2011 International Free Agent Thread

[RICO7]

some info I found while seaching the web:


http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/...RgHO_blog.html
Rizzo also checked in on Armando Rivero, a 23-year-old right-handed pitcher, and Henry Urrutia, 24-year-old corner outfielder. Both players have played on the Cuban national team, the highest level a player can reach in the country.
Rivero throws his fastball between 94 and 96 miles per hour and could project as either a starter or reliever. The team that signs him will need to give him more time to develop in the minors if they want to make a starter compared to relieving. In his Cuban career, Urrutia has consistently hit for a high average and gap-to-gap power.

http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-den/2...cuban-players/
Armando Rivero, 23, RHP
Rivero was a teammate of Concepcion's and is very much the opposite type of pitcher. He's older, he's a power guy (96 mph), and he projects as a reliever. Some think he has a chance to start because he does have 3 pitches, but his quickest road is through the bullpen. He could start at AA.
Henry Urrutia, 24, OF
6'3, 180 lbs, Urrutia projects as a corner outfielder but lacks the power to be a regular. His ability to hit line drives from both sides of the plate and above average athleticism could make him an ideal 4th outfielder. He should start in AA.
Omar Luis, 19, LHP
A small, stocky left-hander (5'11", 21o lbs) with velocity similar to Concepcion's but has fringy stuff overall. He doesn't project as well because of his stocky build but he does make the best of his stuff, causing scouts to label him with the "pitchability" label -- something Tim Wilken is known to value. He'd most likely start out in Class A.
Adonis Garcia, OF
Despite his first name, Garcia is just 5'7" and he's already 26 years old. He's a good hitter for his size with some pop but not enough to play a corner OF spot, his position in Cuba. There were some issues as well as he is banned from signing until about February because of fraudulent residency paperwork. Just a hunch, but I wouldn't bet on the Cubs being in on Garcia.

[Posada_20]

Yanks have already signed Garcia. Don't see him on any of the minor league rosters though

[Yankees1962]

BA's article on the Yankees signing.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/...for-4-million/

[MrFortune3]

i'm really gonna miss those 2-4 mil bonus deals the Yanks could hand out before. gonna be a sad day, doubt it stops us from finding good players though.

[Yankees1962]

Concepcion versus Luis, we'll see whether the Cubs or Yankees come out on top with their lefty Cuban signing.

[Yankees1962]

I'm not so sure I have a warm, fuzzy feeling about this guy.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today...2/2613601.html

[MrFortune3]

that dude has some issues going on. makes you kinda pause and wonder if he really wants it.

[dpbddd99]

We dodged the bullet here.

What is the latest on Michael Ynoa? Is he going to pitch this season?
Jim Callis: I'm at the point where I'm not sure Ynoa really exists.

[Yankees1962]

We dodged the bullet here.

What is the latest on Michael Ynoa? Is he going to pitch this season?
Jim Callis: I'm at the point where I'm not sure Ynoa really exists.

There were some heated discussions about that prospect and how the Yankees screwed up allowing Oakland to outbid them.

http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats...pbp&pid=573589

[Yankees1962]

that dude has some issues going on. makes you kinda pause and wonder if he really wants it.

Good luck to the Dodgers with him.

http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/ne...ticle_34081436

[IrishYankee]

Good luck to the Dodgers with him.

http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/ne...ticle_34081436

WOW. Just nuts.

[Yankees1962]

WOW. Just nuts.

Heyman reporting 7 years 42M.

[Yankee Tripper]

Panic move with Either & Kemp on the DL fueled by the 7/1 deadline or legit good signing?

[bmxstreetrider86]

panic move.

[Yankees1962]

panic move.

Why would it be a panic move?

[bmxstreetrider86]

Why would it be a panic move?

spending 42 million on an unproven player who the industry thought was not as good of a prospect as the last unproven player to make 30 million? it doesnt have anything to do with thier current outfield injuries, but how does that not scream panic move with the signing deadline 3 days away?

[Yankee Fan in Boston]

spending 42 million on an unproven player who the industry thought was not as good of a prospect as the last unproven player to make 30 million? it doesnt have anything to do with thier current outfield injuries, but how does that not scream panic move with the signing deadline 3 days away?

I don't know if it's necessarily panic -- it could just be a franchise (and new ownership) with a lot of money that is trying to take advantage of the old IFA rules before they change.

[awy]

pretty high figure. never heard of this guy before

[just-blaze]

I was thinking LAD's version of Igawa, personally.

[MrFortune3]

i know they're getting ready for a new TV deal and all. but LAD has lost their damn minds. that's crazy money. i didn't even see him getting Soler money.

[Yankees1962]

I don't know if it's necessarily panic -- it could just be a franchise (and new ownership) with a lot of money that is trying to take advantage of the old IFA rules before they change.

That's what I'm thinking, it's a bad move on their part, but they're trying to make a statement to their fanbase before the new rules take over. They're saying he can opt out after three years of MLB service and be arbitration eligible with this whacked contract.