The Martian Is Wounded: The Jasson Dominguez Thread

jon abbey

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On July 2, the next wave of 16 year old international prospects will be eligible to sign, and the Yankees are expected to sign Jasson Dominguez, the top prospect in the class. He will get easily the biggest bonus they've ever given an international prospect (in the $5M range, Gary Sanchez had the previous highest at $3M), and I thought he was worth his own thread, despite being far away.

“The 2019 class saw its first headlines when Dominican shortstop Robert Puason was barred from signing with the Braves due to an illegal side deal. Puason hit the market again, and we’ve reported for awhile that he’s expected to sign with Oakland for close to their full pool (around $5 million). At the time, Puason was seen as the best July 2nd prospect in years, and some still see him that way, but the consensus seems to have shifted, and Dominican center fielder Jasson Dominguez, expected to sign for about $5 million with the Yankees, is now the top 2019 prospect.

Scouts throw around some big names when trying to wrap their arms around Dominguez’s package of tools: Yasiel Puig, Bo Jackson, and Yoan Moncada are the most common ones. Dominguez runs the 60-yard dash in anywhere from 6.19 to 6.30 seconds, and is a 70 or 80 runner depending on whom you ask. His frame (5-foot-11, 194 pounds, sculpted like a Greek god), easy plus arm, and quick feet are catching-friendly, and scouts that have seem him try the position say he could probably do it full-time, but it sounds like most evaluators (and likely the Yankees) will develop him in center field to let his bat move more quickly. Some scouts think Dominguez’s hands could work in the infield, but he has very few reps there.

The bat speed and power are obvious, so optimistic scouts see a plus hitter with at least plus raw power and plus game power. Dominguez has already hit some balls 110 mph in batting practice, and his righty swing has now caught up with his natural lefty swing in terms of contact traits. He has a hitting warm-up that includes front toss with softballs and heavily weighted bats before he takes on-field BP.”

https://blogs.fangraphs.com/updated-july-2-prospect-rankings/

Kiley McDaniel has said he will be around #100-#135 in the overall prospect rankings once he signs, that is rare for an international signing because they sign so young. From one of his chats a week or so ago:

"Big Joe Mufferaw: Is Yoan Moncada a good comp for Jasson Dominguez, or just a lazy comp?

12:59
Kiley McDaniel: The raw tools are similar but Dominguez is hitting the market with those tools 3 years younger, so you have to think there’s a chance Dominguez is just better.

1:00
Kiley McDaniel: But we didn’t have a ton of game context to know what Moncada’s limitations would be and that could also be true for Dominguez"
 

jon abbey

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Less than a week to go before international signings start, Dominguez is #1 on the mlb.com list:

Jasson Dominguez | Rank: 1
Hometown: Valverde, Dominican Republic
Position: O FAge: 16 DOB: 2/7/2003 Bats: S Throws: R Height: 5'10" Weight: 190 lb.

WATCH
Scouting grades:
Hit: 55 | Power: 55 | Run: 60 | Arm: 60 | Field: 55
Dominguez is strong and athletic and has a mature body for his age. He could be the first position player in his class to make it to the big leagues because he has all of the tools scouts love to see in emerging young prospects and he's able to use them in games.
At the plate, the teen has a smooth, short and compact swing with excellent bat speed from both sides of the plate. He has shown good bat control and can drive the ball into the gaps and hit for power to all fields. Dominguez squares up the ball and has an advanced approach with a good understanding of the strike zone. The ball jumps off of his bat. He's also a smart baserunner with good speed. He's known for getting good leads and a quick first jump. He normally runs the timed 60-yard run in 6.3 to 6.5 seconds.
On defense, Dominguez has shown good footwork and soft hands, and he takes good routes. He has a strong arm and his balls carry on line until they reach the destination. He loves the sport and has a reputation for being a "baseball rat" who is always working on a different part of his game. Questions about his projectability are answered by his current tool set across the board and "now" body and abilities.
Dominguez trains with Ivan Noboa in the Dominican Republic. The Yankees are the favorites to sign him.
 

jon abbey

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Happy Day Before Jasson Dominguez Day! Jeff Passan has an article out this AM with some more insane quotes and a new title for our thread:

"Nearly every description begins with a caveat that goes something like: "I know this sounds crazy, but ... "

"But," one general manger who has seen him said, "he's like (Mike) Trout. And Trout wasn't close to this good when he was 16."

"But," an international scouting director who tried and failed to sign Dominguez said, "it's like Mickey Mantle. He's not 6-foot. He's a switch-hitter. He's got crazy power. He's fast as s---. He loves playing."

"But," another general manager said, "he's like -- what's that running back's name? The short, strong one? Maurice Jones-Drew. He's all muscle. But it's not stiff. He's twitchy. Can move in all directions."

Another veteran international scouting director didn't offer a player comparison but did summarize Dominguez simply: "He's the best July 2 player I've ever seen.""

https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/27078114/the-legend-martian-yankees-5-million-16-year-old-international-coup
 

Murderer's Crow

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Pretty great article that excites me. I'm really curious how the Yankees will advance him through the system. With players coming to the majors at a younger and younger age, I wonder if we see an 18 or 19 year old Jasson in the MLB.
 

Brand Name

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This kid has been on my radar like the police to a speeding driver. Holy shit, it feels like thunder strikes when the bat connects with the balls, almost like that famed sound ballplayers always talk about when someone truly special puts the bat to the ball. Based on one swing of him at freaking 14 years old, he has an incredibly fluid and simple to repeat motion swinging the bat, with an incredible degree of upper and lower strength. Wow. So he's had two years to improve.

So, to compare, Fangraphs has what looks like a BP video from earlier in the year. Built like a tank, with strong upper legs that grant Dominguez his touted speed, and with such a swing that is made for the right field porch. I can't believe I'm saying this about a 16-year-old kid but his head and body placement are perfect when he attacks the ball. Goodness, I hope to see him live someday at a minor league game. At least by scouting, he's a textbook example of fundamentals with the bat. God almighty. Would love to see him run (aggressiveness, base stealing, ability to pick up a delivery, etc.) beyond a home run trot, how he approaches fielding, etc.

Do love that he's named for Jason Giambi, purely anecdotally. That seems like the kind of stuff you'd read about in a folk tale, doesn't even need the Wonderboy Bat.
 

jon abbey

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Do love that he's named for Jason Giambi, purely anecdotally. That seems like the kind of stuff you'd read about in a folk tale, doesn't even need the Wonderboy Bat.
This part is fantastic, literally a born Yankee. The relevant part from Passan's piece:

"Before Dominguez was born in February 2003, his father, Felix Dominguez, and his mother, Dorca Gonzalez, were trying to settle on a name. His dad had the perfect one: Jasson, like Jason Giambi. Yes, Felix Dominguez, an enormous Yankees fan, really did name his son after Jason Giambi, and, yes, that second "s" really is superfluous and it's pronounced like Jason."
 

Marciano490

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Forgive my ignorance, by why do the Yankees get him? Most money to offer, or the father’s fandom?
 

jon abbey

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Forgive my ignorance, by why do the Yankees get him? Most money to offer, or the father’s fandom?
Basically no one can offer more than $5M or $6M under the current CBA, a bunch of teams did in addition to NY but presumably that's where the fandom came in.

Plus NY has been really pushing hard in the international market the last few seasons, trading for the maximum extra allowed spending potential (75% additional of your initial pool allotment) and using it to land a bunch of top guys, they had 4 of the top 15 last season:

http://m.mlb.com/prospects/2018?list=int
And 4 of the top 12 the year before that:

http://m.mlb.com/prospects/2017?list=int
 

jon abbey

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Yep, press conference later today. NY also signed two other big bonus guys, they will need to trade for more international money before making the other two fully official.
 

Mueller's Twin Grannies

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Yankees are really well-run right now. Sucks.
Is there anything that can be done to erode their brand globally so every other country doesn't think they are the be-all, end-all? At some point integrity of the game needs to come into play. One franchise shouldn't be getting first dibs at all the studs just because of name value. And, yes, I say that as someone who actively hates the franchise and wishes nothing but bad things for them.
 

jon abbey

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Is there anything that can be done to erode their brand globally so every other country doesn't think they are the be-all, end-all? At some point integrity of the game needs to come into play. One franchise shouldn't be getting first dibs at all the studs just because of name value. And, yes, I say that as someone who actively hates the franchise and wishes nothing but bad things for them.
A losing season might help, their last one was 1992. :)

The newly signed Dominguez enters Fangraphs' top prospect list at #61, two ahead of Deivi Garcia, NY's new current top prospect.
 

E5 Yaz

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I haven't been this upset at a Yankees signing since they won the bidding for Hideki Irabu
 

Mueller's Twin Grannies

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A losing season might help, their last one was 1992. :)

The newly signed Dominguez enters Fangraphs' top prospect list at #61, two ahead of Deivi Garcia, NY's new current top prospect.
All kidding(ish) aside, it's amazing that they are seemingly always competitive. At some point, law of averages dictates that they should have had a bad draft or swung and missed on acquisitions. Crazy.
 

EvilEmpire

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Is there anything that can be done to erode their brand globally so every other country doesn't think they are the be-all, end-all? At some point integrity of the game needs to come into play. One franchise shouldn't be getting first dibs at all the studs just because of name value. And, yes, I say that as someone who actively hates the franchise and wishes nothing but bad things for them.
I swear I read somewhere that the Red Sox just about own western Europe.
 

Cesar Crespo

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Is there anything that can be done to erode their brand globally so every other country doesn't think they are the be-all, end-all? At some point integrity of the game needs to come into play. One franchise shouldn't be getting first dibs at all the studs just because of name value. And, yes, I say that as someone who actively hates the franchise and wishes nothing but bad things for them.
It's as simple as doing an international draft.
 

DeadlySplitter

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while an international draft would be better, the Yanks have managed their international pool well. not seeing any reason for angst here.
 

terrynever

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Is there anything that can be done to erode their brand globally so every other country doesn't think they are the be-all, end-all? At some point integrity of the game needs to come into play. One franchise shouldn't be getting first dibs at all the studs just because of name value. And, yes, I say that as someone who actively hates the franchise and wishes nothing but bad things for them.
In the USA, this was especially true back in the 1920s-60s era and led to the institution of the free agent draft in 1965.
Yanks had first dibs on any elite prospect, them and St. Louis, which had the most advanced farm system.
 

Wingack

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This kid has been on my radar like the police to a speeding driver. Holy shit, it feels like thunder strikes when the bat connects with the balls, almost like that famed sound ballplayers always talk about when someone truly special puts the bat to the ball. Based on one swing of him at freaking 14 years old, he has an incredibly fluid and simple to repeat motion swinging the bat, with an incredible degree of upper and lower strength. Wow. So he's had two years to improve.

So, to compare, Fangraphs has what looks like a BP video from earlier in the year. Built like a tank, with strong upper legs that grant Dominguez his touted speed, and with such a swing that is made for the right field porch. I can't believe I'm saying this about a 16-year-old kid but his head and body placement are perfect when he attacks the ball. Goodness, I hope to see him live someday at a minor league game. At least by scouting, he's a textbook example of fundamentals with the bat. God almighty. Would love to see him run (aggressiveness, base stealing, ability to pick up a delivery, etc.) beyond a home run trot, how he approaches fielding, etc.

Do love that he's named for Jason Giambi, purely anecdotally. That seems like the kind of stuff you'd read about in a folk tale, doesn't even need the Wonderboy Bat.
That swing is a thing of beauty.
 

Murderer's Crow

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Is there anything that can be done to erode their brand globally so every other country doesn't think they are the be-all, end-all? At some point integrity of the game needs to come into play. One franchise shouldn't be getting first dibs at all the studs just because of name value. And, yes, I say that as someone who actively hates the franchise and wishes nothing but bad things for them.
I think you're overstating the impact of the brand. The lost out on Ohtani, they lost out on Moncada, and this year they were one of a handful of teams who even had $5M in pool money to spend. I mean, the Yankees lost out to the frikking Mariners and Angels for Ohtani.
 

jon abbey

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this year they were one of a handful of teams who even had $5M in pool money to spend. I
This isn't true, 26 of the 30 teams had as much as them:

$6,481,200: D-backs, Orioles, Indians, Rockies, Royals, Pirates, Padres and Cardinals
$5,939,800: Reds, Marlins, Brewers, Twins, A's and Rays
$5,398,300: Red Sox, Cubs, White Sox, Tigers, Astros, Angels, Mets, Yankees, Giants, Mariners, Rangers and Blue Jays
 

Murderer's Crow

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This isn't true, 26 of the 30 teams had as much as them:

$6,481,200: D-backs, Orioles, Indians, Rockies, Royals, Pirates, Padres and Cardinals
$5,939,800: Reds, Marlins, Brewers, Twins, A's and Rays
$5,398,300: Red Sox, Cubs, White Sox, Tigers, Astros, Angels, Mets, Yankees, Giants, Mariners, Rangers and Blue Jays
I thought I heard on ESPN that not every team was willing to commit the $5m? Maybe I confused those two points.
 

Mueller's Twin Grannies

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I think you're overstating the impact of the brand. The lost out on Ohtani, they lost out on Moncada, and this year they were one of a handful of teams who even had $5M in pool money to spend. I mean, the Yankees lost out to the frikking Mariners and Angels for Ohtani.
True, but aren't the Mariners one of the big teams in Japan because of Ichiro?

Not sure why the Angels won out unless it was just money.

That said, comparing Japan to the Latin American countries that players are coming from - and I realize I said globally, so that is my mistake - is a nonstarter. I'm reasonably certain the most popular team in any given Latin American community is either the Yankees or the Red Sox and I'd bet my life savings (not that it's much) on the former every time.
 

jon abbey

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True, but aren't the Mariners one of the big teams in Japan because of Ichiro?

Not sure why the Angels won out unless it was just money.
It wasn't money, he just wanted to stay on the West Coast and have a team that trained in Arizona, not Florida, so he could be closer to Japan.
 

jon abbey

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Our 16 year old Martian hero debuts on today's newly updated midseason prospect list from MLB.com as NY's 3rd best prospect (just behind Deivi/Florial) and #72 overall.

"Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 60 | Run: 65 | Arm: 60 | Field: 55 | Overall: 55

The Yankees committed almost their entire $5.4 million 2019-20 international bonus pool to sign Dominguez for $5.1 million, a franchise record for an international amateur. Scouts have been raving about the Dominican's package of tools for years, with some saying it's the best they've ever seen from a teenager on the worldwide market. He's a long ways from reaching his ceiling but has earned comparisons to the likes of Bo Jackson, Mickey Mantle and Mike Trout.

While Dominguez has yet to prove himself against anything resembling big league pitching, he's equipped to do a lot of damage. He's a switch-hitter with easy bat speed and plenty of strength packed in his 5-foot-10 frame. He has a smooth swing from both sides of the plate as well as an advanced feel for hitting and a mature approach.

Dominguez also has huge upside out of the batter's box. He's a well above-average runner who could be a 30-30 threat while manning center field. With a strong arm and quick feet, he's suited to play almost anywhere on the diamond and some clubs even worked him out as a catcher, though that position would sap some of his offensive production."

http://m.mlb.com/prospects/2019?list=prospects
 

bquine

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I didn't realize Jasson was that jacked. I'm also shocked that he has 6.3/60 speed with that build (Billy Hamilton is a 6.2). The Bo Jackson comparisons actually make sense.

I'm also glad I now know how to pronounce "Jasson".
 

bquine

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Seems like it. I was wondering how much of a jota (soft J, like Jorge) he used, but it seems like Jason like Giambi is going to be pretty acceptable.
 

bquine

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I just love this kid's swing, too. It's not beautiful, like Strawberry's whipcrack, or threatening like Sheffield. It's just simple and compact; pure damage dealing business.
 

BigMike

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This looks like the record, albeit with an asterisk (it was just one terrible game near the end of WW II and he didn't get back to the majors until he was 23).

https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/joe-nuxhall-makes-mlb-debut-at-15
Bob Feller had 107 wins before turning 23, that's pretty crazy if you think about it.
Robin Yount went from a 17 year old in the New York Penn League (Newark in 1973, not the place to be) to an 18 year old in the major league opening day lineup against Boston in 1974. I know not the Youngest, but really amazing.

Dominguez turned 17 last week. He is already getting old :)
 

jon abbey

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NY Post with a new piece on our boy, my favorite excerpts:

"Carlos Mendoza was part of a contingent of Yankees coaches — including manager Aaron Boone — who spent time at the team’s Latin academy in the Dominican Republic last month to check in on some key players working out there during the offseason, like Gary Sanchez and Miguel Andujar.

While they were there, they also got a brief look at the future.

Jasson Dominguez turned 17 Friday, just over seven months after becoming one of the organization’s biggest amateur signings with a $5.1 million bonus last July.

“We watched him hit and he looked good,’’ said Mendoza, recently promoted to bench coach. “He was impressive for being 16 years old. He’s a strong kid with great bat speed and power. We only saw him take BP, but he was hitting balls with Gary and Miggy. He looks like one of them. For that age, he’s pretty advanced.’’"

"Donny Rowland, the Yankees director of international scouting, immediately noticed what his scouts told him when he finally watched Dominguez in person.

“The first time I saw him, the hairs on my arm stood up and my guys said it was just an OK day for him,’’ Rowland said of the workout at Noboa’s academy. “He had huge power. His skills are silly. They’re stupid. They’re crazy.’’

Asked for an example, Rowland said Dominguez hit homers on 13 straight pitches during batting practice from the left side."

https://nypost.com/2020/02/09/yankees-5-million-teen-stud-jasson-dominguez-has-crazy-stupid-skills/
 

jon abbey

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In terms of when he'll be potentially ready to be up, I would say the benchmark is Juan Soto, who broke many of Mel Ott's age-related records his first couple of seasons. Jasson just turned 17, Soto debuted around 19 1/2, so I think start of the 2022 season would be the fastest possible timeline.

I pretty much never go to games anymore, but if NY sends him to Staten Island this summer, I'm there.
 

jon abbey

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He looks like he thickened up. Not sure I like that.
It's different at 17, but they said Chapman used to outrace Billy Hamilton when they were teammates. Anyway, I'm guessing the Eric Cressey wing of operations is keeping a close eye on this.
 

jon abbey

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“He’ll be the first player to participate in the Futures Game without having played in a full-season league and he’s the youngest player since Vladimir Guerrero Jr. played in the game at age 18 in 2017.”
 

jon abbey

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Through 2 1/2 games, 0-4 with 4 walks and a HBP, a Yasmani Grandal-esque slash line of .000/.556/.000.
 

jon abbey

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Dominguez promoted to low A today, he led off and went 2-4 with 2 RBIs in his debut.
 

Just a bit outside

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I was at the Futures Gme and saw him take BP. I thought his right handed swing looked more advanced than his left handed swing. More compact and powerful. Any reports on which is his stronger side?

On a side note he is 7 months older than my 6 foot, 145 pound son who was with me and he couldn’t believe how big and filled out Jasson is for his age.