@jessssanchez: BREAKING - Source: Cuban INF prospect Yoan Moncada agrees with Red Sox on a deal in $30 million range. Check http://MLB.com .
Writer at MLB.com
Writer at MLB.com
Yoan Moncada signs with Red Sox($30 Million)
- Thread starter Darnell's Son
- Start date
Holy shit. Love it love it....
How good is Moncada? He has more upside than Cuban outfielder Rusney Castillo, who just reached a $72.5 million deal with the Red Sox. He’s better than Cuban outfielder Yasmany Tomas, who’s in the Dominican Republic but is still likely several months away from free agency. If Moncada were eligible for the 2015 draft, he would be in the mix to be the No. 1 overall pick. Gourriel and Despaigne would be safer bets, but there’s no player in Cuba with Moncada’s combination of youth, tools and hitting ability.
Moncada generated excitement in the scouting community in October 2010 at the COPABE Pan American 16U Championships in Mexico, then again in August 2011 when he dominated the 16U World Championship in Mexico, where he earned all-star honors at third base by hitting .417/.563/.667 in seven games.
How good is Moncada? He has more upside than Cuban outfielder Rusney Castillo, who just reached a $72.5 million deal with the Red Sox. He’s better than Cuban outfielder Yasmany Tomas, who’s in the Dominican Republic but is still likely several months away from free agency. If Moncada were eligible for the 2015 draft, he would be in the mix to be the No. 1 overall pick. Gourriel and Despaigne would be safer bets, but there’s no player in Cuba with Moncada’s combination of youth, tools and hitting ability.
Moncada generated excitement in the scouting community in October 2010 at the COPABE Pan American 16U Championships in Mexico, then again in August 2011 when he dominated the 16U World Championship in Mexico, where he earned all-star honors at third base by hitting .417/.563/.667 in seven games.
I literally just yelped with glee. I don't remember the last time I legitimately made a noise like that.
This is awesome news. There are fewer and fewer opportunities for the Red Sox to flex their financial advantage, so inking Moncada is a big win.
Wow
I figured this was a huge long-shot and $30 MM (x2) seems way below what we were led to believe it was going to take.
I figured this was a huge long-shot and $30 MM (x2) seems way below what we were led to believe it was going to take.
I had a hard time seeing where he'd fit if he wasn't a SS and wanted a clear path to the big leagues, but talent is talent. They can figure out where to put him when he makes it an issue.
I believe the appropriate comment is WOOHOO!!!!
So where does he start? Portland? And more interestingly .. what position?
So where does he start? Portland? And more interestingly .. what position?
Wow... I did NOT expect that.
Wondering if this marks the end of the high-spending MFY we all know and love (to hate)? I can't figure out why they wouldn't be all in on Moncada -- they have the need, and they have the money*... and even moreso because the money to be invested doesn't 100% all apply to the cap.
* -- unless they don't have the money? Could the Steinbrenner/MFY finances possibly not be as rosy as you'd sure imagine they are right now?
Wondering if this marks the end of the high-spending MFY we all know and love (to hate)? I can't figure out why they wouldn't be all in on Moncada -- they have the need, and they have the money*... and even moreso because the money to be invested doesn't 100% all apply to the cap.
* -- unless they don't have the money? Could the Steinbrenner/MFY finances possibly not be as rosy as you'd sure imagine they are right now?
I agree with the sentiment that when you can get talent, you don't worry too much about this, as well as the fact that when talking about positions several years down the line there's a lot of things that can happen. having said that, several reports from the other thread seemed to indicate that he might be more of a 2b/3b than SS down the road. In which case, there's at least a few possibilities (e.g., pablo to DH post-ortiz, with moncada at 3b).OCD SS said:
Incredible stuff by the FO. They have such depth in their offense... giving them such flexibility in the trade market or potential injury issues.
bankshot1 said:
Yeah---2 days ago, Sherman was talking about the Yankees spending $100 million on him.
http://nypost.com/2015/02/21/why-yoan-moncada-might-be-the-best-100m-yankees-can-spend/
Well, isn't X-man a Boras guy? Pretty much means in 4-5 years (whenever his FA hits), he's out of here.
I have no idea what position Moncada will play in the majors, but right now, his most valuable position may be Trade Chip. That suggests keeping him at SS until he a) proves he can't handle it or b) is needed in Boston at another position.
Note: I'm not suggesting we immediately turn around and deal him. But if (IF!) Bogaerts figures it out at SS, Pedroia returns to being Pedroia at 2B, Sandoval looks like he has some staying power at 3B, and Betts/Castillo settles in at CF, it's easy to imagine Moncada being the centerpiece of a big, big trade next winter or at the 2016 deadline or whatever.
Note: I'm not suggesting we immediately turn around and deal him. But if (IF!) Bogaerts figures it out at SS, Pedroia returns to being Pedroia at 2B, Sandoval looks like he has some staying power at 3B, and Betts/Castillo settles in at CF, it's easy to imagine Moncada being the centerpiece of a big, big trade next winter or at the 2016 deadline or whatever.
I am shocked and delighted. Surprised that was enough and once again love supporting a smart organization
I doubt they just paid $60 million for a trade chip. Hanley can move to first when Napoli leaves and Moncada can play left.johnnywayback said:
Unreal. This is the best news all off-season. Even if it doesn't work out this is exactly the type of Risk Big Market teams should make, especially since they are already over the bonus limit and locked out of the International Market the next 2 years
Jeff Passan @JeffPassan 3m3 minutes ago
Source confirms @JesseSanchezMLB report: Red Sox, Yoan Moncada in agreement on a deal worth more than $30M. Final details being worked out.
Source confirms @JesseSanchezMLB report: Red Sox, Yoan Moncada in agreement on a deal worth more than $30M. Final details being worked out.
Ken Rosenthal @Ken_Rosenthal 12s12 seconds ago
Source from team involved in bidding confirms that Moncada is signing with #RedSox, as first reported by @JesseSanchezMLB.
0 replies 2 retweets 2 favorites
Source from team involved in bidding confirms that Moncada is signing with #RedSox, as first reported by @JesseSanchezMLB.
0 replies 2 retweets 2 favorites
I was just coming to post this... nothing there accusing Sox of cheating, nor of Moncada actually being the next Craig Grebeck. It's all (surprisingly accurate and mature, from my POV) disappointment and confusion at the MFY masterplan.Omar's Wacky Neighbor said:
My favorite so far:
I know the Dodgers and the Cubs get all the hype for how smart their FOs are, but man, you've got to love what this FO is doing. Collecting talent, using the dollars to pay for the future rather than the past, making tough decisions to let icons go (and getting lambasted for it), even selling at the deadline to get more talent and pick up another high draft pick ("but they were last in the division!") ..They'll make their share of bonheaded moves (What's with Hanrahan, Ben?), but the bottom line is very, very solid. Can't wait to see it all come together.
@BenBadler: Once it's official, Yoan Moncada immediately becomes Boston's new No. 1 prospect, and the No. 10 prospect in baseball.
Here's Badler detailing all the tools
http://www.baseballamerica.com/international/yoan-moncada-agrees-sign-with-red-sox/
As an 18-year-old, he joined the Cuban national team in the Netherlands in July 2013 to play in the World Port Tournament, though he played sparingly there. Two months later, he was a standout on the Cuban junior national team in Taiwan at the 18U World Championships, where he batted .375/.483/.542 in 29 plate appearances, leading the Cuban team in batting average, OBP and slugging. (Here’s video of him facing several high 2014 draft picks from Team USA in that tournament.)
“He’s electric,” said one scout. “When I saw him at the 18U World Championship in Taiwan, he did what good hitters do. He has tools, he’s athletic and he has a chance to hit for power. It’s bat speed that you don’t see except from the select few. The guy has different bat speed from everyone else, period. It’s a beautiful swing too from the left side, which is better than his righthanded swing.”
Meanwhile, back in Cuba, Moncada was tearing up the junior national leagues in Cuba. In the country’s 16U national league in 2011, Moncada hit .500/.643/.918 in 158 trips to the plate. He led the league in batting average, OBP, slugging, home runs (8) and walks (37) and stole 15 bases without getting caught. When he moved up to Cuba’s 18U national league in 2012, he again ranked first in batting average, OBP and slugging with a .434/.543/.648 slash line in 152 plate appearances and stole 20 bases in 24 attempts.
Moncada made his Serie Nacional debut in 2012-13 for Cienfuegos, where he played second base in an infield with Jose Abreu at first base and Erisbel Arruebarrena at shortstop. Even at 17, Moncada hit well, batting .283/.414/.348 in 172 plate appearances. He showed his speed, with 13 stolen bases in 18 tries, and by beating Rusney Castillo and Guillermo Heredia in a race around the bases during the skills competition of the all-star game.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/international/yoan-moncada-agrees-sign-with-red-sox/
As an 18-year-old, he joined the Cuban national team in the Netherlands in July 2013 to play in the World Port Tournament, though he played sparingly there. Two months later, he was a standout on the Cuban junior national team in Taiwan at the 18U World Championships, where he batted .375/.483/.542 in 29 plate appearances, leading the Cuban team in batting average, OBP and slugging. (Here’s video of him facing several high 2014 draft picks from Team USA in that tournament.)
“He’s electric,” said one scout. “When I saw him at the 18U World Championship in Taiwan, he did what good hitters do. He has tools, he’s athletic and he has a chance to hit for power. It’s bat speed that you don’t see except from the select few. The guy has different bat speed from everyone else, period. It’s a beautiful swing too from the left side, which is better than his righthanded swing.”
Meanwhile, back in Cuba, Moncada was tearing up the junior national leagues in Cuba. In the country’s 16U national league in 2011, Moncada hit .500/.643/.918 in 158 trips to the plate. He led the league in batting average, OBP, slugging, home runs (8) and walks (37) and stole 15 bases without getting caught. When he moved up to Cuba’s 18U national league in 2012, he again ranked first in batting average, OBP and slugging with a .434/.543/.648 slash line in 152 plate appearances and stole 20 bases in 24 attempts.
Moncada made his Serie Nacional debut in 2012-13 for Cienfuegos, where he played second base in an infield with Jose Abreu at first base and Erisbel Arruebarrena at shortstop. Even at 17, Moncada hit well, batting .283/.414/.348 in 172 plate appearances. He showed his speed, with 13 stolen bases in 18 tries, and by beating Rusney Castillo and Guillermo Heredia in a race around the bases during the skills competition of the all-star game.
We could debate the meanings of "probably" and "given" ........but that would be boring and wind up being inconclusive anyway. The operating plan for Boras clients seems to be test the market when they can and take the highest dollars. The majority of his clients have gone this route and I think X-man will do the same. My core point is that the Sox will find a spot for Moncana without much of a problem when the time comes.
I'd say it just gives a ton of options all the way around really. If Moncada or Cecchini looks legit at 3B they can move Sandoval to 1B after Napoli leaves. If instead Moncada looks bets suited to an outfield spot, be that LF or RF, they can move him there with Hanley going to DH in place of Ortiz.Darnell's Son said:
Moncada probably needs at least one year in the minors, probably more like 1.5-2 if he's going to be truly ready. They have two spots in the lineup (1B with Napoli and DH with Ortiz) as well as an OF spot (Victorino) opening up after this season. If those three spots are filled with Moncada, Cecchini, and Bradley in some fashion while Betts and Bogaerts hit like they have the potential to this could be a very good, very young team. If Cecchini, Bradley, or Moncada look further away following 2015 the club can either pursue a FA fit or look to extend Napoli/talk Ortiz into another year (I don't imagine it would take much arm twisting).
The more I think about it the more it seems clear that the 4-5 year deals for Sandoval and Hanley are basically the offensive bridge while the wave of young talent gets it together, as opposed to the 2013 method of just assuming the highly touted youngsters would hit from day one.
Ken Rosenthal @Ken_Rosenthal 38s39 seconds ago
Moncada expected to need 1-2 seasons in minors. And yes, one option for #RedSox going forward will be to move Sandoval to first base.
Moncada expected to need 1-2 seasons in minors. And yes, one option for #RedSox going forward will be to move Sandoval to first base.
No way in hell. This is a 19 year old 5 tool stud. By the time he's ready, 1b and/or DH will more than likely be available. Hanley could move to first, Pablo could be the DH, etc. They'll find a place for this kid if he's as good as they think he is.johnnywayback said:
Joel Sherman @Joelsherman1 4s5 seconds agoTampa, FL
Can confirm Moncada to #Redsox. Hear he is getting $31.5M
Can confirm Moncada to #Redsox. Hear he is getting $31.5M
It never works out perfectly but the young offensive talent throughout the organization is ridiculous right now, and they'll be adding the #7 pick in June.
The Yankees got a lot of credit for hoarding most of the top IFA talent last summer but I'd rather blow way past the bonus limit with one Moncada over a group of 16 year olds.
The Yankees got a lot of credit for hoarding most of the top IFA talent last summer but I'd rather blow way past the bonus limit with one Moncada over a group of 16 year olds.
gryoung said:
By 4-5, you mean 8-9. So yes, he will probably be gone as a 28 year old free agent in 9 years.