The Tigers have signed Venezuelan outfielder Danry Vasquez, according to Ben Badler of Baseball America. International sources outside of the organization said in recent days that the bonus was expected to be in the neighborhood of $1MM. However, Tigers international scouting director Tom Moore declined to comment on the signing bonus.
Vasquez, 16, has a projectable 6'2", 170-pound frame and an advanced left-handed bat. The youngster has long been on Detroit's radar as they have tracked him while keeping tabs on his youth league teammates in previous signing classes. Moore sees a ton of upside in the Valencia resident.
"We've seen him use the whole field, not just in tryouts but in games as well," said Detroit's director of international operations. "He's not just a guy who can put it to left field but hit it to left field with authority. Right now it's line-drive power. He does have ability to generate some loft in the ball, but right now it's more consistent line-drive power. With more strength, those balls in the gap are going to be going over the fence."
While Vasquez has experience in center field, he doesn't have the speed to play there in the majors. The club plans for him to be a corner outfielder.
