The Oakland Athletics agreed to terms with 16-year-old Dominican pitcher Michael Inoa, widely considered this year's top eligible Latin American prospect, on Wednesday.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but ESPN.com reported that Inoa turned down more lucrative offers from other teams for a $4.25 million signing bonus from the Athletics, who have shown a recent propensity for developing young pitchers.
"After careful thought, my parents and I decided that Oakland has a better pitcher development program," Inoa said. "That will be more important for my career in the long haul."
The 6-7, 205-pound Inoa has a fastball that has been clocked between 92-95 miles per hour. The righthander also throws a curveball and a changeup.
"Michael has a chance to be a very special pitcher in the major leagues," Athletics general manager Billy Beane said. "Even at this early age, he is a very polished pitcher with three above-average pitches and a fluid delivery.
"We are very excited about this young man's potential and look forward to watching his growth, both personally and professionally, in the years to come."
Raymond Abreu, the Athletics' director of Latin America operations, compared Inoa with 22-year-old Seattle Mariners righthander Felix Hernandez, who has developed into an ace pitcher over his three-plus seasons in the majors.
"In my opinion, (Inoa) is the most impressive Latin America player since Felix Hernandez," Abreu said. "As a pitcher, he has effortless mechanics with loose arm action on all his pitches and a clean, easy delivery. He's an exceptional athlete and he throws a very heavy fastball."
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but ESPN.com reported that Inoa turned down more lucrative offers from other teams for a $4.25 million signing bonus from the Athletics, who have shown a recent propensity for developing young pitchers.
"After careful thought, my parents and I decided that Oakland has a better pitcher development program," Inoa said. "That will be more important for my career in the long haul."
The 6-7, 205-pound Inoa has a fastball that has been clocked between 92-95 miles per hour. The righthander also throws a curveball and a changeup.
"Michael has a chance to be a very special pitcher in the major leagues," Athletics general manager Billy Beane said. "Even at this early age, he is a very polished pitcher with three above-average pitches and a fluid delivery.
"We are very excited about this young man's potential and look forward to watching his growth, both personally and professionally, in the years to come."
Raymond Abreu, the Athletics' director of Latin America operations, compared Inoa with 22-year-old Seattle Mariners righthander Felix Hernandez, who has developed into an ace pitcher over his three-plus seasons in the majors.
"In my opinion, (Inoa) is the most impressive Latin America player since Felix Hernandez," Abreu said. "As a pitcher, he has effortless mechanics with loose arm action on all his pitches and a clean, easy delivery. He's an exceptional athlete and he throws a very heavy fastball."
Ill trade you Andruw Jones for him A's fans, if not then ill give you Jones for a stick of gum. So how old is he really?
Comment