Since we last checked in with Part I of our updates regarding 2010 International Free Agency, not a whole lot has happened. A few more players have signed but the overwhelming majority of the top players are still available. Here, in Part II, we will look at a few more of the players who have signed and we will finally look at who hasn’t signed and why in Part III.
Jose Tovar, LHP, Venezuela – As was rumored all along, Tovar signed with the Colorado Rockies for $350,000. Honestly, they may have gotten a real steal. The Rockies have shown the ability to get quality players in IFA. In the past few years they’ve grabbed Wilin Rosario, Jhoulys Chacin, and Esmil Rogers, among others. Tovar might be the best of all of them. He is a very advanced pitcher for a 16-year-old. He has a nice delivery, throws strikes, and is just generally impressive. This might be my favorite signing of the IFA period thus far, considering the risk-reward.
Phillips Castillo, OF, Dominican Republic - The Mariners shelled out $2.2 million to sign Castillo. We have not been nearly as high on Castillo as other prognosticators. Tom noted that Phillips has average tools across the board but not stand out tool. He couldn’t be more right. He may develop plus power but that’s not anywhere close to a sure thing at this point. The Mariners have done good work in IFA in the past so it’s not totally clear why they would pay out such a huge bonus for a player without a plus tool but there is something to be said for a player that is solid across the board offensively.
Danry Vasquez, OF, Venezuela - The Tigers picked up Danry Vasquez for a bonus most expect to be around $1 million. Vasquez is a lefthander who shows a very advanced bat for his age. He has line-drive power but shows the skills to hit for power as he fills out. The Tigers believed him to be one of the most advanced bats available. Vazquez is currently a centerfielder but will have to play a corner as a pro.
Yoel Araujo, CF, Dominican Republic - Araujo is a guy who did not make our initial list of 25 players but he is certainly one to watch. The Tampa Bay Rays signed Yoel for an $800,000 bonus, the most the Rays have ever paid for a Dominican IFA. Araujo is one of the most raw prospects that has or is likely to sign but has shown the ability to develop power and has plus speed now.
Daniel Sanchez, SS, Dominican Republic - Sanchez signed with the Cubs for a reported $500,000 bonus. Sanchez is not a guy who was getting a lot of buzz prior to July 2 but he is a guy who shows above-average raw power. The post-steroid era seems to have created a game where there is a premium on true power. Obviously $500,000 is nothing to an organization like the Cubs and if Sanchez can end up having plus power in the big leagues, it would be a very worthy investment.
Mauricio Cabrera, RHP, Dominican Republic – Like Daniel Sanchez, Mauricio Cabrera was not a name that had a lot of heat going into July 2. However, unlike the Cubs, when the Braves sign a player in IFA, you listen. Anyone reading this knows about the success the Braves have had in this arena. Cabrera is a 6’2”, 180 lb 16-year-older with an average fastball and shows the ability to have three average or better pitches. He has a brother, Alberto Cabrera, who pitches in the Cubs organization and has advanced to Double-A.
We have now covered most of the players who have signed during this International Free Agency period and we have covered all of the signed players considered noteworthy as of this time. As more players sign, we’ll have that for you. For now, look for Part III of this series which will look at the top players who haven’t signed, why they haven’t signed, and who is in a good position to land them.
