IFA Report Card: Pitchers

Top Paid International Free Agents: Worth the money?
Report Card

21.7mil Bonus went to Karim Bennett a 21 year old Pitcher signed by Monterrey Gray Ghosts. Bennett is seen to have great control along with a wicked slider. Bennett has posted a 7-3 record with a 3.16 era in 12 starts in the minors. So far he's appearing to be just as impressive as the Gray Ghosts expected so I grade this signing an A.


19.0 mil Bonus was given to Jorge Melendez a 19 year old Pitcher signed by Monterrey Gray Ghosts. The 2nd pitcher signed by Monterrey doesn't seem to be as highly rated as Bennett however when looking at his performance in his 13 starts in the minors he's done amazing with an 8-2 record and 2.99 era. 72 strikeouts while only walking 18. However since the theme of this report is to compare the signings and performances I will have to also grade the Melendez signing an A.


St. Louis spent 18.5 million to sign Joseph Park, a 20 year old Pitcher from Seoul, Korea. Park compared to Melendez and Bennett doesn't have the stamina they have but he does boast a dominance vs. Right hand hitters. So far Park has a record of 5-6 with an 3.81 era. I say giving him another few seasons he will start proving himself more. Right now he's just trying to get adjusted. Grade on signing Park is a B -.



12.5 mil was given to Louie Pichardo by Montreal. Montreal had a plan to sign him and another pitching prospect but was out bid for Melendez by a long shot. So getting Pichardo was about as close as they would get to signing a future Ace. So far Pichardo at the age of 18 is seriously under performing in the minors going 0-2 o far with an era of 3.68. Hopefully Pichardo will pick things up. Grade is C+.


8.5 million was paid in order for Salt Lake City to sign Pitcher, Pat Shibata. Shibata at 20 years old showed an interested in coming to the United States to play professional ball. Salt Lake City's scouts made the arrangements to have the owner check him out and it paid off for the youngster. They assigned him to the rookie league where he managed a record of 2-5 in 12 starts. Much like Pichardo, Shibata will have to improve some before he's considered a top prospect. Shibata's score is C-.


Eli Pizzaro the cousin of Valerio Pizzaro was signed by Seattle and received an 8.5 mil bonus. Eli so far has started in 13 games and has a 3-5 record with an era of 4.11. Eli will have to improve much like Pichardo and Shibata in order to be worth that 8.5 mil bonus. Grade C-.



I will complete my grading tomorrow when I choose the top paid Position IFA's.