The IFA period starting on January 15 has been a thing for a couple of years now but I'm still trying to process that. Anyways, this was already posted in the Minor League thread, but it's gonna get washed away pretty quickly in there. The first member of the 2023 Astros IFA class has been revealed.
Menes doesn’t have very much international experience and it may take him some time because he hasn’t pitched a lot. Considered a cusp top 20 guy in the international draft. Good arm, probably will end up as a reliever.
Latin Prospects are Astros Fans these days. It definitely shows Cubans watch Yuli Gurriel and Yordan Alvarez. 15 Teams and he chooses the Astros.
Well he isn’t stupid. He and his handlers can see that the Astros player development program is the best in baseball. The Dodgers and Rays and Cardinals are good but the Astros are a cut above.
The Astros Rotation Framber Valdez, Luis Garcia, Jose Urquidy, Christian Javier Prospect Alex Santos is on way Young Latin Pitchers look up them
So far it looks like Houston’s expected to sign at least 3 1st tier prospects and 1 2nd tier prospect: SS Camilo Diaz $2.5M OF Emil Valencia $1M SS German Ramirez $1.2M P Ruben Menes $700k Astros only have $5.28M to spend in their pool so those numbers don’t exactly add up but those 4 guys will represent the bulk of the class if they are all signed.
I absolutely want Gurriel in a Front Office role. And Maldy next year as well, but perhaps in a coaching role. I could easily see him as the next Manager who is a Former Astros Catcher.
Just based on the few videos and reports I have seen, I’m excited about Emil Valencia. He can hit. He will probably be limited defensively but if his power hits it’s ceiling he looks like he could be a star level hitter. Ramirez looks like a pretty typical MIF intl signee and Diaz looks like he will end up at 3B albeit a high ceiling player there.
The Astros really make Dreams come True, Bad Situation Money Wise for these Innocent Teen and Help Them Financially get a Job and Create a Long Career for them. Astros have everything ready in the Minor Leagues, Top Facilities, Gym, Nutritionist, Trainers, Coaches, Psychologist, etc. List goes on. Jim Crane and former George Postolos (now with the Utah Jazz, Surprise Team) hired Jeff Luhnow, now with New Analytics Group Created a Dynasty
I love seeing the international signings, but I've also learned to not get overly excited. The guys that have had success with Houston haven't received big bonuses. Hopefully we'll start seeing some of these guys pan out (Leon is the closest right now).
Yep, it's the guys that come out of nowhere from a prospect standpoint that we eat everyone's lunch on.
Very high upside for Valencia, fast bat and will end up hitting for power. Have to be patient with him though because his swing is a mess. I have never seen him play, but Goldstein said he is all bat but really can get around on balls.
He does look a little weird with kind of a hitch at his load and dropping down a bit at impact that would seem to cause some swing and miss against real pitching.