Nats Make A $225K International Sign
With a H/T to Marcus for bringing this to my attention, the Nationals have signed a 16-year-old third baseman Neivy Pilier for $225,000 — the second-largest spend since the infamous 2006 signing of 16-year-old Esmailyn Gonzalez 20-year-old Carlos Alvarez.
(Centerfielder Luis Guzman was signed this past July for $385K).
Baseball America broke the news first, describing him as:
At 6-foot-1, 180 pounds, Pilier has a quick bat with lift and occasional power in his righthanded swing, though he’s at his best when he stays with a line-drive approach and uses the middle of the field. He has a strong arm that fits well at third base, though with his youth and size he’s still trying to improve his footwork.
Pilier reportedly turned 16 on August 1st, and according to Adam Kilgore’s post, must still undergo MLB’s vetting for age and indentity.
In other news, the Nationals continue to stockpile minor-league veterans with the signing of 27-year-old Brian Bocock, who is most likely going to see time in Syracuse next summer.
I don’t remember- did Luis Guzman actually play in the system this summer? If so, how did he do?
I certainly hope this is a sign that the Nats finally realize that they need to play the international market in order to replenish their system. Picking low in the draft will put them at a distinct disadvantage. I bet they would have been involved earlier if Yunesky Maya didn’t suck so bad.
+1/2St.
I don’t think there’s a connection to be made. I believe they knew they were overspending on Maya, just as they knew they were overpaying for Jayson Werth — the frogs before the princes, as it were.
Anyway, Guzman was announced along with three other IFAs in August. Players are generally signed the summer before they start to play.
International Sign Language – I see what you did there!
Byron Kerr posted coaching updates for the minor leagues. I know nothing about how the Nats view the value of various positions, but it sure looked like the Potomac staff did not fare well. Is that your perception as well? And, if so, did you think that was deserved?
I hope to have a post up about this later, but my first reaction is I’m a little surprised that Eric Fox wasn’t, um, thrown to the wolves for the regression of so many of the Sens.
Erix Fox wasn’t thrown to the wolves but Brian Rupp was sure given a swift kick in the ass.
And “Marlon Anderson has left the organization”. Not sure if that was previously announced or if any additional reason has been provided (i.e., it sounds like he was, um, thrown to the wolves)