2010 International signing period information

[OnBaseMachine]

The International signing period is still 5 1/2 months away (July 2nd) but it's never too early to start compiling a list of some of the top available talents. One of the top names this year will be pitcher Rafael DePaula, who was suspended last year for lying about his age. He is now playing in the newly formed Dominican Prospect League:

Several months ago, La Esquina profiled the start of the Dominican Prospect League, a brainchild of agents Brian Mejia, Ulises Cabrera and Roberto Morales where unsigned teenage Dominican prospects could participate in a league designed to show off their talents to MLB team scouts. The aim was to erase the perception that Dominican prospects could not be properly evaluated -- and consequently compensated -- by teams since, unlike their American and Canadian counterparts, they don't participate in games.

http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog...ngure_jorge_jr

And an update on DePaula from the Dominican Prospect League website:

Depaula ready to go PRO!!!

Rafael Depaula made his Dominican Prospect League debut January 6th and is now eligible to sign with a professional team. In his first outing, Depaula threw two shutout innings while allowing 1 basehit, striking out 5 batters, and surrending two walks. After his outing, he said that he felt good to be in competitive game situation and is eager to prove that he is one of the top amateur pitchers to come from the Dominican Republic. In his first game, Depaula featured a fastball working 93-95 mph, an effective curveball, and a 84 mph changeup.

Now that he is eligible to sign a professional baseball contract, Depaula will be proving his ability on a weekly basis against the other DPL prospects. Stay tuned for more details as we march towards the first DPL All-Star game on January 23rd.

Rafael Depaula's Jan 6, 2010 game results:
2IP, 1H, 0R, 0ER, 2BB, 5SO

http://dplbaseball.com/index.php?opt...-news&Itemid=1

And here's a video of DePaula:

http://www.vimeo.com/5265661

On the DPL website, there is a scouting report on a shortstop named Jean Carlos Batista.

Jean Carlos Batista
Team: Potros del Este
Position: Shortstop
Height/weight: 6'2", 165 lbs.
Throws: Right
Bats: Switch

DPL Scouting Report:

Most skilled shortstop on the island.
Can really use the hit-tool from both sides of the plate.
Gap to Gap power.
Plus arm that will stay at SS.
Soft Hands.
Great Makeup, will be a leader within clubhouse and model for other kids.
Extremely hard worker.

http://dplbaseball.com/index.php?opt...yers&Itemid=54

I'll update this thread as more information becomes available.

[Lockdwn11]

Thanks OBM!

[Strider]

Thanks OBM.

Do we have any idea how old Depaula is after his age was verified?

For that matter, how old is Batista?

[OnBaseMachine]

Originally Posted by Strider

Thanks OBM.

Do we have any idea how old Depaula is after his age was verified?

For that matter, how old is Batista?

Batista turned 17 in November. DePaula, I'm not too sure about. I'd say he's probably 18/19. I think he turned out to be a year older than he said. Even if he's 19 he's still worth taking a chance on because his stuff is very good.

[OnBaseMachine]

jorgearangure: New Esquina blog: Top DR P prospect Raphael DePaula is back on the market. #Yankees, #redsox, #angels and #rangers interested

http://twitter.com/jorgearangure

[dougdirt]

OBM you may want to fix your link, it just takes each person to their own Twitter Home.

[OnBaseMachine]

Fixed. Thanks.

[LoganBuck]

If Chapman comes out of the international budget how much room is left, to sign others?

[dougdirt]

Originally Posted by LoganBuck

If Chapman comes out of the international budget how much room is left, to sign others?

Probably a million or two. I don't think we will see them signing any 7 figure guys, but there is plenty of talent to be had in the low to mid 6 figure group of guys.

[OnBaseMachine]

I asked Jorge Arangure if he thought the Reds would be as active this year in Latin America. His response:

RedsFan47 @jorgearangure With them signing Chapman, do you think the Reds will be as active in Latin America this year?

@RedsFan47 don't sense that the money used for Chapman came out of the Latin American signing budget.I expect them to be as active as usual

http://twitter.com/jorgearangure

[OnBaseMachine]

From MLBTradeRumors:

This year's best July 2 shortstop, Martin Steylon Peguero, will be in position to demand a solid contract as he is this year's best July 2nd shortstop. Bentley reports that the Rangers, Mariners, Padres, Twins, Reds and Cubs have all expressed serious interest in Peguero, who has also received a seven figure offer.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/0...ro-romero.html

[Plus Plus]

Any idea what position Vicmar De La Cruz plays? That article doesn't mention it.

[bellhead]

If I remember the budget last year was around $ 4 million???? I would like to think it would be the same this year or bumped up a little.

I think the Reds patter should be draft the best college arm with picks 1 and 2 in the draft and sign the position players in Latin American...

[OnBaseMachine]

Frankie Piliere - Two Dozen International Free Agents Worth Knowing

Here's his report on Steilon Peguero, who the Reds are reportedly in on.

3. Steilon Peguero, SS: Considered one of the toolsiest players available, Peguero shows some flashy skills at shortstop and big upside at the plate. He's an outstanding athlete. He also figures to attract seven-figure offers.

http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/05/17/t...worth-knowing/

Gotta love the Venezuelan shortstop's name. Roughned Odor. What a great name.

[GIDP]

Roughened Odor is that the same as Tough Crap?