The Minnesota Twins have signed Miguel Angel Sano, a 16-year old Dominican shortstop who is rumored to be one of the best (if not, the best) teenage prospects in Latin America. According to Sano’s agent Rob Plummer, the Twins have signed him for a $3.15 million bonus; however, this is based upon Sano acquiring a visa from the U.S. Consulate in the DR.
Sano is second on the list of the highest paid players from Latin America — first is Michel Ynoa who was signed by the Oakland Athletics last year for $4.25 million.
So, with this signing, a big question arises: Will teams be investing more time and effort into scouting foreign players than domestic? What does this mean for the American sport of baseball?
10 replies on “Twins Add To The List of Foreigners”
Ok, I apologize for what what I am about to say, but your question of whether or not “teams will begin investing more time and effort in scouting foreign players” is neither “BIG” and has been asked by people in baseball for a good 15-20 years. 29 out of 30 MLB teams operate baseball facilities (otherwise known as academies) in the DR (only the Brewers do not) and even the Hioshima Karp of Japan run a facilty there where they round up players, try them out and throw away those that are of no use to them. Similar facilities are also operated in Venezuela and Panama (to a lesser degree). The Yankees, Mets, Pirates and Padres have recently unveiled multi-million dollar, state-of-the-art facilities there that allow teams to house, feed and train players. MLB already pumps in over $100 million a year in baseball related scouting efforts in the DR! Honestly, I think your question was answered years ago!
As for what it may mean for the “AMERICAN” game of baseball, well, I think it is clear that the game belongs to the WORLD!
Help you fix a little mistake. It’s HIROSHIMA CARP.
BTW, I think China will become the next talents harvest land within 15 yrs. Although it’s never been close to Americanization. MLB had had its first exhibition game in Beijing last yr and gained some applause. Maybe not long after we will see big league teams setting facilities and academies in China.
That may be true and I appreciate your insight but what you have failed to notice is that I asked if MORE money is being invested in foreign players than domestic.
Shawn – that would be very wise for MLB teams seeing as there seems to be a lot of talent coming from China and Japan.
Nope Dominic your point “Will teams be investing more time and effort into scouting foreign players than domestic? What does this mean for the American sport of baseball?,” was not missed. What I am saying is that it has been heading in that direction for many many years now so it is not such a monumental question, but a chain of events that began well before you ever saw Jerry MaGuire and decided you wanted to get into the field.
Shawn, thanks for the correction on my typo. It was my fat thumb causing the usual problems on this small QWERTY. HAHAHAH
Dominic, in essence, what I am trying to point out is that if you really want to make a name for yourself in this business, especially as it relates to Latin America, you should definitely come up with some intriguing articles. As an example, MLB has found themselves in on hell of a mess in DR as buscones run wild helping little grade school kids pump up and not with iron, but with horse and cow steroids. Then you have th FBI looking into some serious issues of bonus skimming by MLB reps. and the fact that almost 50% of minor leaguers suspended by MLB for positive drug tests are from the DR. Just trying to help guide you so that the articles on this site can be helpful and useful! Thanks
Clause1 — I realize you are trying to “help” but in the bigger picture, you are trying to call me out using a public medium with ammunition such as my age and lack of maturity. If you would like to discuss things further about how I can improve my articles, please e-mail me at [email protected] and I’d be happy to speak with you.
Otherwise, do not throw out the old “you watched Jerry MaGuire and now you want to be an agent” line. To be completely honest with you, I have yet to see the movie.
And also, one more thing: the “business” that you are referring to in your last comment appears to be journalism. I do not want to be a journalist and I know damn well what I am doing to break into the sports representation business and that is all that matters.
So please, keep your sarcastic comments to yourself as they only make you look like a school yard punk.
Thanks
Hey Guys – I know Rob Plummer ver y well..
If you want to talk to him let me know.
Sudzo
That would be great. Feel free to pass on this website to Mr. Plummer.
In defense of Dominic, I think this article is fine. It seems to fit in with this blog by offering commentary on a news event that impacts agents and prospective agents. I don’t think Dominic (or Darren) ever pretended that this blog was a stir-up-the-pot investigative news site.
Moreover, this signing really and truly is big news. Each time there is a record-breaking signing of one of these youngsters, the player development game is being changed. Whether the end result is a true global draft, or a “cap” on signing bonuses, and how it impacts American prospects is an interesting discussion.