Mariners Sign Castillo, Two Others

by ~ July 15th, 2010 at 2:03 pm

Baseball America‘s Ben Badler brings news of the Seattle Mariners’ first international amateur signings: OF Phillips Castillo of Venezuela for $2.2M, RHP Jose Torres of Columbia for $851K and 3B Yordyn Calderon of Venezueal for $477,500.

I relayed in early June that the Mariners were expected to sign Castillo for about $2M.  Castillo was projected as the 6th highest paid IFA in a weak class this year by BA.  They describe the 16 year old as a wirey corner outfielder with good hitting ability and above average raw power.

Torres, 16, was ranked 12th and designated as “Colombia’s top pitching prospect and arguably the country’s top prospect overall this year.”  Torres is currently listed at 6’3 and has had his fastball top out at about 90 MPH already.  He is also said to have the makings of a decent curveball.  As he matures physically he is expected to have a plus fastball.

Calderon (whose first name is sometimes listed as “Jordi”), is described as having average or better tools across the board with his raw power standing out.  BA ranked him 18th.

A nice showcase video of Castillo after the jump. —–

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  • http://twitter.com/c_dowley Conor Dowley

    That “showcase” makes him look positively Ibanez-esque in the outfield. Can’t say as I’m in love with the swing, either, to be honest.

    That said, he is just 16 (at least in theory, looks closer to 19), and oozes athleticism and raw talent. I hope he can harness that to some extent. Certainly seems to have some interesting power, if nothing else.

  • Coug1990

    What struck me about this video is that it was shot last year when he was a fifteen year old. He looks like his frame can handle a lot more muscle and not affect his play.

    I thought he had a quick bat, but he does have a hitch that will have to be corrected. He looks to be a dead pull hitter.

  • http://proballnw.com Dustin Shires

    Granted it’s just batting practice, but he has a ‘load’ in his swing that is disgustingly similar to that of Manny Ramirez.