Baseball America has released the 2011 international spending information, noting the top overall spenders, and the top 30 individual bonuses.
The Pirates finished sixth overall in 2011, spending $4.09 M. They were fourth overall in 2010 after the signing of Luis Heredia drove them to $5 M.
Two of the top 30 bonuses were signed by Pittsburgh. Harold Ramirez signed for $1.05 M, ranking as the 15th biggest individual bonus in 2011. Elvis Escobar signed for $570 K, ranking 30th overall.
The Pirates also signed Leandro Rodriguez for $80 K and Cuban pitcher Cesar Lopez for $600 K. The Baseball America individual bonus ratings didn’t include Cuban players.
About Tim Williams
Tim is the owner and editor in chief of Pirates Prospects. He started the site in January 2009, and turned it into his full time job during the 2011 season. Prior to starting Pirates Prospects, Tim worked with AccuScore.com, providing MLB, NHL, and NFL coverage to various national media outlets, including ESPN Insider, USA Today, Yahoo Sports, and the Wall Street Journal. He also writes the annual Prospect Guide, which is sold through the site. Tim moved to Bradenton in 2013, and will be providing live coverage all year of the Bradenton Marauders, GCL Pirates, instructs, mini camp, Spring Training, and lunches at Mixon's Fruit Farms.
March 15, 2012 at 8:31 pm
Its Amazing how good Luis Heredia looks for his age. The video post you had of him was great, he didnt look like a little kid out there