Dodgers Rumors: Lazarito Decision Could Come Tomorrow, 9 Teams Interested
Cuban prospect Lazarito Armenteros is close to making a decision on where he will sign, according to MLB dot com’s Jesse Sanchez. His decision will be made tomorrow, and there’s as many as nine teams being listed as interested in the talented outfielder. On that list is the Los Angeles Dodgers.
A few days ago, it was reported that Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig and Lazarito enjoyed a game together. Perhaps it was the start of something. As of a week ago, the hot stove surrounding Lazarito really started to pick up, but now it’s scolding hot.
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From Jesse Sanchez at MLB dot com:
The Braves, Cubs, Dodgers, Padres and Phillies are among the nine teams with a strong interest in signing the 16-year-old, according to industry sources.
The Dodgers being on that list is not exactly shocking considering they’re over their international pool money budget but can still spend as much as they want through the end of June. Essentially, there are no further penalties the team can incur by spending money the rest of this period.
The talented Lazarito is a 6’2″, 205-pound outfielder with darn near 60 grade – on the 20/80 scale – tallies across the board in hitting, power, running, fielding, and arm strength/accuracy. The 16-year old is one of the top remaining unsigned international prospects out there, and he’d be a major haul for any organization.
For the Dodgers, getting Lazarito would give them another talented prospect in the system. If his skills are up to snuff, then the team could be reaping the rewards of their boundless spending very soon. After all, you’ve got to spend money to make money in this world, and the Dodgers are spending a ton of money on Cuban imports.
Lazarito will make his decision Wednesday, so be on the lookout for that news to drop.
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Can’t say enough how badly I want to see this front office continue with an all-in approach with the current crop of international prospects. Go big or go home – especially since they are not spending big in the FA market, and probably won’t be next year either. Might as well flex our financial muscle to stock our minor league system with as much talent as possible!
You can’t stop now. After June, we can’t spend a dime on young international players. So you know the Dodgers will make a great offer. Let’s get this guy and the Gurriel brothers. It ain’t my money, spend it!