International scouting update

by The Wizard on Jan 25, 2008 3:20 PM CST in News Comment 16 comments

Will that baseball academy in the Dominican open?:

The White Sox have increased their search for undiscovered players in the Dominican Republic by opening their own baseball academy about one week ago. The White Sox facilities, located in Boca Chica, are housed in the same Complejo Latinoamericano de Beisbol compound as setups for the Cubs, Twins, Reds, Diamondbacks and soon-to-be Orioles. But each team has its own fields, batting cages and dorms, operating independently.

Rafael Santana serves as the team's Dominican Republic Academy Coordinator and former Major League outfielder Sammy Mejia serves as the organization's Dominican Summer League Field Coordinator.

"We are really excited about it," said White Sox Minor League director Alan Regier of the team's new Dominican Academy. "We are devoting serious money in scouting to get guys at 16 or 21 who can be special."

This commitment already has paid dividends for the White Sox in the form of 16-year-old shortstop Juan Silverio, who participated in the team's instructional league and will be part of Minor League Spring Training. According to Regier, the White Sox don't want to rush Silverio and most likely will start him in the Dominican Summer League.

Kenny wants more trading chips! "devoting serious money in [international] scouting" sounds good though. ***** In other news,

Jim examines Brian's comments, thinks what he'd ask Kenny if he was at SoxFest, and points us to a Sox blog: 1838 miles to Tucson.
Rick Peterson, the Mets pitching coach, says 'pound the lower part of the strike zone' and other staff on his pitching philosophy (http URL). BTW, here's Part 1 of his interview (http URL).
Chris Shelton cleared waivers and was outrighted to the Rangers AAA team.
And Carl's latest comic strips: Question And Anger, Soxfan Donny.

Update [2008-1-25 17:18:6 by The Cheat]: I can't believe Wiz missed it, but I stopped by Baseball Digest Daily for a quick 5 questions on the White Sox.

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I really don't mean to sound cynical, but

why wasn't an academy like this opened 10 years ago?

by BustedFlush on Jan 25, 2008 4:10 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

inertia

the DR has literally thousands of "independent" baseball academies. the old method was to simply have lots of scouts (which the sox do have in the DR) combing through these places to find talent to sign. of course, a few years ago, some teams figured out that maybe going directly to the source and procuring talent at a younger age for your own academies might prove a better (and surer) use of resources.

by larry on Jan 25, 2008 4:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

So do you think

a move like this opens the door for the opening of academies in other places (Venezuela, Puerto Rico, etc.)? Just not worth the return?

Not sure of details for scouting or signing in Latin American countries, or for the matter the capital it takes to open and maintain such places, but it seems to me to make sound, longterm sense (assuming you scout and coach well)--especially for any team that does not pay over slot in the draft.

by BustedFlush on Jan 25, 2008 4:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

teams are closing their operations

in venezuela because of the political and social upheaval there. lots of nasty things going on there, much of which doesn't get reported here - which is odd considering the fascination/demonization of hugo chavez. part of the reason teams are moving into or centralizing operations in the DR is because of this.

teams often use their academy in the DR as a "halfway" point for all their latin players. obviously the logical extension (and many have/had operations in other countries) is to put academies in every place you think you can get talent. the cost of these aren't that high and the return on investment can be high but only the richest teams could be rolling out academies every year or something. even then it's probably not advisable to be expanding that quickly because of logistics and management. it will take time.

by larry on Jan 25, 2008 4:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Jay Mary whiny ass.

Excuse me. I know we don't spend any time on the idiot and his column, but I couldnt resist when a friend emailed me an argument over it.

I think it is outright hilarious that Mariotti writes this column today and in 2000 he railed on the White Sox for not acquiring Canseco in a waiver trade move. His words were the Yankees (who ended up with him) know how to make strong moves. The White Sox don't, which is why they will NEVER win a world championship! Gimme a freaking break.

I am now dumber for reading it. Back to regular programming.....

"There is not a liberal America and a conservative America. There is the United States of America."

by Tdogg on Jan 25, 2008 4:51 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

The terrorists win...

when you read a Mariotti column.

by The Jerry Royster Experience on Jan 25, 2008 4:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Mariotti is gay,

according to various sources at the fantasy camp. It came completely unsolicited - I did not bait the folks with whom I spoke.

So it MUST be true.

"I can't give you a dollar if I don't have 50 cents. Decisions are made awfully easy for you."

by winningugly on Jan 25, 2008 7:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thank you!!!!!

I subscribed to the NY Times, Friday-Sunday, for the x-word puzzles that appear in the S-T 6 months later, as part of my new boycott of that rag. Your post/his column justify my move.

Also, interesting interview/views in the Cheat post. Though not such good communication between Cheat/Wiz!
good stuff...

Next time, Bhoov, do some research.

by Chiburb on Jan 25, 2008 5:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Does anyone still want another starter?

Available Free Agent Starting Pitchers:

Tony Armas -- pretty bad reliever, even worse starter
Kris Benson -- comes with his wife's DD baggage
Roger Clemens -- he may retire with the steroid controversy surrounding him
Bartolo Colon -- not throwing over 90 MPH according to some reports
Josh Fogg -- the Ritchie trade doesn't look so bad these days
Freddy Garcia -- his arm is almost completely detached from his body
Jose Garcia -- who?!?
Livan Hernandez -- older than dirt; nearing a deal to pitch for the Mets with his brother
Byung-Hyun Kim -- his gimmicky delivery is done
Kyle Lohse -- he will be overpaid by some team
Rodrigo Lopez -- probably one of the more decent back-end starters available; just don't look at his WHIP.
Eric Milton -- massive flyball pitcher at The Cell? No thanks.
Mike O'Connor -- who?!?
Russ Ortiz -- his stuff is gone and he is done.
Odalis Perez -- hasn't been good for 3 years, although he can still own a Sox lineup. What happened to this guy?
John Thomson -- definitely a N.L. pitcher
Steve Trachsel -- see above
Jeff Weaver -- since 2005, he has sucked. What happened to him?
David Wells -- David Whales should probably retire and purchase a Dunkin' Donuts.

Pretty sad list. Unless Fatolo starts throwing above 90 MPH, would you guys rather see any of these guys over Danks and Floyd?

by SSH2005 on Jan 25, 2008 6:44 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Quick SoxFest update

Since I can't find a wifi and they want like 17 a day for internet - and my BB is slow for any internet

Here is the quick I got from the KW panel. (There is more detail - which you'll see on the news and in the paper - also I missed about 15 min - was seeing Jenks)

About KW and his responses.
He knew what he was going to get hit with. Was pretty straight - not backing down, told a few they are wrong (Swisher too much), not a matter of opinion, they are wrong.

Still hopeful about Anderson

Feels good about Ramirez.

Some positions will be determined in ST.

Quentin suppose to be progressing - Crede's health still open.

by Brush Back on Jan 25, 2008 6:53 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

nice recap, even if brief

I heard Bobby Big Boy on XM with Dibble. Sounds VERY upbeat, working out at the cell every day under supervision. Didnt mention his current weight, especially excited about Swisher and Orlando. Mentioned "grinders" too much, but what the hell. Wishes ST started tomorrow, he's ready to rock.

Next time, Bhoov, do some research.

by Chiburb on Jan 25, 2008 7:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Weight...

Does not look like an issue. He appears to be staying true to his conditioning.

Speaking of, AJ looked a lot thinner, let's hope that rubs off on Toby.

Listening to the bullpen session now - Linebreck pretty down to earth. (As is Floyd, was pretty relaxed and joking when I got a chance to speak to him for a few seconds.)

by Brush Back on Jan 25, 2008 8:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

BA's Jim Callis ranks each team's no. 1 prospect

[BA]:

Jay Bruce, of, Reds (1)
Clay Buchholz, rhp, Red Sox (2)
Joba Chamberlain, rhp, Yankees (3)
Evan Longoria, 3b, Rays (4)
Clayton Kershaw, lhp, Dodgers (5)
Mike Moustakas, ss, Royals (6)
Colby Rasmus, of, Cardinals (7)
Cameron Maybin, of, Marlins (8)
Travis Snider, of, Blue Jays (9)
Franklin Morales, lhp, Rockies (11)
Rick Porcello, rhp, Tigers (13)
Brandon Wood, ss/3b, Angels (14)
Matt Wieters, c, Orioles (15)
Angel Villalona, 3b/1b, Giants (19)
Fernando Martinez, of, Mets (23)
Matt LaPorta, of, Brewers (25)
Andrew McCutchen, of, Pirates (27)
Carlos Gonzalez, of, Athletics (28)
Jordan Schafer, of, Braves (31)
Jeff Clement, c, Mariners (32)
Chris Marrero, 1b/of, Nationals (35)
Elvis Andrus, ss, Rangers (37)
Adam Miller, rhp, Indians (38)
Josh Vitters, 3b, Cubs (43)
J.R. Towles, c, Astros (47)
Chase Headley, 3b, Padres (50)
Jarrod Parker, rhp, Diamondbacks (NR)
Carlos Carrasco, rhp, Phillies (NR)
Nick Blackburn, rhp, Twins (NR)
Aaron Poreda, lhp, White Sox (NR)

The numbers in parentheses indicate where I ranked the players on my personal Top 50 overall prospects list in the Handbook. As you can see, four teams didn't put a prospect on my Top 50, though I agonized over leaving Jarrod Parker off and Carlos Carrasco narrowly missed the cut. If the White Sox hadn't made the Nick Swisher trade, Gio Gonzalez would have been 24th on the list, but he went from No. 1 in Chicago to No. 2 in Oakland.

The highest-ranking No. 2 prospect for a team was Reds righthander Homer Bailey, who came in at No. 10 on my Top 50. The top No. 3, 4 and 5 prospects were all Devil Rays: lefty Jake McGee (No. 17), righty Wade Davis (No. 18) and shortstop Reid Brignac (No. 26).

by The Wizard on Jan 25, 2008 10:36 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

erik bedard to M's, adam jones to O's

[ussmariner]:

The Inevitable Becomes Reality

By: Dave and filed under Mariners

According to Geoff Baker, Adam Jones is on his way to Baltimore for a physical. The deal is done - it's going to be some kind of Jones/Sherrill/prospects (probably Tillman and someone) deal for Bedard.

If you've read the blog for more than a day or two, you know we're not fans of this deal because we believe that the team will regret giving up Adam Jones. That said, Erik Bedard is awesome, and we welcome him to Seattle.

But this still sucks.

by The Wizard on Jan 27, 2008 7:05 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

re

[MLB.com]:

The Mariners apparently would send Jones, left-handed reliever George Sherrill and Minor League pitcher Chris Tillman, along with one more Minor League player, to the rebuilding Orioles for Bedard.

by The Wizard on Jan 27, 2008 8:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Orioles deny Bedard deal is done...

Even though both Adam Jones and his winter ball manager, Luis Sojo, said so, the Orioles are denying the outfielder is on his way to Baltimore for a physical.
Mariners spokesman Tim Hevly confirmed that Jones is returning to the U.S., though he wouldn't confirm it was for a physical. The Orioles are steadfastly denying that any deal is done. "We do not have an agreement with the Mariners," president Andy MacPhail said. However, rumors aboud that the Mariners are sending Jones, Chris Tillman, either George Sherrill or Jeff Clement and a fourth player to Baltimore for Bedard.

Source: Baltimore Sun

by SSH2005 on Jan 28, 2008 2:10 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs