Reds proving to be players in Dominican (article)

[OnBaseMachine]

Reds proving to be players in Dominican

By John Fay • jfay@enquirer.com • August 17, 2008

The Yorman Rodriguez signing didn't get the attention that Yonder Alonso's did.

But it may have big implications of its own.

Rodriquez, a 16-year-old outfielder, is considered one of the top prospects to come out of Venezuela. Reds scouts think he would be a first-round draft choice if he grew up in the United States.

The signing comes five months after the signing of Juan Duran, a 16-year-old from the Dominican, for $2 million.

Rodriguez probably signed for similar money.

Throwing money like that around has gotten the attention of the baseball world south of the border.

"Talking to scouts in the Dominican, we're getting quite a reputation," Reds manager Walt Jocketty said. "The buscones are bringing us top players. They know we're not afraid to spend the money to sign players."

"Buscones" are street agents who control the talent in the Latin American countries.

Signing Alonso and Rodriguez within hours of one another was a strong sign that CEO Bob Castellini is in this for a long-term fix.

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs...808170427/1071

[puca]

Originally Posted by OnBaseMachine

Reds proving to be players in Dominican

By John Fay • jfay@enquirer.com • August 17, 2008

The Yorman Rodriguez signing didn't get the attention that Yonder Alonso's did.

But it may have big implications of its own.

Rodriquez, a 16-year-old outfielder, is considered one of the top prospects to come out of Venezuela. Reds scouts think he would be a first-round draft choice if he grew up in the United States.

The signing comes five months after the signing of Juan Duran, a 16-year-old from the Dominican, for $2 million.

Rodriguez probably signed for similar money.

Throwing money like that around has gotten the attention of the baseball world south of the border.

"Talking to scouts in the Dominican, we're getting quite a reputation," Reds manager Walt Jocketty said. "The buscones are bringing us top players. They know we're not afraid to spend the money to sign players."

"Buscones" are street agents who control the talent in the Latin American countries.

Signing Alonso and Rodriguez within hours of one another was a strong sign that CEO Bob Castellini is in this for a long-term fix.

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs...808170427/1071

Except for the fact that if he grew up in the United State he couldn't have been drafted for another 2 years.