Atlanta Braves active early in international market
By Fred Owens
The Atlanta Braves started off the 2017-18 international signing season quickly plucking four Dominican players on day one.
Last year’s international spending spree not only netted a boat load of talent it also meant the Atlanta Braves are restricted to signing bonuses of $300,00 or less. That doesn’t seen to have slowed them down.
According to Baseball America’s Ben Badler ($) the Braves already have agreements with outfielders Asmin Bautista and Geraldo Santana, shortstop Ramon Taveras and RHP Oscar Nunez, all from the Dominican Republic.
There’s not a lot of data available for these players, they are young and relatively unknown
#Braves agree terms with Asmin Bautista "internationalsigningperiod pic.twitter.com/WcZ9aUp3wL
— Chief_Fred (@FredEOwens) July 2, 2017
Asmin Bautista
According to his audition video last summer is a 16-year-old (9/27/200), 5‘ 11” 190 pound outfielder who hits and throws left-handed. He looks a bit heavier in one of his videos but that could just be the camera angle. His swing looks like it could produce line drives and develop some power as ‘he matures. His has a smooth, level swing with a leg kick load more pronounced in a the video I chose not to use because the quality isn’t very good. It reminded me of Charley Lau’s hit’s style from days gone by.
Geraldo Santana
Santana is older and bigger than Bautista at 6’2”, at 190 pounds and 17-years-old (turns 18 September 12). He looks slim and looks like he can run but unlike Bautista’s video Santana’s doesn’t show is 60 yard time of on defense.
He has a level swing with no wasted motions and enough lift to suggest some power.