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Five to watch: Pirates' top five international prospects
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Starling Marte
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The Pirates' top five international prospects who have yet to play professionally in North America, according to Latin American scouting director Rene Gayo:
Position: Left field
Age: 20
Country: Dominican Republic
Size: 6-2, 180 pounds
Bats: Right-handed
Signed: 2006, $85,000
Career: Was Dominican Summer League MVP this year after batting .296 with nine home runs in 65 games. ... Played in Florida Instructional League afterward. ... Should play for Bradenton of Gulf Coast League next year.
Scouting: Has some of best power of any prospect in system. ... Strong arm. ... Weighed about 20 pounds less when signed, but has filled out into superb athlete.
Position: Center field
Age: 16
Country: Venezuela
Size: 6-0, 175 pounds
Bats: Left-handed
Signed: This year, $400,000
Career: Bonus was richest in franchise history for Latin American amateur. ... Probably will play in Venezuelan Summer League next year.
Scouting: Exceptional speed should allow him to stay in center. "Prototype for the position," Gayo says. ... Smooth line-drive stroke to all fields.
Position: Shortstop
Age: 16
Country: Dominican Republic
Size: 5-9, 165 pounds
Bats: Switch-hitter
Signed: This year, $350,000
Career: Bonus ranked second in franchise history. ... Probably will play in Dominican Summer League next year.
Scouting: Exemplary hands, strong arm and superb speed has some considering him Pirates' top defensive prospect. ... Has some room to grow but offense could be limited.
Position: Left field
Age: 19
Country: Mexico
Size: 6-2, 195 pounds
Bats: Right-handed
Signed: 2007, $110,000
Career: Hit total of 15 home runs past two years in Venezuelan Summer League, batting .284 and .272. ... Will be with Bradenton of Gulf Coast League next year.
Scouting: In addition to rare power, advanced approach has brought some of best on-base, RBI numbers at his level. ... Management might regret, in hindsight, that he was not advanced to Bradenton sooner.
Position: Shortstop
Age: 16
Country: Colombia
Size: 5-10, 180 pounds
Bats: Right-handed
Signed: This year, $250,000
Career: Starred at academy in homeland owned by Chicago White Sox shortstop Orlando Cabrera. ... Played in Florida Instructional League, a rarity for someone so young. ... Probably will play in Venezuelan Summer League next year.
Scouting: Good bat speed could bring power eventually. ... Future at shortstop is iffy, partly because of stocky build.
First Published December 2, 2008 12:00 am
