Astros Sign Italian; Other Caribbean Signings
http://www.mister-baseball.com/italian-infielder-luca-martone-signs-houston-astros/ reports that the Houston Astros have signed Italian infielder Luca Martone to a six year contract. He is the sixth Italian playing organized baseball in the United States. One Italian player that is winning the Triple Crown in the California League is Alex Liddi of the Mariners. The Astros can only hope he develops into that kind of player. Italy, with the Netherlands field the two strongest baseball leagues in Europe.
Luca will not join the Astros right away and will play for Italy in the European Junior Championships in Bonn, Germany in August. He will report to Kissimmee Florida next March and will probably work out in extended spring training.
The Rockies signed Baseball America’s number 19 rated Caribbean prospect, Rosel Herrera. At 6′4″ he would be big for a shortstop and with slow foot speed he may move to third base. He should have the power for the position.
The Rangers confirmed they have signed Jurickson Profar, the Little League hero from Curacao and he will begin his career as a shortstop. If that doesn’t work he can always move to the mound.
The last two bits were provided by http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/