Important Imports

Four international players have accepted contracts to play with Double Mendoza League teams this year with accompanying signing bonuses of upwards of $5 million. We examine each of them to see how much impact these guys might have some day on the major league game.

2B Felipe Gonzalez, Memphis Blues, $5.0 mil
19-years-old, Boca Chica, DO, Low A
Gonzalez is an all-around adequate player, which is probably reflected by his adequate signing bonus. He won't make all the plays at 2B and his impatience at the plate will make him a streaky hitter, but his game is so well-rounded that it's tough to get too down on him. When he makes contact, he always seems to find a way to get on base. He could mature into a nice role player some day.


RP Victor Jacquez, Cincinnati Boomers, $5.8 mil
18-years-old, San Fransisco De Macoris, DO, Low A
This 18-year-old reliver has a rubber arm and good enough stuff to earn him a ticket to the show someday. He's more of a finesse style pitcher, with neither his Sinker or Change Up overwhelming hitters, but enough command and velocity to record outs. If he had a 3rd pitch he'd be a nightmare, but he should nevertheless prove valuable for his ability to eat innings whenever necessary.


SS Tomas Duran, Chicago Gangsta' Chimps, $6.7 mil
18-years-old, Sabana Grande De Boya, DO, Low A
Known mostly for his glove, Duran is a versatile role player who should wiggle his way onto many different 25-man rosters over the years. His work at the plate could be better, but lacks any true weakness, which only enhances his utility. Some general managers have a hard time justifying $6.7 million towards a role player, but Duran may prove to be a very sound investment at that price given the roster flexibility he will someday afford his club.


2B Vladimir Arias, Cincinnati Boomers, $7.6 mil
20-years-old, Boca Chica, DO, High A
Already a pretty mature player for his age, the Boomers are hoping Arias will mimic fine wines and get better with age. Much like Gonzalez, he probably won't make any highlight reels in the field, but he is a very patient player at the plate who knows what to do with his pitch once he gets it. Though scouts wish he could handle right-handers a little better, his occasional flashes of power compensate for that deficiency. A more major knock on him, though, is his shoddy baserunning. Gifted with speed, his inability to make the most of it means he won't snag many extra bags.

It's worth nothing that each player listed here was born and bred in the Dominican Republic, and a majority of the other international free agents signed thus far played there as well.