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July 06, 2006
What, No Shakira?
From Baseball America:
The Yanks went for quality and quantity when the July 2 international signing date arrived. Not only have the Yankees signed catcher Jesus Montero for a reported $2 million bonus (Yankees international scouting director Lin Garrett declined to comment on signing terms), but they have signed eight players total, three from Venezuela and five from the Dominican Republic. And Garrett said he hopes the organization is not done yet, as general manager Brian Cashman authorized the international scouting department to be aggressive this summer.
The Yankees also signed Venezuelan shortstop Jose Pirela for a reported $300,000. Pirela has good hands and an above-average arm, but his speed might be his best tool. The third Venezuelan the organization signed is catcher Francisco Arcia.
New York also nabbed five Dominicans: outfielders Carlos Martinez Urena (who reportedly signed for $350,000) and Arielky LaPay, shortstops Jimy Paredes and Jose Toussen and righthander Hairo Heredia. Garrett said Heredia had "now stuff," which prompted the Yankees to make him the only pitcher they have signed so far. He also characterized Toussen and Urena as players with present offensive skills and future power potential.
Arielky LaPay?
Gosh, I hope Bob Sheppard gets to say that name someday.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at July 6, 2006 12:52 PM
Comments
I just hope some of these guys are good. The more good young players we have available to us, the easier the transition will go from the downside of this dynasty to the ascent of the next one.
Posted by: MJ ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.waswatching.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at July 6, 2006 02:09 PM
What's the story with that Yulieski Gourriel (I think) kid from Cuba? He was the talk of the town during the WBC. Any hope he ends up playing in the states, preferably on the Yanks?
Posted by: Rich at July 6, 2006 02:20 PM
Rich - How many Cuban position players (off the island) have been any good in the last 30 years?
Posted by: Steve Lombardi at July 6, 2006 02:50 PM
Granted, not many (Palmeiro, Canseco, Rey Ordonez?), but this kid looked pretty good. I don't know if you watched the WBC, but he was definitely one of the best players on the field.
Posted by: Rich at July 6, 2006 03:29 PM
Palmeiro and Canseco never played in Cuba. When I see a hitter come off the island, and he's good, he'll be the 1st one that I've ever seen.
Posted by: Steve Lombardi at July 6, 2006 03:46 PM
Ditto what Rich said. The kid was impressive in there with a lot of MLers.
Posted by: hopbitters at July 6, 2006 04:16 PM
Rich - How many Cuban position players (off the island) have been any good in the last 30 years?
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With that mentality, we never would've seen Ichiro play here
Posted by: Raf at July 7, 2006 12:11 AM