Sox Sign Cuban SS Jose Iglesias
Posted on July 10, 2009
Filed Under Prospects | Leave a Comment
The Miami Herald’s Spanish newspaper, El Nuevo Herald, is reporting that the Red Sox have signed Cuban defector Jose Iglesias. Iglesias ran away last July while in Canada for the Junior World Championships. He’s only 19 years old and the contract is for 4 years and 8.2 million dollars.
Baseball Prospectus had this to say about him last month:
Iglesias has a similarly strong tournament record, drawing attention for his flashy glovework at shortstop, with one scout grading his fielding as an 80 on the 20-80 scouting scale. His arm is enough to stick at shortstop, but his range is somewhat limited by his fringe-average speed. Iglesias makes the most of his ability, with instincts that enhance his tools and excellent makeup. He bats from the right side and while his overall offensive package leaves a bit to be desired, most scouts agree Iglesias will hit enough to allow him to profile as a big league regular. He has decent pop in his 5’10 frame, at a maxed-out 180 lbs., though he can get pull-happy at times. An international scouting director called Iglesias’ total package, “Ryan Theriot with better hands.” Iglesias is a defensive-oriented overachiever and executives say he would be more of a 2nd-3rd rounder if eligible for the recent draft.
Last week Sports Illustrated likened Iglesias’ defensive skills to Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith. The praise can’t get any higher for his glove but the real question is about his offensive prowess. For $8.2m.. let’s hope he can learn to swing a bat!
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