July 9, 2009

Report: Sox Sign Cuban SS Jose Iglesias

El Nuevo Herald reports that the Red Sox have signed 19-year-old Cuban shortstop Jose Iglesias to a $8.2 million contract for four seasons.

Iglesias defected last July in Canada during the World Junior Championships.

Last Friday, SI reported:
Scouts who have seen Iglesias liken him to Ozzie Smith defensively.

"His hands and arm are deluxe," one American League executive said. "The question is how much he'll hit."
Baseball Prospectus, June 4, 2009:
Iglesias has [drawn] attention for his flashy glovework at shortstop, with one scout grading his fielding as an 80 on the 20-80 scouting scale. His arm is enough to stick at shortstop, but his range is somewhat limited by his fringe-average speed. Iglesias makes the most of his ability, with instincts that enhance his tools and excellent makeup. He bats from the right side and while his overall offensive package leaves a bit to be desired, most scouts agree Iglesias will hit enough to allow him to profile as a big league regular. He has decent pop in his 5'10 frame, at a maxed-out 180 lbs., though he can get pull-happy at times. An international scouting director called Iglesias' total package, "Ryan Theriot with better hands." Iglesias is a defensive-oriented overachiever and executives say he would be more of a 2nd-3rd rounder if eligible for the recent draft.

8 comments:

Gambrinus said...

Is that a minor league contract? It seems like a lot of money for Pawtucket.

allan said...

Not a lot of info.

I hope it's a minor league contract. If it's a major league deal, he has to be added to the 40-man roster.

I think $6 million of that is a signing bonus. The other 2.2 is for the four years. He may be assigned to Advanced A ball to start.

From the SoSH thread, it sounds like Theo offered $6.5 but had to increase it to outbid the Cubs.

Rob said...

You's beard speaks!

Rob said...

From the scouting reports it sounds like a Tazawa-like signing.

Patrick said...

George Costanza had nice hands.

andy said...

Can he sing too?

Unknown said...

Good, good signing. If all he ends up being is a backup MI, that's fine, I don't mind. But if we can lock down a number 8-9 hitter who plays excellent defense at SS, that's exciting to me. I'd love to have a Vizquel-type guy.

allan said...

O-Cab's name is also being tossed around as a comp.