more appealing.

[Duman]

[Casey Kasem voice] Projected top 40 bonus list by BA [\Casey Kasem voice]

[chuck]

[Casey Kasem voice] Projected top 40 bonus list by BA [\Casey Kasem voice]

Put me down for Dawel Lugo and Franmil Reyes.

[hubert]

From BA

The Astros spent $2.6 million last year on Ariel Ovando, and the organization was so high on him that he skipped the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League and began his career in the more advanced Rookie-level Appalachian League until he came down with elbow soreness. They were one of the top spenders last year, though they're unlikely to sign anyone for Ovando money this year. After spending mostly in the Dominican Republic in 2010, they could branch into Venezuela for a player like shortstop Arturo Michelena or possibly outfielder Anthony Santander. Catcher Eric Otanez could be a possibility in the Dominican Republic.

[Reuben]

Rangers have already signed one guy for $5mil (Nomar Mazara), and another for $3.5mil (Ronald Guzman). Old Lynn Nolan sure is trying hard to get his team's name in the papers.

[OregonStrosFan]

Thanks for posting that Hubert.

A number of bigger signings announced already:

Rangers: signed Dominican outfielder Ronald Guzman from the DPL for $3.5 million (via MelissaSeguraSI);
Royals: signed Dominican outfielder Elier Hernandez from the IPL for $3.05 million (via BenBadler);
Mariners: signed Dominican outfielder Helsin Martinez from the IPL for $2 million (via BenBadler);
Cubs: signed Dominican shortstop Enrique Acosta for $1.1 million (via BenBadler);
Padres: signed Dominican Jose Ruiz for $1.1 million (via BenBadler);
Pirates: agreed to terms with Colombian outfielder Harold Ramirez for $1.05 million (via BenBadler);
Tigers: signed Dominican third baseman Adelin Santa from the IPL for $750,000 (via BenBadler);
Twins: set to sign RHP Miguel Gonzalez of La Academia for $650k (via MelissaSeguraSI);

[OregonStrosFan]

Here is the 'top 40' list from Badler at Baseball America: LINK.

Here is Badler's caveat with regards to the following list: The players below are ranked according to their expected signing bonuses, based on conversations with international sources, and not necessarily their projected talent level. That distinction is important enough to repeat: The rankings are a forecast of the expected top 40 signing bonuses, NOT a ranking of the top talent in Latin America. Think of the top 40 as our mock draft for Latin America rather than our predraft Top 200 rankings.

Feel free to copy and strikethrough as these kids are signed.

1. Elier Hernandez, OF, Dominican Republic (video) (KC $3.05 M)
2. Ronald Guzman, OF, Dominican Republic (video) (TEX $3.5 M)
3. Victor Sanchez, RHP, Venezuela
4. Roberto Osuna, RHP, Mexico
5. Wilmer Becerra, SS/OF, Venezuela
6. Dawel Lugo, SS, Dominican Republic (video)
7. Jose Ruiz, C, Venezuela (SD $1.1 M)
8. Marck Malave, C, Venezuela
9. Luis Enrique Acosta, SS, Dominican Republic (CHC $1.1 M)
10. Nomar Mazara, OF, Dominican Republic (TEX $5.0 M)
11. Helsin Martinez, OF, Dominican Republic (SEA $2.0 M)
12. Adalberto Mondesi, SS, Dominican Republic (video)
13. Luis Reynoso, SS, Dominican Republic (video)
14. Dorssys Paulino, SS, Dominican Republic (CLE $1.1 million)
15. Harold Ramirez, OF, Colombia (PIT $1.05 M)
16. Manuel Marcos, OF, Dominican Republic
17. Raimel Flores, SS, Dominican Republic
18. Franmil Reyes, OF, Dominican Republic (video)
19. Yohander Mendez, LHP, Venezuea (TEX $1+ million
20. Miguel Andujar, 3B, Dominican Republic (video)
21. Jesus Gonzalez, OF, Venezuela
22. Miguel Gonzalez, RHP, Dominican Republic (MIN $650K)
23. Elvis Escobar, OF, Venezuela
24. Jose Garcia, C, Venezuela (NYM $UNK)
25. Carlos Tocci, OF, Venezuela
26. Adelin Santa, 3B, Dominican Republic (DET $750K)
27. Antonio Senzatela, RHP, Venezuela
28. Mauricio Silva, RHP, Venezuela
29. Anthony Santander, OF, Venezuela
30. Ricardo Marcano, 3B, Venezuela
31. Manuel Gonzalez, RHP, Dominican Republic
32. Gialy Arias, RHP, Dominican Republic
33. Manuel Cordoba, RHP, Venezuela
34. Sanber Pimentel, OF/1B, Dominican Republic
35. Jose Godoy, C, Venezuela (STL $200K)
36. Eric Otanez, C, Dominican Republic
37. Yairo Munoz, SS, Dominican Republic (video)
38. Soid Marquez, RHP, Venezuela
39. Jonathan Perez, RHP, Venezuela (video)
40. Arturo Michelena, SS, Venezuela

Other Notables per BA (Pitchers):

Erick Hurtado, LHP, Dominican Republic
Carlos Rodriguez, LHP, Venezuela
Edgar Pineda, LHP, Venezuela
Dewen Perez, LHP, Columbia (STL $450K)
Junior Flores, RHP, Venezuela
Kevin Sosa, RHP, Venezuela
Luis Carreno, RHP, Venezuela (15 years old, can't sign until Aug. 12)
Dioscar Romero, RHP, Dominican Republic
Jesus Jones, RHP, Dominican Republic
Jery Then, RHP, Dominican Republic
Francis Jesus, RHP, Dominican Republic
Harold Arauz, RHP, Dominican Republic

Other Notables per BA (Hitters):

Eduar Pinto, OF (LHB), Venezuela
Omar Sanchez, OF (RHB), Venezuela
Jorge Heredia, OF (LHB), Dominican Republic
Jariel Vargas, OF (RHB), Dominican Republic
Eric Gabo, OF (RHB), Venezuela
Jose Leal, OF (RHB), Venezuela (SEA $2 million)
Victor Medina, OF (RHB), Venezuela
Francisco Miguel, OF (RHB), Dominican Republic
Iosif Bernal, OF (RHB), Panama
Gustavo Perinan, SS (LHB), Columbia
Angelo Castellanos, SS (RHB), Venezuela
Raul Garcia, SS (RHB), Columbia
Ronniel Demorizzi, SS (RHB), Dominican Republic
Alberti Chavez, SS (RHB), Venezuela
Jhoan Urena, 3B (SH), Dominican Republic
Victor Rey, 3B (RHB), Dominican Republic
Mitchel Martes, IF(?) (RHB), Aruba
Luis Lara, C (RHB?), Venezuela

Others:

Pedro Payana (TEX $500k-$600K)

[OregonStrosFan]

So far, Nolan has spent $10+ million: Mazara ($5.0M); Guzman ($3.5M); Mendez ($1.0M+); and Payana ($500K-$600K)...

[austro]

So far, Nolan has spent $10+ million: Mazara ($5.0M); Guzman ($3.5M); Mendez ($1.0M+); and Payana ($500K-$600K)...

He must have already hocked the Silver Boot.

[OregonStrosFan]

Signings from BA's Ben Badler's Top 40 expected 7/2 bonuses (and other notables) at Baseball America noted below: LINK.

1. Elier Hernandez, OF, Dominican Republic (video) (KC $3.05 M)
2. Ronald Guzman, OF, Dominican Republic (video) (TEX $3.5 M)
3. Victor Sanchez, RHP, Venezuela
4. Roberto Osuna, RHP, Mexico
5. Wilmer Becerra, SS/OF, Venezuela
6. Dawel Lugo, SS, Dominican Republic (video)
7. Jose Ruiz, C, Venezuela (SD $1.1 M)
8. Marck Malave, C, Venezuela
9. Luis Enrique Acosta, SS, Dominican Republic (CHC $1.1 M)
10. Nomar Mazara, OF, Dominican Republic (TEX $5.0 M)
11. Helsin Martinez, OF, Dominican Republic
12. Adalberto Mondesi, SS, Dominican Republic (video) (not 16 and can't sign yet)
13. Luis Reynoso, SS, Dominican Republic (video)
14. Dorssys Paulino, SS, Dominican Republic (CLE $1.1 million)
15. Harold Ramirez, OF, Colombia (PIT $1.05 M)
16. Manuel Marcos, OF, Dominican Republic
17. Raimel Flores, SS, Dominican Republic
18. Franmil Reyes, OF, Dominican Republic (video)
19. Yohander Mendez, LHP, Venezuea (TEX $1+ million
20. Miguel Andujar, 3B, Dominican Republic (video)
21. Jesus Gonzalez, OF, Venezuela
22. Miguel Gonzalez, RHP, Dominican Republic (MIN $650K)
23. Elvis Escobar, OF, Venezuela
24. Jose Garcia, C, Venezuela (NYM $UNK)
25. Carlos Tocci, OF, Venezuela (not 16 and can't sign yet)
26. Adelin Santa, 3B, Dominican Republic (DET $750K)
27. Antonio Senzatela, RHP, Venezuela
28. Mauricio Silva, RHP, Venezuela (not 16 and can't sign yet)
29. Anthony Santander, OF, Venezuela
30. Ricardo Marcano, 3B, Venezuela
31. Manuel Gonzalez, RHP, Dominican Republic
32. Gialy Arias, RHP, Dominican Republic
33. Manuel Cordoba, RHP, Venezuela
34. Sanber Pimentel, OF/1B, Dominican Republic
35. Jose Godoy, C, Venezuela (STL $200K)
36. Eric Otanez, C, Dominican Republic
37. Yairo Munoz, SS, Dominican Republic (video)
38. Soid Marquez, RHP, Venezuela
39. Jonathan Perez, RHP, Venezuela (video)
40. Arturo Michelena, SS, Venezuela

Other Notables per BA (Pitchers):

Erick Hurtado, LHP, Dominican Republic
Carlos Rodriguez, LHP, Venezuela
Edgar Pineda, LHP, Venezuela
Dewen Perez, LHP, Columbia (STL $450K)
Junior Flores, RHP, Venezuela
Kevin Sosa, RHP, Venezuela
Luis Carreno, RHP, Venezuela (not 16 and can't sign yet)
Dioscar Romero, RHP, Dominican Republic
Jesus Jones, RHP, Dominican Republic
Jery Then, RHP, Dominican Republic
Francis Jesus, RHP, Dominican Republic
Harold Arauz, RHP, Dominican Republic

Other Notables per BA (Hitters):

Eduar Pinto, OF (LHB), Venezuela
Omar Sanchez, OF (RHB), Venezuela
Jorge Heredia, OF (LHB), Dominican Republic
Jariel Vargas, OF (RHB), Dominican Republic
Eric Gabo, OF (RHB), Venezuela
Jose Leal, OF (RHB), Venezuela (SEA $2 million)
Victor Medina, OF (RHB), Venezuela
Francisco Miguel, OF (RHB), Dominican Republic
Iosif Bernal, OF (RHB), Panama
Gustavo Perinan, SS (LHB), Columbia
Angelo Castellanos, SS (RHB), Venezuela
Raul Garcia, SS (RHB), Columbia
Ronniel Demorizzi, SS (RHB), Dominican Republic
Alberti Chavez, SS (RHB), Venezuela
Jhoan Urena, 3B (SH), Dominican Republic
Victor Rey, 3B (RHB), Dominican Republic
Mitchel Martes, IF(?) (RHB), Aruba
Luis Lara, C (RHB?), Venezuela

Others:

Pedro Payana (TEX $500k-$600K)

[chuck]

The Braves poach another Panamanian signing Iosif Bernal for $175k.

[astrosfan76]

Astros make first big signing:

The Astros have signed Venezuelan shortstop Arturo Michelena for $220,000.

Michelena, a 16-year-old out of Maracaibo, is 6 feet, 165 pounds and has represented his country during international youth tournaments. He's a righthanded hitters with good hand-eye coordination and defensive actions.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/2011/07/astros-sign-venezuelan-shortstop-arturo-michelena/

[OregonStrosFan]

Astros make first big signing:

http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/2011/07/astros-sign-venezuelan-shortstop-arturo-michelena/

Here is Badler's report on Michelena: LINK

...Aside from Wilmer Becerra, who will likely end up as an outfielder, the top shortstop in Venezuela is Michelena. A wide-shouldered 16-year-old from Maracaibo, Michelena represented Venezuela at the COPABE 16-and-under championship last October in Mexico, where he was one of the top hitters in the tournament. He's an aggressive hitter and his swing can get long, but he has good hand-eye coordination and makes a lot of contact. He's mostly a singles hitter, but he has strong hands and will show occasional surprising power to the gaps. Like most young Latin shortstops, he'll need to add strength to his wiry frame. He's a solid-average runner who has a good chance to stay at shortstop. He has good actions in the field, good hands, turns the double play well and has a solid-average arm...

[Reuben]

Good to see the Pirates are setting modest expectations for the kid they just signed:

Rene Gayo, the Pirates' Director of Latin American scouting, had high praise for outfielder Harold Ramirez, tweets Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.  "He's a real exciting player. Plays like Willie Mays," said Gayo.

[OregonStrosFan]

Total conjecture here, but DPL is waiting to make signing announcements in a press conference on Monday morning and news surrounding DPL signings has been VERY quiet.  Given the Astros activity with the DPL, it wouldn't surprise me to hear of some signings in this press conference.

[astrosfan76]

Another signing announced:

The Astros have signed Dominican shortstop Luis Reynoso for $700,000.

Reyonoso, 16, is a 6-foot, 170-pound righthanded hitter who trains with Victor Baez and played in the Dominican Prospect League. Reynoso is the second Latin American shortstop that Baseball America has confirmed signing with the Astros since the international signing period opened on Saturday. The Astros also agreed to terms with Venezuelan shortstop Arturo Michelena for $220,000.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/2011/07/astros-sign-luis-reynoso-for-700000/

[matadorph]

Slick video of Reynoso's swing. Likes Jose Reyes, Bachata.

[Reuben]

Reynoso was #13 on BA's "mock bonus" list. At least a few guys below him got $1mil+, so it sounds like the Astros weren't as eager as the Rangers to overpay and get their name in the papers did pretty well.

[chuck]

Slick video of Reynoso's swing. Likes Jose Reyes, Bachata.

His favorite food is  jarróbichelaycadne, or, like most everyone else in those videos, rice, beans and meat. The Dominican accent amuses me.

One guy said he liked fried chicken, another his mother's lasagna. Another likes jarró bichela y pollo, more my style, really, but everyone else sides with our (young) man Luis Reynoso, future Astros choro'top.

[OregonStrosFan]

Astros sign another through the DPL: Harold Arauz agrees with Astros; DPL video LINK

Arauz becomes the first player from Panama to sign a professional contract through the DPL. His trainer Emilio Sempris and the Arauz family reached an agreement for a reported $300,000 with the Houston Astros. The RHP was among the most impressive arms in this year’s DPL July 2nd class. He has an athletic wiry body with room to fill out and develop. He shows an effortless delivery with good command of Fastball (86-89) topping out at 90, his Curveball has a chance to be above average and shows a feel for Changeup. Harold impressed at the DPL All-Star Game in May where he fanned 5 of 6 hitters he faced in 2 innings of work. He was named All-Star Pitcher of the game. Congratulations to Harold Arauz, Emilio Sempris and the Houston Astros!

[OregonStrosFan]

To recap, that appears to be 3 July 2 Int'l FA signings to date:

SS Luis Reynoso, $700,000 (Dominican Republic);
RHP Harold Arauz, $300,000 (Panama); and
SS Arturo Michelena, $220,000 (Venezuela).

[OregonStrosFan]

Trying to recall the last couple of 7/2 signings from Mexico, but can't think of any. A little help por favor?!?

[moriartp]

Arauz didn't make BA's top 40, but they did have a few things to say about him:

Panama's Harold Arauz is another interesting arm. He's a 6-foot-4 righthander who was the MVP of the Dominican Prospect League all-star game in May after striking out five of the six hitters he faced. Scouts have mostly seen him in the mid-80s or a tick above, but he has a clean delivery and throws strikes with some feel for his secondary stuff.


I can't think of any signings the Astros have made in Mexico. It would appear they don't have too much of a presence there.

[chuck]

Astros sign another through the DPL: Harold Arauz agrees with Astros; DPL video LINK

Que xopá, mopri!

The video is interesting. He looks long and rangy. I imagine he'll pick up some mph as he fills out. He has a nice curve. The thing I noticed is he seems to be awfully upright in his follow through after a fastball, but he has a sort of hitch in his right leg where he drops just a bit as he throws a curve. You can see that with a curve his left foot plants a few inches beyond where he'd planted for the fastball.

Anyway, here's another video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMGOzmC5Qm0

[Reuben]

Que xopá, mopri!

The video is interesting. He looks long and rangy. I imagine he'll pick up some mph as he fills out. He has a nice curve. The thing I noticed is he seems to be awfully upright in his follow through after a fastball, but he has a sort of hitch in his right leg where he drops just a bit as he throws a curve. You can see that with a curve his left foot plants a few inches beyond where he'd planted for the fastball.

Anyway, here's another video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMGOzmC5Qm0

Wow, that's a pretty bizarre play on the 2nd batter (3 min mark): you have the SS and 1B colliding on the mound, and the 3B picking up the ball and throwing the batter out at 2nd.

[chuck]

Wow, that's a pretty bizarre play on the 2nd batter (3 min mark): you have the SS and 1B colliding on the mound, and the 3B picking up the ball and throwing the batter out at 2nd.

And the third baseman appeared nearly to have caught it off the carom. I don't know why, but the whole play immediately brought to mind Hunter Pence.

[OregonStrosFan]

Astros County has posted that the Astros have signed 6'2" 180 lb OF Frederick Serrano (16, Dominican Republic). LINK (w/ video).  Other than the DSL transaction page (and the AC post), I've seen nothing else about it...  

ETA: No idea if he is any relation to Pedro...

[austro]

ETA: No idea if he is any relation to Pedro...

I was just about to ask if he could hit a curveball...

[Duman]

Trying to recall the last couple of 7/2 signings from Mexico, but can't think of any. A little help por favor?!?

Only Mexican player to come through Greeneville in 7 years was Amadeo Zazueta a backup infielder in 2006

[OregonStrosFan]

So far, Nolan has spent $10+ million: Mazara ($5.0M); Guzman ($3.5M); Mendez ($1.0M+); and Payana ($500K-$600K)...

The old man must've struck oil in his back yard or something... Approaching $12M on 7/2 signing bonuses (that we know of...).  LINK

The Rangers signed two 16-year-old players represented by Luis Blasini in Venezuela, landing lefthander Yohander Mendez for $1.5 million and outfielder Eduard Pinto for $300,000, according to multiple Rangers reporters citing an official team announcement.

[OregonStrosFan]

Farmstros has updated International (7/2) signings over at his blog.  LINK

[Ron Brand]

The old man must've struck oil in his back yard or something...

Beeeeeeeg TV contract money.