Jorge Soler

[tellitlikeitis]

The Astros are closely monitoring the Cuban, according to Zachary Levine... This would be a big coup if the Astros were to land him, although it seems like wishful thinking at this point. I'd think that he could instantly become a top-5 prospect in the system.

Zachary Levine (@zacharylevine)
Astros eyeing elite Cuban OF Jorge Soler, and GM Luhnow gives thoughts on trip to Dominican.

Link leads to this story: http://blog.chron.com/ultimateastros/2012/02/21/astros-eyeing-top-cuban-of-as-luhnow-looks-to-grow-latin-american-profile/

Astros eyeing top Cuban OF as Luhnow looks to grow Latin American profile
Posted on February 21, 2012 at 1:06 pm by Zachary Levine in General

http://blog.chron.com/ultimateastros/files/2012/02/astrosGM0221-306x209.jpg
Astros GM Jeff Luhnow is looking to step up the team's Latin American presence, which has lagged behind most other clubs in recent years. (Karen Warren/Chronicle)


KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The Astros are keeping an eye on elite Cuban outfield prospect Jorge Soler, who is in the Dominican Republic and could soon be a free agent, general manager Jeff Luhnow said.

“I have seen him before,” Luhnow said, adding that he’s been in contact with Soler’s camp. “He’s still not at the point where he’s a free agent yet, but we’re keeping tabs on him.”

The Philadelphia Phillies are another team whose general manager has confirmed interest (via the Philadelphia Inquirer) and many other teams are reported to be in according to stories with anonymous or no given sources (MLB Trade Rumors link).

With a lot of competition, the price is likely to be high for the 19-year-old. Exacerbating that, it’s the last hurrah for anyone wanting to be a free spender in Latin America before an international spending cap kicks in with the next class of 16-year-old free agents on July 2.

Soler must first establish residency in the Dominican Republic and then be declared a free agent by Major League Baseball.

The Astros are looking to step up their Latin American presence under new ownership and baseball operations management. Luhnow took a trip to the Dominican Republic before coming to Florida for spring training. He was able to scout several prospects from this year’s July 2 class and check out those already in the Astros’ system including some who would be Florida-bound for major league camp.

“I’d say there are a lot of quality players that I wasn’t necessarily aware of that I found out more about once I got there,” Luhnow said. “We got a couple young arms that are throwing in the mid-high 90s that I hadn’t really heard of before. If these guys can harness their control a little bit, we’re talking about some definite prospects.”

The Astros, after losing their competitive advantage in Venezuela, were not considered major players in Latin America, where talent is mostly concentrated in the Dominican. They increased their profile in 2010 with the signing of outfielder Ariel Ovando for a club-record $2.6 million bonus.

[MadMax]

Estimated $80 million increase in revenues coming from the Comcast deal.

[CJLarson]

Very interesting. We have quite a few young OF prospects though. Martinez, Springer, Ovando, Santana. I guess you can never have enough though.

[No Worries]

I read somewhere that Soler will likely sign a five year deal for 15 to 20 large.

That type of deal would make a pretty big bet on a 19 year old that may need 5 years of minor league development.

[juicystream]

I read somewhere that Soler will likely sign a five year deal for 15 to 20 large.

That type of deal would make a pretty big bet on a 19 year old that may need 5 years of minor league development.

Chapman signed for $30+ million for 6 years by the Reds a couple of years ago. If the money approaches that, I would pass because of the risk. Give me 10 Ariel Ovandos for that price.

[juicystream]

Very interesting. We have quite a few young OF prospects though. Martinez, Springer, Ovando, Santana. I guess you can never have enough though.

Especially since none of them are guaranteed stars. Santana/Ovando/Springer are all very high upside players, but are all guys considered to have big holes in their swings.

[moonsh0t]

It's not my money so I hope they sign him. The more talent with star potential in the system the better.

[Aceshigh7]

I really like the way Luhnow is running things.

[sealclubber1016]

I'm lovin things in the early going with this regime. Don't spend of garbage and build within.

I just hope in 3 or 4 years when we hopefully need to spend money on free agents or out own guys, we spend it. Money is available here, were not the Yankees, but we aren't the pirates either.

[OremLK]

Very interesting. We have quite a few young OF prospects though. Martinez, Springer, Ovando, Santana. I guess you can never have enough though.

I think Soler profiles pretty similar to Domingo Santana, but probably with more raw power. Instead of "plus", or 20-30 HR potential, Soler may have as high as 35 HR potential. He has questions about his hit tool, like Santana; scouts don't know whether he'll be able to hit MLB breaking balls.

His plus-plus power, plus arm, solid-average speed combination probably put him in the top 100 of prospects. There is still a big risk factor with him.

[leroy]

You have to take risks to be successful. I'm ok with them doing this with youth because the potential long term reward could be huge.

I say go for it. If he signs elsewhere, don't let it be because the Astros weren't aggressive enough.

[Rocketman95]

It's just nice to be in the discussion.

[tellitlikeitis]

LET'S DO THIS!!!

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Jorge Soler is now a free agent! Time to start the bidding <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%2523Astros">#Astros</a>! It's time to be aggressive!</p>&mdash; Sean (@native_astro) <a href="https://twitter.com/native_astro/status/208947828595245056" data-datetime="2012-06-02T15:46:59+00:00">June 2, 2012</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Let the bidding on Soler begin. He had been waiting to be cleared by the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control.</p>&mdash; Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/208946305463091202" data-datetime="2012-06-02T15:40:55+00:00">June 2, 2012</a></blockquote>
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[Air Langhi]

20 mil for a 19 year old. Unless its Bryce harper I got to pass. I would rather they signed 40 guys at 500k.

[Nook]

20 mil for a 19 year old. Unless its Bryce harper I got to pass. I would rather they signed 40 guys at 500k.

For Bryce Harper you would easily pass $100,000,000.

[tellitlikeitis]

20 mil for a 19 year old. Unless its Bryce harper I got to pass. I would rather they signed 40 guys at 500k.

Understandable. But like leroy said, you have to be willing to take these risks. If the Astros get him, great. That's a top-10, maybe top-5 guy that's been added to the system. If not, then life goes on. I'd much rather take a shot at him and fail than stand pat.

[No Worries]

Give me 10 Ariel Ovandos for that price.
This.

3 of the 10 Ovandos will become everyday players, while Soler will be hit or miss.

[leroy]

My stance hasn't changed. I'd be more pissed to know that they never even considered it rather than making a real effort and losing out.

You can't hit if you don't swing.

Signed,

Bizzaro Morgan Ensberg

[tellitlikeitis]

Open to interpretation.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>From a team reported to be in on Soler: "A lot of raw power…runs from breaking balls…flinches…runs around the OF like an 80-year-old man."</p>&mdash; Ben Badler (@BenBadler) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenBadler/status/209696066692579330" data-datetime="2012-06-04T17:20:12+00:00">June 4, 2012</a></blockquote>
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[wallyj12]

Open to interpretation.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>From a team reported to be in on Soler: "A lot of raw power…runs from breaking balls…flinches…runs around the OF like an 80-year-old man."</p>&mdash; Ben Badler (@BenBadler) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenBadler/status/209696066692579330" data-datetime="2012-06-04T17:20:12+00:00">June 4, 2012</a></blockquote>
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Lol. Well, we still need a DH.

[snowconeman22]

Open to interpretation.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>From a team reported to be in on Soler: "A lot of raw power…runs from breaking balls…flinches…runs around the OF like an 80-year-old man."</p>&mdash; Ben Badler (@BenBadler) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenBadler/status/209696066692579330" data-datetime="2012-06-04T17:20:12+00:00">June 4, 2012</a></blockquote>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Probably just trying to drive down the price... that being said i havent seen any video or really read too much about Soler so i wont be angry at all if the astros dont want to pony up the cash thats needed to sign him

[juicystream]

Open to interpretation.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>From a team reported to be in on Soler: "A lot of raw power…runs from breaking balls…flinches…runs around the OF like an 80-year-old man."</p>&mdash; Ben Badler (@BenBadler) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenBadler/status/209696066692579330" data-datetime="2012-06-04T17:20:12+00:00">June 4, 2012</a></blockquote>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

http://www.mostlymuppet.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/cerrano.jpg

[shutkip]

If he has half the power of Pedro, I'm game :grin:.

[josephnicks]

If he has half the power of Pedro, I'm game :grin:.

but does he have the.....

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QTA4z9i9CAQ/S7qGw0bxytI/AAAAAAAABiI/Yc8CEP40vuU/s320/major_league_2+Marbles.jpg

[kaleidosky]

ESPN Rumor Mill has nothing on us being in the discussion...even the Pirates are mentioned. Not that they're never wrong, and maybe we're being subversive about it. But seems doubtful after likely spending the full draft budget?

Latest on Soler

Think back to the winter, when we'd first heard that two potential future outfield stars from Cuba were about to hit the open market. One, Yoenis Cespedes landed a nice four-year contract with the Oakland Athletics; the other, Jorge Soler, was never granted free agency, and thus, never signed.

While there had been precious little news on Soler -- who was linked primarily to the Chicago Cubs months ago -- over the past several weeks, word broke Saturday that Major League Baseball finally declared the 20-year-old a free agent.

The key here is that the new $2.9 million international bonus pools kick in on July 2 -- the date on which this year's class of international signees become eligible to ink contracts with MLB teams -- so Soler should have plenty of time to agree to a deal before those financial restrictions come into effect. As such, it's likely that Soler will net perhaps the last big-money deal handed out to a Cuban player, at least until any changes are made to the current CBA.

The Chicago Cubs have been mentioned as a heavy favorite for Soler's services. A report in Thursday's New York Post says the Cubs will land Soler.

The Red Sox, Orioles, Phillies and White Sox have also been linked to the outfielder. Rob Biertempfel reports Monday that the Pittsburgh Pirates have some interest, but it doesn't sound like they'll last long in a bidding war.

MLB.com's Anthony DiComo tweeted Wednesday night that the Mets position hasn?t changed and they have no plans to pursue Soler.
- Doug Mittler and Jason Catania

http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/features/rumors/_/date/20120607#13210

[tellitlikeitis]

It was way back in February when the Astros had apparent interest. Maybe they still are. Maybe their priorities have changed, considering the draft.

[DoitDickau]

It was way back in February when the Astros had apparent interest. Maybe they still are. Maybe their priorities have changed, considering the draft.

Just a couple days ago luhnow said they were interested and would be involved. Sounds like the cubs have a leg up though

[RocketsFan11]

Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said Thursday that the club has interest in signing Cuban outfielder Jorge Soler.
Thursday was the deadline for teams to submit offers to Soler's agents, but Luhnow declined to say whether the Astros made a bid. "We continue to have interest in Soler and that's the most I can say right now," said Luhnow. "We're aware of the process and if there's anything report, we will let you all know." The Cubs are considered the heavy favorite to sign the 20-year-old outfielder, but the Red Sox, Pirates, Orioles, Phillies, and White Sox have also been mentioned as possible landing spots. Juan C. Rodriguez of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported Thursday that the Marlins are not in the mix.

[meh]

Chapman signed for $30+ million for 6 years by the Reds a couple of years ago. If the money approaches that, I would pass because of the risk. Give me 10 Ariel Ovandos for that price.

I remember on baseballamerica they talked about how the very top international prospects actually had a pretty high bust ratio. And that a lot of the impact guys signed for less than a mil. International market is indeed huge crapshoot and you better be damn certain to put your eggs in one basket.

[OremLK]

It's a real, legitimate question whether Soler is worth the money. Considering the price tag, he may not be. Keep in mind he's the equivalent a #5-10 pick in this year's draft, but instead of paying him $3M it's going to cost $20M to sign him.

That said, he's the kind of player the Astros should be spending more money on right now--a guy who looks like he'll help in 2-4 years as opposed to right away.

[No Worries]

That said, he's the kind of player the Astros should be spending more money on right now--a guy who looks like he'll help in 2-4 years as opposed to right away.
Let me guess. You are not a lot of fun at parties ;)

[tellitlikeitis]

The Saga Continues (http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/international-affairs/2012/2613543.html)

Not only is Jorge Soler a resident of the Dominican Republic, he's apparently a resident of Haiti, too.

Jorge Soler May Be Using Haitian Papers

By Ben Badler
June 8, 2012


E-mail Print

Jorge Soler may be a free agent, but the way in which he became one has raised eyebrows around the industry.

Soler, a 20-year-old outfielder, left Cuba last year and arrived in the Dominican Republic, where he has been living and working out for teams. However, according to a memo that Major League Baseball sent to teams, Soler is residing in Haiti.

Due to federal regulations governing American companies and Cuban citizens, Soler's agents must present either an unblocking license from the U.S. Office Of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) or two permanent residency documents from a new country before Soler can enter into agreement with a team. Soler's agency, Praver Shapiro Sports Management, has told teams that Soler has the two permanent residency documents. Soler's agency has not responded to requests for comment.

While age and document fraud are rampant among players in the Dominican Republic, several sources in the international market have said that Haiti is a place perhaps even more notorious for shoddy paperwork and record keeping. As a result, some agents who have worked with Cuban players have said they would never consider trying to have one of their clients gain residency through Haiti. Multiple international sources have indicated that some Cubans may be having a more difficult time gaining residency in the Dominican Republic in recent months.

Since MLB has already declared Soler a free agent, it may not matter, though an MLB official contacted would not say whether MLB has already investigated and approved Soler's residency documents.

There is a rush for the 20-year-old Soler to sign before July 2, after which he would be subjected to new rules that limit teams to spending $2.9 million on international free agents, with a few exemptions that allow teams to go up to $3.2 million without penalties. However, before July 2, teams can sign Soler or any other international free agent for any amount without it counting against their international signing bonus pools. Soler's agents told teams they must submit their bids for Soler by yesterday.

Expectations are that Soler's deal could surpass the $15.6 million package the Rangers gave Cuban center fielder Leonys Martin last year. Soler is not as advanced as Martin, who was a standout in Cuba's top league, Serie Nacional, and had played on the Cuban national team in the 2009 World Baseball Classic when he was 21. While Soler has almost no experience in Serie Nacional, he was one of Cuba's up-and-coming young power hitters as a star on Cuba's national junior circuit and on the junior national team.

Haitian papers would be another red flag in the Soler saga. On Feb. 13, the Chicago Tribune reported that the Cubs had an illegal deal in place with Soler prior to him being declared a free agent or receiving an OFAC unblocking license. The Cubs privately denied the report but declined Baseball America's request to go on the record at the time. Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer emphatically disputed the report six weeks later.

The Praver Shapiro group is also involved in representing Dominican outfielder Jairo Beras, another player with paperwork questions. Beras had presented himself to MLB and teams as a 16-year-old, then signed with the Rangers for $4.5 million in February as a 17-year-old with a new birth certificate. The deal is currently pending MLB's investigation.

[Ricksmith]

Wow. So does that mean he is more than likely older than 20? Why else would he have residency from Haiti?

[cdain3]

Astros, Cubs, Yankees, Braves, Dodgers, Pirates, Indians, Red Sox, Phillies and Blue Jays are all in on Soler.

Jerry Crasnick is reporting that MLB verified Soler's residency (note that that was all that was in question; questions about a true identity or age or anything like that have not been raised) itself before granting him free agency, so it's apparently a non-issue at this point.

Also, the Angels' GM came out and flatly said that they are NOT going to be in on Soler. Marlins and Mets are reportedly also NOT in on him (Miami being out is huge IMO, obvious reasons).

Also, Buster Olney is reporting that the Cubs, Yankees, Braves and Dodgers have been the most aggressive teams in on him so far.

www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/06/jorge-soler-rumors-friday.html

[DoitDickau]

nypost.com/p/sports/yankees/gardner_setback_z6cN8rr1OGbeDEJ6kEBy3I/1

The nypost is reporting that soler is expected to agree to sign with someone by tomorrow.

[shutkip]

Looks like Cubs got him

Link (http://espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/story/_/id/8038299/source-chicago-cubs-win-jorge-soler-bidding)

The contract looks ridiculous - 9 years 30 mil, and the choice to opt out after arbitrations?!

[ChievousFTFace]

Looks like Cubs got him

Link (http://espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/story/_/id/8038299/source-chicago-cubs-win-jorge-soler-bidding)

The contract looks ridiculous - 9 years 30 mil, and the choice to opt out after arbitrations?!

That can buy a whole lot of marbles...

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gwMIot_hbZ8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[juicystream]

What an odd deal. That is a lot of guaranteed cash for a very unproven player.