The Mariners signed three top international prospects, including Dominican outfielder Phillips Castillo, according to Ben Badler of Baseball America. Castillo will get a $2.2MM bonus, Colombian right-hander Jose Torres gets an $851K bonus and Venezuelan third baseman Yordyn Calderon gets a $477K bonus.
Badler describes Castillo as “one of the elite hitters” on the international market. The 16-year-old stands 6’2” and can hit for power. Torres is considered the top Colombian pitching prospect of the year and Calderon is “a good athlete who can hit for power.” Overall, the Mariners committed just over $3.5MM to the three prospects.
aap212
“Here’s JOSE Torres.”
“Buenos ding-dong-diddly dias, senor.”
NYMFAN29
I think teams put to much faith and money into these 16 year old international players so much can happen between the time there 16 to the time there 20 alot of risk is involved in these deals
aap212
A lot of upside, too, and only one of them got paid like a first round draft pick, despite the fact that all thirty teams can bid on them.
Besides, betting two million bucks on an elite 16-year old hitter is safer than betting $90 million on a 32-year old pitcher with a relatively short record of success, like Cliff Lee.
harmony55
The Seattle Mariners signed Felix Hernandez, David Ortiz, Shin-Soo Choo, Asdrubal Cabrera and Jose Lopez at young ages.
NYMFAN29
very true i didn’t say they cant pan out but there is risk involved here…not ALL of these players turn into MLB superstars but point taken there definitely can be a few that can make GM’s look like studs
HerbertAnchovy
Baseball, and sports in general, is all about risk. It would be a pretty boring game if no one took risks.
HerbertAnchovy
Baseball, and sports in general, is all about risk. It would be a pretty boring game if no one took risks.
andy
@NYMFAN29. Can you say Felix Hernandez.
wayneroo
Great point Andy.
Devern Hansack
“Oh crap, more fake black people.” – Torii Hunter