White Sox 2013 international signings review

In 2012, the White Sox signed six players for bonuses of at least six figures. This past year, that number dwindled to three. However, whereas the top bonus was $550K in 2012, the White Sox signed one of the top 2013 international prospects, Micker Adolfo, for $1.6 million.

Readers of this site are familiar with Adolfo at least in passing. Baseball America's most recent scouting report discusses many of the same things we've heard before. At 6-foot-3, 235 pounds, the 17-year-old Adolfo has shown plenty of bat speed and 70 raw power on the 20-80 scale. He's very athletic now but likely will end up in right field, where his plus arm will likely be a formidable weapon.

Like many young players raised in the batting showcase culture of the Dominican, his approach is tailored to display his power and he'll need to tone down the uppercut and pull-happy swing a bit if he wants to succeed. He'll make his pro debut for the new Arizona League White Sox in June.

Including Adolfo, the White Sox signed a total of 17 international prospects in 2013. Baseball America highlighted three other players: Maiker Feliz, Jose Reyes, and Nelson Acosta.

Feliz, like Adolfo, is also known by his other surname, Soto. Felix is a 6-foot-1, 185-pound right-handed hitting third baseman out of the Dominican. Per BA, the White Sox "viewed him as a line-drive hitter with a short swing who hit in games, had average speed and a chance to be an above-average defender with good hands and a strong arm." The 16-year-old signed for $450K.

Reyes is a six foot, 155-pound shortstop out of Venezuela. The switch-hitting 17-year-old showed "clean and easy actions with good hands and minimal effort to his game in the field" and a "simple, contact-oriented approach" at the plate, though with minimal power. He signed for $100K.

Acosta is a 6-foot-4, 185-pound right-handed pitcher out of Venezuela. He turned 16 on August 24, making him one of the youngest players in last year's July 2 signing class. Acosta has a projectable frame and "fairly clean mechanics and an 87-89 mph fastball that comes out of his hand without much effort." He's athletic and has an advanced feel for a curveball. He signed for $50K.