O's sign player from Guatemala
His name is Manuel Hernandez and the 17-year-old is the first player the Orioles have ever signed from the country of Guatemala.
He has played outfield and infield for his national team and was signed last Friday by the O's during a ceremony that made big news in his homeland.
No player from Guatemala has ever made the Major Leauges and Hernandez is just the seventh to ever sign with a big league club.
He is a 6'1", 170-pound right handed hitter and thrower.
"His tools are there," O's director of player development David Stockstill said. He signed Hernandez.
"He has some international experience, so he's probably ahead of some 17 year olds. He's an above average runner, timed at 4.25 to first and should develop some power."
The O's first saw him play in a tournament in Puerto Rico in July. Other Major League teams showed some interest.
Sources say he received a bonus probably among the 10 highest the O's have ever given an international player.
Hernandez, who turned 17 in August, speaks English well, which will help him a lot. He will likely play in the Dominican Summer League next year.
The O's feel his future position could turn out to be third base.
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Categories (click for archive)Orioles News | Steve Melewski |
How soon before they find out he's really 27 not 17?
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The age issues are primarily in the Dominican. Steve
3rd base? Out of curiosity, why not Shortstop? We all know that's something the Orioles have been needing since the Miguel Tejada trade.
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That's projecting years down the road. If he's not a SS they can't force him there.
Steve
Why not shortstop? Because that's not a position where you can just put anyone. If he doesn't have the skills to be a SS, you can't just make him one.
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What you said. - Steve
Danilo said: "We all know that's something the Orioles have been needing since the Miguel Tejada trade." What in the world are you talking about?? Besides Roberts and Markakis, Cesar was probably the 3rd most valuable O this year...outstanding D, and a bunch of clutch hits!! I hope he is our SS for a long time!
Whoever-
The Age problems usually stay in the Dominican and Cuba.
You just have to keep your fingers crossed that the reverse never happens, and you are with a girl who you thought was 27 and actually is 17.
Steve-
I have an idea. What do you think
Sign Manny for 1 year. It is a weak FA class. It would buy a year on that front.
PLug him into full-time DH. It brings the National spotlight back on Charm City, and might attract other FA in the future.
You can't argue that he can't carry a team for months at a time.
20 million, and there is your every day, super feared beast to protect the entire lineup.
Roberts
Jones
Markakis
Ramirez
Weiters
Reimold
Wigg/Bell
Aubrey
Izzy
Wow.
Just a thought. He definitely goes to the highest bidder.
Also, Harden is not going to be offered arbitration. So, there you have your Ace, 28 years old, and it won't cost you a draft pick.
Those 2 additions would be a huge turn around if they build the pen right.
Danilo said:
3rd base? Out of curiosity, why not Shortstop?
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And why not pitch in relief? Heck he can pitch right from his SS position. And maybe in the off season he can be long snapper for the Ravens. Why not?
Ryan - I agree with you that Manny is tantalizing, and that when he is motivated he can carry a team. But what is the likelihood of his being motivated in Baltimore? He quit on the Red Sox, why would we think he wouldn't do that in Baltimore also, particularly if the team is still only playing .500 ball with him in the lineup. I'm going to take Nancy Reagan's advice and Just Say No to Manny.