Nats Announce International Signs
As predicted by multiple sources, the Nats did indeed sign 17-y.o. top IFA (#2 BA, #5 MLB) Armando Cruz to a $3.9M bonus, along with ten others:
- RHP Gustavo Rivas, 17 (Ven.) — $450K
- OF Enmanuel Ramirez, 17 (D.R.) — $200K
- RHP Doimil Perez, 17 (D.R.) — $200K
- RHP Genderson Zapata, 16 (Ven.) — $200K
- LHP Gabriel Agostini, 16 (Ven.) — $170K
- OF Jean Estrada, 16 (Ven.) — $90K
- OF Cristian Batista, 16 (D.R.) — $75K
- SS Winder Diaz, 18 (D.R.) — $20K
- C Edward de la Cruz, 18 (D.R.) — $10K
- RHP Jeffem Leon, 18 (Aruba) — $10K
With the obsession with how much money was paid out—never mind that current Nats on the 40-man roster signed for much, much less, including Juan Soto ($1.3M, 2015), Luis García ($1.3M, 2016), and Victor Robles ($225K, 2013)—that $3.9M ties with Yasel Antuna (2016) for the most ever paid out by the Nationals. As young Mr. Dougherty noted in the previous link, “That’s a product of a more competitive market and the club’s excitement for Cruz.”
The Nats were in the middle tier of the 2020-21 International Bonus pool along with 11 other teams at $5,348,100 and a quick look at the distribution of their 11 signs shows a familiar pattern: lots of arms (F.P. Santangelo says they have two) and middle infielders, along with some Venezuelans – an impressive haul given the outgoing regim…er administration’s animus towards the South American country. And of course, a couple of older prospects the Nats hope to strike gold with a la Wilmer Difo (2010 at the age of 18).
Whether any of these players will appear stateside – setting aside whether the complex leagues will operate in 2021, natch – depends on how MLB implements its 180-player limit for each organization. It’s believed that the DSL will not count towards that number, which could lead to multiple teams in the (currently known as) GCL and AZL.
If so, we may see one or two of these guys this year. If not, one would have to think that the guys that would have been on the NYPL roster will keep the DSL guys down.
Just another something to consider while we while away the winter and hope for the minors to restart.
Player development requires actual playing. Let’s hope that the minors have at least 50% of their scheduled games actually played.
It is going to be deeply weird if the minor leagues play while some cities/states continue to bar in-person attendance, and yet I think that actually might be the most plausible outcome right now.
Obviously, the worst case is another canceled season. But damnnearclose is one where they play most of the games at the complexes (i.e. below AA or AAA). And I can see that happening now that MLB has effectively taken over the minors.
Interesting that they signed someone from Aruba! Correct me if I’m wrong (and I probably am), but the last Dutch Antilles player we had was Roger Bernadina, which worked out pretty well, if you ask me! Otherwise, the ABCs (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao) have been the almost sole domain of the Orioles (Ponson, Schoop, Kingsale) and the Braves (Albies, Andruw Jones, Jurrjens, Andrellton Simmons).
I’ve been telling my husband since the end of last season that there is no way the MLB owners are going to pay to bring all these minor league players to the different cities after they lost a ton of money last season. Think of how much they save by just having that 1 alternate site open. I believe the AAA players and prospects will be in Fredricksburg again this season. I do hope they make sure they keep enough players to make practice teams since that was an issue last season. Let’s remember, this game is all about lining the owner’s pockets!
Except that they didn’t lose a ton of money last year, they only claimed to have. Remember, until the owners open their books to independent, forensic accountants, any claims of losses should be treated as what they are – allegations: assertions without proof.
Osvaldo Duarte former Astro farm hand SS 12 HRs in Corpus Christi a small Texas League park
Former Red bird Hurler for Fred or AA depth ??
RIP Don Sutton