Update on July 2 International prospects, including a couple Braves' targets

[dak]

Kiley McDaniel posted an article today with updates on dozens of July 2 guys. Snippets below on the two guys connected to Atlanta.

Derian Cruz, SS, Dominican: Cruz is expected to get a bonus around $2 million and the Braves are among the interested teams circling him. He’s a plus plus runner that puts up gaudy times in the 60-yard dash, has the tools to stick at shortstop and solid contact ability.

Cristian Pache, CF, Dominican Video: Pache was the best performer at the February MLB showcase in the DR, swinging about a dozen times and not missing once, hitting a foul homer and making tons of loud contact with his loose swing. He’s a 55 runner with solid average power projection and a fringy arm, giving him a shot to stick in center field. He’s expected to get around $1.5 million, with the Braves among the most interested clubs.

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/the-international-signing-market-part-1/

[Tapate50]

Thanks.

A lot of big money being thrown around.

[dak]

McDaniel posted part two of his International article, this time speculating on who might exceed their pool limit. Dodgers and Cubs are definitely over. Rangers, Royals, Blue Jays are likely to be over. Braves appear to be one of several teams navigating the border line.

My strong preference was to play with the big boys on premium talent that would push us way over. I'm disappointed that this isn't happening. It makes the decision not to seriously pursue Moncada more questionable. At any rate, if we're just going to look at second tier guys, it may be prudent to stay underneath the penalty line. The big unknown here is what the penalty will be once the CBA is (hopefully) renewed in late 2016. Maybe the Braves think the penalty will be too prohibitive. Here's what McDaniel had to see about the Braves . . .

The Braves are hot on the trail of Derian Cruz and Cristian Pache, which would send them over, but also in the range that they could cover it with a trade for more bonus space.


http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/the-international-signing-market-part-2/