Friday, January 25, 2013

Dodgers sign Michael Medina, Dominican outfielder, to $275,000 deal

The Dodgers have signed another teenage outfielder from the Dominican Republic. This time, they inked 16-year-old Michael Medina to a $275,000 bonus -- the largest of the given by the team this international signing season.

Ben Badler of Baseball America had the news, once again.

Like Ariel Sandoval before him, Medina is a 6'2 outfielder. He's 5 pounds "heavier" than Sandoval (185 to 180) but, unlike Sandoval, Medina is 16 and profiles as a corner outfielder.

Badler said Medina, who played in the International Prospect League All-Star Game a week ago, has a "projectable frame with good bat speed from the right side, power and the ability to use the opposite field."

For a 16-year-old to show willingness to use the opposite field is encouraging.

Here is some video on the lad putting on an impressive display during IPL batting practice (h/t to Gilbert Acevedo on Twitter).



I find myself liking the Sandoval signing better than this one, but Medina must be doing something right to get a bonus nearly double that of Sandoval. And after seeing this video and seeing his smooth right-handed swing, I feel better about it.

The Dodgers continued their strong international signing period. Kudos to the scouting department and front office.

No comments:

Post a Comment