I'm trying to figure a rough translation for how the international signees value compares to the Rule 4 draftees. Obviously given the odd rules (teams' ability to go over the pool as much as they want if they accept the next 2 year limitations, etc.), it's not accurate to take the bonus amounts and translate them into Rule 4 draft slots. I do think $300k is a meaningful number since it represents the max a restricted team can spend on a player. I would guess that any player that signs for <$300k would most likely go undrafted (or at best be an extremely late round pick). Those points combined with just analyzing what % of MLB players come from the Rule 4 draft vs the international signings should provide the key thresholds. I believe 25-30% of players come from outside the Rule 4 draft. With all that in mind, I think a decent rule of thumb would be to rank the international signees by signing bonus and multiply that rank by 4 and that would be where the player would have been drafted. Based on that, the $300k guys would probably be drafted somewhere in the 20th to 30th round.
The Astros' transactions page recently slipped in some IFA signings while nobody was looking... 7/20/17: SS Sebastian Grullon (DR) 8/9/17: SS Jose Mendoza (Venezuela) 8/14/17: C Jonarkys Lopez (Venezuela) 8/18/17: LHP Daniel Bello (DR) 8/21/17: IF Rolando Espinosa (Cuba) 8/23/17: RHP Jeremy Molero (Venezuela) 8/24/17: RHP Franny Cobos (Cuba) 8/30/17: SS Hector Leon (Venezuela) 9/22/17: LHP Julio Robaina (Cuba) 2/28/18: RHP Jherson Pereira (Venezuela)
Astros being televised in the Postseason in which Young Latin Players are watching Correa, Altuve, Yuli, Marwin. Look up to them. The World Series really benefitted us in a huge way. The players are signing way less it's amazing to see because it would've been impossible if we were a losing Franchise and giving Millions to only a couple of players. Great, Amazing Job by everyone to Jim Crane, Jeff Luhnow, the Latin Department of the Astros, The Latin Scouting and Signing has been wonderful, The Dominican Academy is a wonderful Facility and teaching young kids English also. Hopefully we can get a New Facility, a Venezuelan Academy again.
Astros Venezuelan Prospects over the Years Johan Santana, Bobby Abreu, Melvin Mora, Richard Hidalgo, Magglio Ordonez (was rejected by Astros) Jose Altuve (Got rejected) but Altuve came back to Astros scouts and proved them wrong and signed for less, whatever the Astros offered he accepted. Rule V is the worst thing in MLB, plus Gerry Hunsicker is terrible at knowing prospects. Losing Johan Santana, Bobby Abreu, Melvin Mora in Rule V. It is just refreshing that we have a smarter Front Office, signing and keeping top Latin Talent now.
If the players get developed and improve at higher levels, hopefully they get more incentives, and more salary. Teoscar Hernandez comes to mind signed for $15,000 but developed strength power contact. I think he is going to develop for Blue Jays.
Teo did great for the Jays last year and will continue to produce for them. They got a great deal in that trade.
I ask because I honestly dont know, but has any Intl-national player ever made the Astros ML club that was drafted and moved up through the ranks?
I wonder if the Abreu that just signed is kin to Bobby Abreu? Is Betances kin to the Yankees Betances?
You've got 2 starters on a WS team and a MVP. Plus 3 young pitchers with great arms. Give me some more of that.
And you've got guys like Franklin Perez and Michael Feliz who were key components in the Verlander and Cole trades.
People dont understand how vital it is to have a great intl scouting program. Especially since the MLB team is going to be really good for atleast the next 3 to 5 years and the MLB draft picks will be at the bottom of the 1st rd ans all rounds.