Early International Signings

Some people love them and think they're an integral part of your game plan, while others think they are an incredible waste of time and money. Whatever your opinion is, nobody can deny the fact that these players draw a lot of attention from various owners, with bidding on a particular player going on for days, or even weeks. Here are some of the bigger names from the international market so far, and we haven't even hit opening day yet.

Manny Lee (Milwaukee), $10M bonus: A lot was said about this RP from Japan when the Brewers signed him to (so far) the largest deal in the international market. His control, splits, and velocity projections are off the charts, but his stamina, durability and health are below average for a ML closer. When he does pitch, he'll be great, but he won't be able to throw everyday, and he'll be very fragile.
Miguel Alarcon (Norfolk), $5M bonus: I'm obviously a bit biased, but I think Alarcon has great potential to be a ML-quality SS, or maybe a 2B if he doesn't quite reach his defensive projections. His bat leaves a little to be desired, but his excellent batting eye could lead to a great OBP.
David Guerrero (Rochester), $4.5M bonus: Another RP, Guerrero is half the price of Lee, but has similar potential, and downside. Relatively low stamina, durability and health could lead to him being a closer that can't pitch everyday, but like Lee, he'll be very solid when he does throw.
Vladimir Bolivar (Norfolk), $2M bonus: Already slotted as the SP1 on Norfolk's HiA squad, the club has high hopes for this young prospect from the Dominican. His splits do not project very high, but his pitches should be decent, and his health and durability should help his value in the future.
Felipe Herrera (Washington), $2M bonus: Very solid split and first pitch projections, but relatively low stamina and control most likely means a career as a middle-reliever or setup role.
Donaldo Vincente (Washington), $1.5M bonus: His defensive projections don't really call for a role as a SS, but some good fielding coaches over the next few seasons could help in that area. Below average health, makeup, and batting ratings, Vincente has a long road ahead of him, but he could see the ML roster someday.
Angel Alomar (Washington), $1.4M bonus: Listed as a CF on DC's HiA squad, Alomar's glove does not quite project to a level that would be suitable for the position, but he could certainly play LF or RF, or maybe even move in to 2B. His range, health and durability are solid, while his batting numbers are average in most areas. He's only 18 years old, so he has a lot of time before we can judge him at the ML level.
Del Martin (Cincinnati), $760K bonus: Maybe the best bargain so far, this 2B could move to 3B if his defensive projections do not quite fit him into the 2B slot, while his health and batting numbers are more than adequate. If he turns into a ML player, the sub-$800K price tag could make him the steal of this class.
Vladimir Cabrera (Norfolk), $393K bonus: Decent projections for a SP, he might not ever make it to the ML level, but the $400K price tag does not break the bank.

Nobody has signed him yet, but Vladimir Molina (could we call this, The Year of the Vladimir?) will most likely have the biggest impact on the ML someday. A closer with great projections for control, splits, pitches, health, and durability, and a stamina that will allow him to throw more than a dozen pitches each day, he could be the best closer in the big leagues in a few years.