Yankees sign Moronta
November 24, 2009, 6:00 pm by iYankees · 6 Comments
From Ben Badler of Baseball America, we learn that the Yankees have signed “one of the toolsiest players in Latin America,” Eladio Moronta.
Moronta, a center fielder, was suspended earlier in the year for “misrepresenting” his age, although the suspension was lifted in late September. Basically, from what I’ve read, he tried to market himself as a 16-year old in order to command a nice bonus, as it’s generally difficult for Latin American players older than 16 to receive one (for whatever reason). In reality, he’s actually 20, going on 21 in December, which doesn’t sound too bad (the Yankees didn’t seem to mind).
In a previous report, Badler provides a description of the new signee:
Moronta, who is 6-foot-1, 183 pounds, is 20 years old and turns 21 on December 16. He is an athletic righthanded hitter with plus-plus speed, flashing a good arm and raw power potential.
Despite the age issues, Moronta sounds like a very nice investment for the Yankees.
Photo via ESPN Deportes
Go Yankees! great get!
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Agreed!
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You sign the best players available that is why Chapman should be sought by the Yankees even with the money… Not sure what think about the age but getting deeper in position players is never a bad thing.
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Eh, I think we can live with the age. It’s like getting a guy out of college… assuming he’s not too underdeveloped, of course. Duncan probably could have contributed and he’s 30 or something. At the very least, we can polish him up a bit and hang him out for trade bait.
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Almost anyone with big league power can contribute, that’s all Shelley was when you sign a guy like this you would hope the team looks at him with more hopes than anyone ever looked at Shelley with.
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