Colmenarez shows solid mechanics at the plate with a slight upcut stroke that allows him to generate some loft and hit the ball out of the ballpark. He shows good bat speed and the ability to drive the ball to all fields in games. He¡¯ll add more power as his body matures. On defense, he shows soft hands, good body control and projects to have an above-average arm. Colmenarez has the potential to be an above-average defender.
As for Piron, he shows solid swing mechanics and the ability to hit for extra bases by spraying line drives across the outfield. He shows average power to all fields and is on track for plus power in the future. On defense, Piron has the tools to keep him in center field and moves well in all directions. He has a chance to have an above-average arm.
According to the rules established by the Collective Bargaining Agreement, clubs that receive a Competitive Balance Pick in Round B of the Rule 4 Draft -- like the Rays -- have the most money to spend on international prospects, with a pool of $6,431,000. Clubs that receive a Competitive Balance Pick in Round A of the Rule 4 Draft receive the second most at $5,889,600.
Unlike in previous years, teams are not allowed to trade any of their international pool money. Signing bonuses of $10,000 or less do not count toward a club's bonus pool, and foreign professional players who are at least 25 years of age and have played in a foreign league for at least six seasons are also exempt.
Here¡¯s the complete list of the signees:
Gabriel Arias, SS, Dominican Republic
Luis Ariza, SS, Venezuela
Carlos Colmenarez, SS, Venezuela
Sebastian Javier, RHP, Dominican Republic
Humberto Jimenez, RHP, Venezuela
Jose Perez, SS, Venezuela
Jhonny Piron, OF, Dominican Republic
Jesus Quevedo, SS, Venezuela
Nathanael Rodriguez, SS, Dominican Republic
Kikito Severino, LHP, Dominican Republic
