Written by Greg Fertel
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28 June 2008
Only 4 days until July 2, and the rumors are flying around. As usual, the Yankees are linked to a number of top talents, and figure to be one of the top overall spenders in what sounds like a very deep class. Many other teams have committed to spending more on international free agents this year than in years past, seeing the potential value in making a relatively small investment in a talented teenager. The record for a bonus, 2.3 million, which went to former Yankee signee Wily Mo Pena (who also received a major league contract), figures to fall this year, as at least 2-3 players figure to receive that amount or more (one player, Rafael Rodriguez reportedly agreed to a 2.5 million dollar bonus already, and several others, including outfielder Yorman Rodgriguez and pitcher Michel Inoa, should exceed that amount).
If you haven't checked it out already,
Saberscouting has some excellent scouting information and coverage of the top prospects. They have an in depth
scouting report of Michel Inoa, and they seem to think that this 6'7" righty could be worth the massive hype, and potentially 4+ million dollar bonus. He is compared favorably to
Dellin Betances when he was in high school, with similar stuff and projectability, but with more polish, better command, and a superior 3rd pitch, despite being 2 years younger than Betances when he was drafted. The Yankees are among a number of teams who are after Inoa, but reportedly, the A's remain the frontrunners. If Inoa is truly a once in a decade type talent that he has been hyped to be, then I think the Yankees need to open their wallet and blow the A's offer out of the water.
The also have scouting reports of
some of the other top prospects, as well as rumors as to which teams are after them. The Yankees have been after Yorman Rodriguez, the top position player available, but if is believed that he might have agreed to a deal with the Reds already. Adis Portillo, the 2nd best pitcher available, is reportedly connected with the Padres. The guys for whom the Yankees are considered the frontrunners to sign include powerhitting outfielder Yeico Calderón, infielder Giancarlo Arias, and lefty pitcher Carlos Perez. Anything could happen, but that is what Saberscouting and other sources have been hearing. I will keep everyone up to date on the latest rumors and news, but the reality is that we won't know for sure until the morning of July 2. It is also worthy of note that on the Saberscouting
post about the other prospects, there is a commenter, liquid0623 who claims to be an agent for a number of prospects, including Rafael Rodriguez and Yeico Calderón, who might drop some insider info.
