229 replies to this topic

[BobPhelan]

http://www.baseballa...-henry-urrutia/

25 years old, $778,500. Interesting.

The money doesn't count against our IFA cap. I'm guessing he'll pop up in Bowie sometime soon.

[LanceRinker]

Yeah, he'll be starting out in Bowie. Not sure I see a whole lot more room for development, corner infielder with limited power. He could develop more power but he's a line drives guy, which is fine with me.

Then again, I'm going off of what I've been reading online about him.

Seems like we could see him in the majors next season if he performs well this year - he batted .397 in his last season in Cuba.

[tpjs1]

What I like is that this is further evidence the Orioles are making a real effort in the international market.

[BobPhelan]

Yeah, he'll be starting out in Bowie. Not sure I see a whole lot more room for development, corner infielder with limited power. He could develop more power but he's a line drives guy, which is fine with me.

Then again, I'm going off of what I've been reading online about him.

Seems like we could see him in the majors next season if he performs well this year - he batted .397 in his last season in Cuba.

I'm sure you meant outfielder, but I agree with you. As long as he can provide solid defense sounds like he could be a part of the major league team as soon as next year. Not much more he can develop as you say. This could potentially make Chavez/Avery/Hoes more expendable in a trade situation.

[LanceRinker]

I'm sure you meant outfielder, but I agree with you. As long as he can provide solid defense sounds like he could be a part of the major league team as soon as next year. Not much more he can develop as you say. This could potentially make Chavez/Avery/Hoes more expendable in a trade situation.

Haha, yeah I meant outfielder. I was also looking up some stuff on our corner infield prospects while I was nosing around Baseball America.

I like that this shows we are digging around the international FA market and yes - we won't have that urge to sign another Chavez type next season (hopefully).

[mweb08]

Doesn't seem like he has a lot of potential, but seems like he has a good chance at being a good backup or mediocre starter. Got to like this move imo.

[Mike B]

Interesting for a number of reasons, IMO most notably some one signed from Cuba. Scratch Angelos of the dictator's Christmas list.

[bnickle]

Doesn't seem like he has a lot of potential, but seems like he has a good chance at being a good backup or mediocre starter. Got to like this move imo.

Exactly. I was thinking he's almost immediate legit MLB depth.

[Tucker Blair]

ON: http://orioles-natio... ... ng-report/

scouting report from Don.

[RVAbird]

Nothing earth-shattering, but a scout friend just told me "long-shot ML regular, likely tweener/4th OF. Not enough speed to handle CF regularly, probably not enough in-game power to handle LF/RF." Certainly seems to make Hoes or Avery more expendable in a trade, and I think it's likely one of them gets shipped out in a package for a starter before the deadline.

Sounds like Urrutia could end up a second-division starter if he can manifest some of his average raw pop in-game, but likely is bench competition in 2013.

[mweb08]

Nothing earth-shattering, but a scout friend just told me "long-shot ML regular, likely tweener/4th OF. Not enough speed to handle CF regularly, probably not enough in-game power to handle LF/RF." Certainly seems to make Hoes or Avery more expendable in a trade, and I think it's likely one of them gets shipped out in a package for a starter before the deadline.

Sounds like Urrutia could end up a second-division starter if he can manifest some of his average raw pop in-game, but likely is bench competition in 2013.

Sounds good, thanks for the report. Would like to see you post more on here.

[DJ MC]

Nothing earth-shattering, but a scout friend just told me "long-shot ML regular, likely tweener/4th OF. Not enough speed to handle CF regularly, probably not enough in-game power to handle LF/RF." Certainly seems to make Hoes or Avery more expendable in a trade, and I think it's likely one of them gets shipped out in a package for a starter before the deadline.

Sounds like Urrutia could end up a second-division starter if he can manifest some of his average raw pop in-game, but likely is bench competition in 2013.

Definitely comes off as depth, and insurance for trading away Avery or Hoes or someone else in a deal.

[Greg Pappas]

It seems that the 25-yr old Urrutia (a 6'5/195 switch-hitting outfielder) is finally headed to Bowie.

http://www.mlbtrader... ... ioles.html

[Oriole85]

CSN Baltimore: Orioles still waiting on Cuban defector

http://www.csnbaltim...-cuban-defector

Recently, Cuba announced plans to liberalize its immigration policy and that should make it easier for Major League Baseball to scout and sign Cuban players.

[BSLChrisStoner]

NBC Sports / Hardball Talk: Still awaiting the arrival of Urrutia
http://hardballtalk....-henry-urrutia/

[RichardZ]

I thought he had set up residency in Haiti. If it's the Dominican Republic, then he should have at least hooked on with a winter league club to get the rust off. Not sure why that hasn't happened.

[Tucker Blair]

BA: Omar Luis, Henry Urrutia Having Visa Trouble With Haitian Documents http://www.baseballa... ... documents/


Annoying. But it is what it is.

[BSLChrisStoner]

MASN: Urrutia obtains work visa, arrives in Florida
http://www.masnsport...in-florida.html

[Mike B]

Good to see him get into camp. Still plenty of time to get acclimated and to show what he can do.

[Mike B]

I would imagine Urrutia stays in extended ST to work on things before being assigned to one of the minor league squads. Probably Frederick or more likely Bowie.