Tip of the cap to reader SQUIRE for pointing out that the Phillies inked Dominican shortstop Carlos Valenzuela, paying him a reported bonus of $200,000. I’ve got a few e-mails out, I’ll see what kind of info I can find on him.
I’ve got that he’s a plus fielder, plus arm strength and accuracy, plus range and some projection in his bat that could see him develop average power. His bat is also more advanced than Galvis, for what that’s worth.
Phuture Phillies 
I’m glad that they signed what seems to be a top dominican prospect but why so many shortstops? They just signed Freddy Galvis and Jason Donald is doing good this year why can’t they sign a top dominican 3rd baseman? or another pitcher, we can never have to many good pitchers. Also, if they’re givin 200,000 to this kid they better sign at least one of the 2 pitchers we drafted sampson or workman.
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A shortstop at such a low level could end up being anything from a 3b to RF to C…it’s too hard to project. If they guy hits, sign him, he’ll find a spot on the field.
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Talent is talent no matter where he plays. Even with Donald and Galvis you can never have enough talented SSs. He could switch positions, so that fact isn’t a big problem. Spending 200k on him though leaves to think where do they stand with Workman and Sampson.
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I wouldn’t worry about Workman and Sampson just yet. Half the first round is still unsigned, and if you’re going to bust slot, generally you wait till closer to the deadline, so you don’t piss off the Commish too much
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Damnit, can they just do the right f-ing thing for a change, spend the money and sign BOTH Workman and Sampson? Wow, wouldn’t that be a novel concept. As evidenced by last night’s game in San Diego, good pitching almost always beats good hitting and it we all know we don’t even close to enough.
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We have signed 26 of our top 33 2007 Draft Picks, Boston at the moment have signed 16 of 33. I think you are right, over slot signings will tend to be hidden at the end.
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