Michel Inoa

[Kyle]

BaseballAmerica.com: Prospects: International Affairs: Oakland Wins Inoa Sweepstakes

[Cleef]

I hope it works out for them, giving a 16 year old $4M seems like more of a burden of worry than a coup.

I'm glad he went to a smaller market team.

[Mr. Lu]

This is worrisome. The last time they gave out a contract like this it was Willy Mo Pena and we've seen what that turned out to be. The kid is good. But I wonder if the money just won't go to his head. Its US$4 million! Most adults would go crazy with US$4 million. Imagine a 16 year old in the DR.

True he is a small market player now, but that has nothing to do with it until he gets into the bigs, IF he gets to the bigs. Alot can happen in 2 years. And most worrisome is that he is a pitcher. The most fragile of all positions.

All in all, I hope he does well. The hype has him as a sure first ballot Hall of Famer!


Mr. Lu

[Chip]

Here we go again, the owner of the A's reportedly even went to the "Dominican".

It seems to be a real disease this, people are always asking me how I like the "Dominican" back home.

I went to a local game here in Charleston SC and was surprised to see even here in the sticks a number of Dominican players. Most of them appear to be around 18 or so and pitchers. Of the 18 players they had, 6 were Dominican including one of the coaches.

With all of the focus on scouting and camps in the DR, look for the Dominicans presence to continue to increase. At least with regard to beisbol, the phrase "E' pa'lante que vamos" seems applicable.

Also, for good measure I got a couple of signatures, one from a pitcher for Savannah and one for an outfielder of Charleston, hey who knows...

[Chip]

Originally Posted by Mr. Lu

This is worrisome. The last time they gave out a contract like this it was Willy Mo Pena and we've seen what that turned out to be. The kid is good. But I wonder if the money just won't go to his head. Its US$4 million! Most adults would go crazy with US$4 million. Imagine a 16 year old in the DR.

True he is a small market player now, but that has nothing to do with it until he gets into the bigs, IF he gets to the bigs. Alot can happen in 2 years. And most worrisome is that he is a pitcher. The most fragile of all positions.

All in all, I hope he does well. The hype has him as a sure first ballot Hall of Famer!


Mr. Lu

no comment, this says it all.

[Kyle]

hey, with 4 million US he's made more than he ever will living in the DR. let's hope....

[Cleef]

Originally Posted by Kyle

hey, with 4 million US he's made more than he ever will living in the DR. let's hope....

He made more in one signature than his entire community will in it's lifetime.

[toneloc24]

Originally Posted by Cleef

I hope it works out for them, giving a 16 year old $4M seems like more of a burden of worry than a coup.

I'm glad he went to a smaller market team.

Here's the problem. Aren't they always crying broke??? Complete hypocrisy.

Do the A's have many MLBers on their current roster even making that kind of $$$?

[jruane44]

Originally Posted by toneloc24

Here's the problem. Aren't they always crying broke??? Complete hypocrisy.

Do the A's have many MLBers on their current roster even making that kind of $$$?

A very good point. And if this kid gets to the big leagues and plays well, do you think he'll be loyal to them around contract time? Hell no. He'll play for the big money teams.

[toneloc24]

Originally Posted by jruane44

A very good point. And if this kid gets to the big leagues and plays well, do you think he'll be loyal to them around contract time? Hell no. He'll play for the big money teams.

The key word is......IF. How many actually do?

I'm happy for the kid and his family. Juice the system for all that it's worth, while you can.

But this just shows that small market teams are full of caca about not having the financial resources to compete.