Pirates Sign Five Latin American Players
Pittsburgh (KDKA)- The Pirates signed the following players as non-drafted free agents. Included with each player is a
quote from Latin America Director of Scouting Rene Gayo.
Adolfo Flores, RHP, 5-11, 170 lbs, 18 years old, Born in Nicaragua:
Rene Gayo: "Adolfo is a lean strong body young man with well above average arm action. His fastball is 87-91 with
an above average ability to spin his curveball. He is a strong competitor from a rural area of an underdeveloped
country (Nicaragua) that we feel has a strong opportunity to develop into a solid Major League starting pitcher."
Juan Mendoza, RHP, 6-0, 220 lbs, 25 years old, Born in Dom. Republic:
Rene Gayo: "Juan is a little older player than is often signed in the Dominican Republic but with his natural
competitive feel for the mound and his combination of pitches we felt it necessary to sign him. He has a power arm
at 91-94 miles per hour and believe this is a solid acquisition."
Edgar Munoz, SS/2B/OF, 5-9, 147 lbs, 19 years old, Born in Panama
*Rene Gayo: "Edgar is a very high energy switch hitter with above average speed and the defensive versatility to play
middle infield and the outfield. He is a highly competitive and confident player that we are happy to add."
Anthony Claudio, OF, 6-0, 180 lbs, 18 years old, Born in Venezuela
Rene Gayo: "Anthony is a player that physically resembles a young Magglio Ordonez. He has a short strong swing
and uses the outfield gaps well. He also has solid average arm strength and speed. This is a young man with solid
character and future bat potential."
Keybel Escobar, OF, 5-11, 180 lbs, 17 years old, Born in Venezuela
Rene Gayo: "Keybel is a young but physically developed athlete with above average speed. He has a short contact
swing and solid arm strength. He is the son of a former cricket player from the island of Trinidad who immigrated
to Venezuela. This is a solid character athlete that has great upside to his ability."
