Season 5 IFA roundup

Assuming any IFA worth signing has already been signed, here's a quick run down of the top kids coming into the states to play ball.

The top 2 IFAs this season, were also the top 2 highest paid kids on the market. With pitching at such a premium, these 2 kids are pushed to the top of the list, and while neither is the next Oscar Baumann in waiting, they should both end up the top 1 or 2 starters for their respective organizations in the next several seasons:

Vasco_Lopez was brought into the Fresno organization for a nice crisp 20.8 millon. Projecting out to an 81 overall pitcher w/ a heavy fastball and 12-6 curve that will eventually make knees buckle. Lopez also sports and above average slider, average palm ball, and a below average changeup w/ pinpoint control and solid stamina. While he'll require a full 5 days of rest most times thru the rotation, and lacks top end velocity, at 22 he sports enough moxy to lead fresno into the playoffs after a quick trip thru the minors.

Julio_Beltran was signed for an even 20.0 million by Colorado. It would be easy to debate over which of these 2 pitchers is the better prospect, but certainly any organization would be happy to have either. At 21, Beltran is also on the fasttrack, throwing a ++ fastball topping out in the upper 90s, fantastic control and splits and enough stamina to expect multiple complete games each season. Julio also throws 3 more average to above average pitches, but tends to get his ball up in the zone. W/ Colorado's parent club planning to move to a new location, Beltran would be best served in a park that limits home runs a bit.

Benito_Padilla checks in as our 3rd ranked IFA. A slick fielding 3B with the arm strenght of a bull, Padilla is as well polished as any 18 year old you're going to find w/ his exceptional makeup. Padilla sports 40+ home run potential in his huge frame, but last year's knee injury has zapped him of much of his previous speed. If Benito can stay healthy as he makes his way up to the majors, he should land in the middle of Pittsburgh's offense and will make his $15.6 millon price tag look like a huge bargin.

Our 4th ranked IFA prospect came to Florida for $15.7 millon. Emillo_Martin projects as a solid, if not spectacular bat. Just enough Defense to stick in RF, but perhaps not a big enough bat for many people's taste in LF. As an 18 year old, Emillo is going to need a full 5 season's of minor league development to improve his durability and full tap into this projections. However, once he maxes out in his mid-20's he appears capable of provided a solid #3 hole bat with his superior eye and +power/contact skills.

Gorkys_Gonzalez checks in as our 5th rated IFA. An emphasis on pitching pushed him up a couple of rungs, but this kid certainly looks like a keeper. Given enough development time, Gonzalez appears as a perfect #2 or #3 pitcher for a top rotation, perhaps even a #1 for a middling rotation. Great control and splits, as well as great velocity and sink complement 4 slightly below average to above average pitches. Repeated arm injuries have several scouts shaking their head at his $8.9 millon price tag, but Iowa City is banking on him reaching the majors in due time and proving the critics wrong.

Esmaylin_Nunez comes in as the 6th rated prospect. While he projects a slightly below average SS, he's got enough defensive capability to be a gold glove 2b or 3b with enough contact, batting eye, splits, speed and baserunning to make him an ideal #2 hole hitter. Salem's intern manager brought him in for $9.2 millon; we should expect to see this 18 year old hit the majors in 5-6 more seasons as Salem's current major leaguers begin to price themselves out of the market.

Our #7 prospect is Odalis_Cruz contains a very solid bat. Odalis would have moved up a bit higher in the rankings if not for his questionable defense. Odalis doesn't quite have the ideal bat for 1b/lf, but then again many teams would gladly take his projections right now in either spot for their major league club. A lower stamina should limit him to about 130-140 games a season in the majors, but proper rest will ensure he's full rested for the stretch run. Signed w/ Portland for $14.8 millon

RJ_Vargas is our first catcher to hit the rankings at #8. RJ has abover average arm strength, accuracy and average pitch calling w/ an exceptional batting eye and contact. RJ will need 1 or 2 games off a week to maintain rested, but he will certainly make San Diego look smart for spending $8.3 millon on this 18 year old.

Benitto_Guilen is the 2nd catcher to make this list and checks in at #9. Benito has been so well trained at the Molino schools for catcher that even Geoge Grande is blushing. Benito has just enough contact skills, batting eye and vsL projections to find himself in a future platoon on the majore league level. However, his very low health ratings may keep him from ever reaching the majors. Having already found his way to the 60 day DL, several GM's are quitely smiling at the $8 millon Trenton dropped on this future catcher.

Alberto_Picaso is one IFA scouts will say paints a pretty picture. Our #10 IFA is an 18 year old 2b signed by Minnesota for just over 7 millon. Picasso projects to be a about average in every 2b skill on the major league level, combining to make him an occasional all-star. With great durability and health, he may just challenge Ripken for the consecutive games played streak, which would be awfully fitting in the world named after him.

Best tools:
Power: Benito Padilla - Pittsburgh
Batting eye: Emillo Martin - Florida
Speeed: Louis Hernadez - Louisville
Fielding Tools: Louis Hernandez - Louisville

Fastball: Julio Beltran - Colorado
Breaking Ball: Vasco Lopez - Fresno