ATLANTA – The Phillies landed 17 players from Latin America when the international signing period for 16 year olds began on Tuesday.
More signings will be coming over the next few weeks.
A few months back, we wrote about the Phillies’ efforts to sign outfielder Yhoswar Garcia of Venezuela (see story). According to MLB.com, the club still hopes to sign him later this summer, but there's no deal yet.
Here are the players that are showing up as signed so far:
Jean Hernandez, RHP, Dominican Republic – The Phils signed him for $300,000.
Randy Vasquez, SS, Dominican Republic – He is a left-handed hitter with good physical strength. He could end up at third base. His bonus was $350,000.
Jehisbert Sevilla, SS/2B, Venezuela – A line drive hitter with athleticism. He signed for $275,000.
MLB
Jackie Pertuz, C, Colombia – Lefty-hitting catcher signed for $200,000.
Jose Colmenarez, C, Venezuela – Catcher has solid defensive skills. Signed for $350,000.
Fernando Hernandez, SS, Venezuela – Good bat, signed for $350,000.
Other signings:
Esteban Cabrera, RHP, Venezuela
Jesus Querales, RHP, Venezuela.
Raibiently Mercelina, SS, Aruba.
Jose Leanez, CF, Venezuela.
Jean Cabrera, RHP, Venezuela.
Ricardo Rosario, LF, Venezuela.
Enyer Graterol, 2b, Venezuela.
Santiago Torres, LF, Venezuela.
Brahian Silva, C, Venezuela.
Giuseppe Velasquez, RHP, Venezuela.
Diego Gonzalez, SS, Venezuela.
These players are all teenagers and will begin their careers in the Phillies’ Latin American academy in the Dominican Republic. There are years and many miles to cover in the development process. Some will make it to the majors, others will not. But the process has started these signings.
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