After conducting an invitation-only tryout last month at their academy in San Cristobal, Dominican Republic, the Washington Nationals today agreed to terms on professional contracts with left-handed pitcher Randy Almonte, right-handed pitcher Marcos Frias, catcher Ricardo Martinez and left-handed pitcher Francisco Vizcaino. Nationals Director of Scouting Dana Brown made the announcement.
All four are Dominican natives that participated in the December workout. Brown, Nationals Manager Manny Acta and Nationals Special Assistant to the GM Jose Rijo conducted the workout, which included 50 players in all.
“These signings are the most recent step in our commitment to scouting and signing young prospects throughout Latin America,” said Brown. “We are excited to add three pitchers, including 6-foot-6 lefthander Randy Almonte, who projects to have tremendous upside.”
Almonte was one of the players highlighted by Todd Jacobson back in December.
VladiHondo | 10-Jan-07 at 3:40 pm | Permalink
Jacobson listed Almonte as a 17 yr old and 6′5″, so he’s either grown an inch or been inflated by the Nats.
Brian J Oliver | 10-Jan-07 at 3:48 pm | Permalink
Could be both
Todd Jacobson | 10-Jan-07 at 4:35 pm | Permalink
I didn’t measure him, but the typed list of players I was given at the tryout camp listed him as 6-5. Of course, it also spelled his name as “Raudy.” My apologies on the spelling typo.
Basil | 10-Jan-07 at 4:39 pm | Permalink
I didn’t measure him
And you call yourself a reporter?????
Just kidding.
Homer | 11-Jan-07 at 11:19 am | Permalink
Is the “Big Board” going to be kept this year?? I for one hope so. I notice the link was missing. I really like the effort you put into it, and I know it’s a guessing game this early, but that is part of the “fun”??
Brian J Oliver | 11-Jan-07 at 12:36 pm | Permalink
Big Board will return. Something was updated and the stuff on the right that was manually entered got wiped out. Scott has the link and he and I are going to work on cleaning it up and getting it back online soon.
Ryan Zimmerman | 21-Jan-07 at 3:30 pm | Permalink
Where will these guys play? I guess in the dominican summer league and I’d like to know more about this league and I saw that the nats have I think 2 dominican teams in this league. Will be interesting to see how these guys developp.
Brian J Oliver | 21-Jan-07 at 4:20 pm | Permalink
It appears that Randy Almonte and Smiley are headed to Viera for spring training, so they could play in the GCL (or maybe Vermont). Additionally, Venezuelan CA Sandy Leon is slated to be in Viera as well.