International News, Rumor and Signing Thread

[rico43]

OK, now I'm confused. BBA says that the No. 3 international prospect, Luis Garcia, a SS from the DR, was born in America.

That makes him a U.S. citizen and, it seems to me, required him to be eligible for the June draft. I get that foreign-born players who attend American universities are subject to the draft, but why doesn't it work the other way?

[cajunrevenge]

OK, now I'm confused. BBA says that the No. 3 international prospect, Luis Garcia, a SS from the DR, was born in America.

That makes him a U.S. citizen and, it seems to me, required him to be eligible for the June draft. I get that foreign-born players who attend American universities are subject to the draft, but why doesn't it work the other way?

Its happened before. Unless there's evidence of a player moving to Latin America on purpose to use the loophole I don't think anyone cares.

[clvclv]

Its happened before. Unless there's evidence of a player moving to Latin America on purpose to use the loophole I don't think anyone cares.

Kinda like Bonds and steroids or Harper and the JuCo route - you "know" that's what's going on, but how are you gonna prove it?

[CJ9]

Long read on Maitan by Ben Badler. He talks to seven scouts about every area of Maitan's game: http://www.baseballamerica.com/inter...UgELF8JqiS7.97

[Tapate50]

Long read on Maitan by Ben Badler. He talks to seven scouts about every area of Maitan's game: http://www.baseballamerica.com/inter...UgELF8JqiS7.97

Pretty glowing review. Come on July 2!

[smootness]

Long read on Maitan by Ben Badler. He talks to seven scouts about every area of Maitan's game: http://www.baseballamerica.com/inter...UgELF8JqiS7.97

But I thought consensus was now that he's just a good international prospect?

The bottom line is, it's essentially unanimous that he's the #1 guy, and most seem to think it's not even close.

[Preacher]

But I thought consensus was now that he's just a good international prospect?

The bottom line is, it's essentially unanimous that he's the #1 guy, and most seem to think it's not even close.

There are several people who have pumped the brakes on Maitan a little bit; that's all I posted - never said that it was the consensus or that he wasn't still the #1 guy.

[sturg33]

There are several people who have pumped the brakes on Maitan a little bit; that's all I posted - never said that it was the consensus or that he wasn't still the #1 guy.

Agreed... can't remember who it was, but one analyst said he might crack our top 10 if we signed him.

Not saying he's not great... but a 16 year old is a 16 year old.

[smootness]

Agreed... can't remember who it was, but one analyst said he might crack our top 10 if we signed him.

Not saying he's not great... but a 16 year old is a 16 year old.

Well, it's incredibly rare for a just-signed int'l prospect to crack the top 100...and we will have close to 10 top 100 prospects. So I still don't see that as pumping the brakes on Maitan. It's an indication of how good our system is.

[chop2chip]

Well, it's incredibly rare for a just-signed int'l prospect to crack the top 100...and we will have close to 10 top 100 prospects. So I still don't see that as pumping the brakes on Maitan. It's an indication of how good our system is.

For sure:
Swanson
Albies
Newcomb
Allard
Anderson
Blair (if he's still eligible)

Borderline:
Touki
Acuna (probably would have made it without the injury)
Maitan
Soroka
Fried

Top 200 guys
Sims
Jenkins
Ellis
Davidson
Riley
Ruiz
D Petersen
Wentz
Muller

That's incredible depth and it doesn't even consider someone like Minter who seems like he's on a fast track to the big league pen. If we can swing a trade for Teheran for 2-3 frontline position player prospects, then that might be an historically great farm system.

[bravesfanMatt]

For sure:
Swanson
Albies
Newcomb
Allard
Anderson
Blair (if he's still eligible)

Borderline:
Touki
Acuna (probably would have made it without the injury)
Maitan
Soroka
Fried

Top 200 guys
Sims
Jenkins
Ellis
Davidson
Riley
Ruiz
D Petersen
Wentz
Muller

That's incredible depth and it doesn't even consider someone like Minter who seems like he's on a fast track to the big league pen. If we can swing a trade for Teheran for 2-3 frontline position player prospects, then that might be an historically great farm system.

Povse is in there somewhere... I don't think he cracks the top 100 with being in low ball and a little struggles of late.. but I think he is in top 200.

[smootness]

I think Touki is firmly in now after his recent stretch, and I think Soroka is in as well.

[bravesfanMatt]

I think Touki is firmly in now after his recent stretch, and I think Soroka is in as well.

I agree on Touki as long as he doesn't blow up on a few starts.. he is in on potential alone!! Fried is another that has huge upside and is starting to put it together.

[smootness]

I would like to see Fried moved up.

[chop2chip]

I think Touki is firmly in now after his recent stretch, and I think Soroka is in as well.

I think it's possible, but his overall numbers are still really pedestrian and he's repeating a level. Without a doubt Touki has the highest upside arm in our system, but I think some will still look at the high number of walks and low number of strikeouts and be skeptical.

Soroka probably makes it due to his first round pedigree and early success, but he's going to be compared to some of the pitchers taken in the first round this year and I don't think he will get the respect that Anderson, Groome, Garrett, Pint, etc. get which probably means he falls off the list for this year.

[chop2chip]

I would like to see Fried moved up.

I don't think there is much doubt about his arm and pitchability. I think the idea is to keep against lighter competition, so that he doesn't over-do it

[Pachoo]

What separates Maitan the most, to Me, is that he has the potential for 70 grade power down the line. Only one other international signees this year has that type of eventual power possibility.

[CJ9]

Baseball America list expanded from top 30 to top 50: http://www.baseballamerica.com/inter...7OY1f2gB1YR.97

The only named I recognize from 31-50 that we're the favorites for are SS Yenci Pena at 32 and RHP Juan Contreras at 41.

[Preacher]

I don't think Touki makes the list.

Not sure Anderson does either - he's not a typical #3 draft pick, I think Fried still has to show more to get consideration.

[50PoundHead]

Agreed... can't remember who it was, but one analyst said he might crack our top 10 if we signed him.

Not saying he's not great... but a 16 year old is a 16 year old.

That's always the issue with the international guys. One only need to look up the name "Jackson Melian." It's difficult enough to figure out the ceiling of an 18-year-old American high school kid.