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Saturday, July 05, 2008

Pirates Sign Colombian prospect Barrios

The Pirates yesterday signed Colombian shortstop Jonathan Barrios, one of the top 25 prospects in Latin America according to two publications.

No financial terms were available for the bonus, but it might rank as the highest in franchise history for an international amateur. That would not take much: In an era where seven-figure bonuses for prospects in this category are becoming common in Major League Baseball, the Pirates are known to have signed only one player—possibly two—to six figures.

Management this year installed a sizable increase in the international budget after years of culling next to nothing from the fertile talent pool in Latin America. It also is building a $5 million academy in the Dominican Republic, set to open next summer.

Joining this century in Latin American scouting? Drafting Pedro Alvarez and subsequently dealing with Scott Boras? Be still, my beating heart! I’m opening accounts in both PNC and Huntington Bank on Monday.

Tim Lincecum-stain (SuperBaes) Posted: July 05, 2008 at 01:45 PM | 11 comment(s)
Related News: General, Pittsburgh

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1. BaseballDIY Posted: July 05, 2008 at 02:06 PM (#2844238)

This is pretty clearly a result of John McCain's recent visit to Colombia.

2. ian Posted: July 05, 2008 at 02:20 PM (#2844239)

Any truth to the rumor that they're converting him immediately to pitching?

3. TerpNats Posted: July 05, 2008 at 02:55 PM (#2844259)

Given that the Pirates had a great reputation in Latin America for decades, thanks to Clemente, Sanguillen and so many other players, their withdrawal from aggressive scouting there was inexcusable, one of many bonehead moves by that franchise. Good for them they are making a concerted effort in that region again.

4. The Tailor of the Garden of Tea (Crispix Attacks) Posted: July 05, 2008 at 03:00 PM (#2844265)

after years of culling next to nothing from the fertile talent pool in Latin America.

This is a grave insult to Ronny Paulino and Jose Castillo.

5. Tim Lincecum-stain (SuperBaes) Posted: July 05, 2008 at 04:01 PM (#2844303)

This is a grave insult to Ronny Paulino and Jose Castillo.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Nicely done.

I still believe Jose Bautista should be shot.

6. jwb Posted: July 05, 2008 at 05:21 PM (#2844446)

Nonsense. They signed Tony Pena in 1975. There are several current Pirates who were alive then and Matt Morris would be one, too, if he didn't have an ERA that sounded like the start of a Hawaiian ZIP code.

7. Brandon in MO (for America!) Posted: July 05, 2008 at 06:26 PM (#2844611)

I wonder if Barrios is going to be shocked to find that the Pirates aren't the Yankees of the NL Central

8. The Tailor of the Garden of Tea (Crispix Attacks) Posted: July 05, 2008 at 06:41 PM (#2844649)

What?!? The Pirates and the Yankees are both in fourth place.

9. Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Griffin (Vlad) Posted: July 05, 2008 at 06:51 PM (#2844719)

Jose Bautista doesn't count; he was a draft pick, not an international signing.

10. Tim Lincecum-stain (SuperBaes) Posted: July 05, 2008 at 07:29 PM (#2844797)

Jose Bautista doesn't count; he was a draft pick, not an international signing.

Drafted, signed internationally, discovered at an open tryout; doesn't matter, I believe he should be shot.

Thanks, though; took a good look at his BBref page for the first time. I had no idea that he played for 4 MLB teams in 2004, including being "purchased" by K.C. from Tampa. I didn't think that was legal. Curt Flood is rolling over in his grave.

11. Brandon in MO (for America!) Posted: July 05, 2008 at 07:51 PM (#2844833)

Bautista for Huber, what a deal for KC

(oh ####, whoops)

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Saturday, July 05, 2008

Pirates Sign Colombian prospect Barrios

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