Today is International Signing Day. Here is an open discussion thread to share news and signing information. Here are some informative links for you:
Matt Garrioch's International Signings Preview
TheAncientMariners's International Prospects Report. WARNING: slow loading, but chock full of information and videos.
Jonathan Mayo's 2013 Top 30 International Prospects List
Toolsy outfielder Eloy Jimenez, Venezuelan shortstop Gleyber Torres, and third baseman Rafael Devers may command the largest bonuses, but there are three other players I am keeping a particular eye on:
Luis Barrios, LHP: From Colombia. Very projectable but already throws fairly hard with a clean delivery. Linked to the Braves like many Colombian prospects often are.
Lewin Diaz, 1B-OF: From the Dominican Republic, a left-handed bat with explosive, if raw, power potential and good hitting skills for his age. Reportedly linked to the Twins.
Joan Mauricio, SS: From the Dominican Republic, a left-handed bat with athleticism and projectability. Unclear who he is linked to although today's Baseball America Bed Badler report indicates it may be the Houston Astros.
Those three would be key targets for me if I were running a team.
International Bonus Pools for 2013-2014
| 1. Astros | $4,943,700 |
| 2. Cubs | $4,557,200 |
| 3. Rockies | $4,213,800 |
| 4. Twins | $3,908,600 |
| 5. Indians | $3,636,900 |
| 6. Marlins | $3,395,200 |
| 7. Red Sox | $3,179,900 |
| 8. Royals | $2,988,100 |
| 9. Blue Jays | $2,817,100 |
| 10. Mets | $2,664,600 |
| 11. Mariners | $2,580,000 |
| 12. Padres | $2,500,800 |
| 13. Pirates | $2,426,000 |
| 14. Diamondbacks | $2,355,700 |
| 15. Phillies | $2,289,700 |
| 16. Brewers | $2,227,300 |
| 17. White Sox | $2,168,300 |
| 18. Dodgers | $2,112,900 |
| 19. Cardinals | $2,060,600 |
| 20. Tigers | $2,011,200 |
| 21. Angels | $1,993,700 |
| 22. Rays | $1,976,500 |
| 23. Orioles | $1,959,400 |
| 24. Rangers | $1,942,700 |
| 25. Athletics | $1,926,100 |
| 26. Giants | $1,909,900 |
| 27. Braves | $1,893,800 |
| 28. Yankees | $1,877,900 |
| 29. Reds | $1,862,100 |
| 30. Nationals | $1,846,900 |