Tigers ink 5 international prospects
Russell Dorsey
@Russ_Dorsey1CHICAGO -- The Tigers signed five international free agents during the first day of the international signing period, which began today. The team agreed to terms with the following players:?
OF Roberto Campos -- 6/14/03, 6'3/200, R/R -- Cuba
SS Raudy De Los Santos -- 3/18/03, 5'11/155, R/R -- DR
RHP Wilmer Fenelon -- 6/12/03, 6'3/175, R/R -- DR
OF Abelaldo Lopez -- 9/5/02, 6'1/160, R/R -- DR
C Dany Martinez -- 6/30/03, 5'11/170, R/R -- DR
Campos defected from Cuba to the Dominican Republic during an international tournament at?age 13 and has been working out in San Pedro with former Tigers outfielder Alex Sanchez. He wasn¡¯t as high-profile as other prospects because he hasn¡¯t been playing in tournaments for the last few years.
¡°He¡¯s got power to all fields,¡± Tigers international scouting director Tom Moore said. ¡°He¡¯s always been a physical kid, but I¡¯d say he¡¯s been really dedicated to working on his agility, knowing he¡¯s a bigger kid. Right now, for me, he profiles in right field.¡±
The Tigers have timed Campos as fast as 6.9 seconds at 60 feet. Moore believes that he could grow another inch or two, while also adding further size.
¡°Right now, if you put him in a Tigers uniform, he¡¯d line right up with big leaguers in terms of physique. He¡¯s definitely getting stronger. He can hit the ball out to any part of the ballpark.?
¡°What our philosophy has always been is to sign a combination of high-profile players and mid-range players,¡± said Moore. ¡°We¡¯re fortunate to have the most resources we have ever had.¡±
Campos will report to Tigers¡¯ Dominican academy with the rest of the signing class, as he is not eligible to play Minor League ball until 2020.
Lopez is comparable to Campos, but has a little more raw talent and defined physique.
¡°He just has natural power,¡± Moore said. ¡°The ball has natural jump off his bat.¡±
Fenelon has a classic pitcher¡¯s body.
¡°There¡¯s a lot to like about the fastball in the sense that he has a lot in the tank,¡± Moore said. ¡°He¡¯s a nice project for us.¡±
Fenelon also features a curveball and changeup. Coincidentally, the Tigers already have a Wilmer Fenelon pitching in the Dominican Summer League. The two are of no relation.
Moore credited veteran scouts in the Dominican for tracking De Los Santos.
¡°We stayed on him and followed him, and he got a lot better since we first saw him a year and a half ago. He first looked like a defensive shortstop with a light bat for good bat speed. His bat really caught up. We¡¯re really excited about De Los Santos.
¡°He has a lean, wiry body, perfect to stay at shortstop," Moore said. "Good defensive instincts and arm strength.¡±
Martinez has a line-drive bat, but not a ton of power.
The Tigers also reportedly agreed to a $750,000 deal with Venezuelan shortstop Manuel Sequeda.