
The Red Sox have signed shortstop Jose Vinicio out of the Dominican Republic for $1.95 million. Vinicio, who became eligible to sign when he turned 16 on July 10, was widely regarded as one of the best position players available on this year's market.
Baseball America offered the following scouting report on Vinicio:
"(Jose) Vinicio is the top (Latin American) prospect who projects to stay at shortstop in pro ball. Scouts say (Miguel) Sano and Vinicio are two of the best athletes in Latin America, and while Vinicio lacks Sano's power stroke, he has very good bat speed and has shown the ability to drive the ball with some authority. Vinicio has a skinny, projectable frame, and scouts say the switch-hitter is better from the right side of the plate. In the field, Vinicio separates himself from his peers with good speed, range, arm strength and instincts."
For more on the signing of Vinicio and Cuban shortstop Jose Iglesias, who is believed to be close to signing with the Sox, visit the Full Count blog.