This morning at 9am the July 2 signing period opened. The Phillies have been linked to 3 SSs and a catcher, all should get mid-six figure bonuses.
I will update this thread as signings come in.
Bonus Pool: $3,221,800
Confirmed Signings: $2,540,000
The Phillies Sign SS Arquimedes Gamboa for $900,000
Gamboa was Baseball America’s #8 prospect. He is a true SS who could be a plus defender when all is finished. Scouts question how he will hit, he is a currently a switch hitter, but his left handed swing is better than his right, and neither projects for much power.
Source: #Phillies have agreed to a $900K deal w/SS Arquimedes Gamboa, ranked #15 on @mlb Top 30 Int’l Prospects list http://t.co/bw8Mkjwr2F
— Jesse Sanchez (@JesseSanchezMLB) July 2, 2014
The Phillies sign SS Daniel Brito for $650,000
Brito is another Venezuelan SS, though he likely goes to 2B or CF. A contact oriented approach, he is fairly skinny now and will need to put on more muscle.
Phillies sign LHP Jhon Nunez for $90,000
lefthanded pitcher out of Panama, don’t know more than that at this point.
Phillies sign C Lenin Rodriguez for $300,000
#Phillies signed catcher Lenin Rodriguez Jr. from Venezuela. Pictured here with his father moments after signing. pic.twitter.com/Jv4nkgHgr3
— Jesse Sanchez (@JesseSanchezMLB) July 4, 2014
Rodriguez is an offense first catcher. There isn’t a lot of physical projection here, but he did have the best bat on the catching crop. If he can’t stick behind the plate he likely has to go to first base or DH due to his lack of athleticism.
Phillies sign SS Jonathan Arauz for $600,000
Phillies have signed a top Panamanian SS prospect, 16 year old Jonathan Arauz, for $600g.
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyNBCS) August 4, 2014
I like the Gamboa signing, as he has the potential to play plus defense and hit for average at a premium position. Is he polished enough as a prospect to start out stateside?
My guess is yes, they also like to push their top signees stateside
When do we normally hear about the low figure signings?
It can be hit or miss. Sometimes they trickle out early, other times we never hear about them for over a year. Part of the problem is that the team rarely announces signing and bonuses can be difficult to know for sure.
Thanks! Great stuff, was a follower of your articles on PP, will continue to read and support!