IFA News

1. Carlos Espinoza, P, San Diego Dirt Bags : A near ready ML starter, although he is listed as the #1 ML starter. A season at AAA at least would have been beneficial I would think. But then, when the need is great, there isn't much choice. He has decent control, good splits and three good to decent pitches. Maturity will go a long way for this young gun. For 16M, I think was money well spent.

2. Eswalin James, 2B, Milwaukee Brewers : A defensive gem at 2B or 3B and could play a weak SS and CF to boot. If the coaching staff could break his habit of closing his eyes when he swings, could make him an exceptional hitter, but I don't see it happening. For 12M+ was a good buy.

3. Fernando Cerda, 2B, Vancouver Canadians : Another 2B defensive gem and could play a weak CF. Not a power hitter but should hit for high average with 10 to 15 dingers thrown in. Pretty good signing for 11M+.

4. Al Limon, P, New York Mets : Very good control and good pitches for a long reliever. A great pickup for 8M+.

5. Domingo Jose, 2B, Huntington Good Will : My scouts say he isn't a 2B or even close to one, but would find duty in LF. Fielding wasn't the reason for being signed, hitting was and power hitting is his specialty. A good pickup for 7.5M.

Other Big impact signings:
Ivan Durazo, C, Trenton Ball Hogs : Not that great a catcher but he can hit a ton.

Gorkys Diaz, RF, Oklahoma City Kevin Durants : Somewhat weak glove but very good with a bat.

Horacio Hernandez, P, Washington D.C. Senators : Setup or closer should be a great addition even with a weak vsL.

Hector Benitez, P, Dover Dung Beetles : May be a very good starter, time will tell, but for the price makes for a great signing.

Tito Peterson, C, Washington D.C. Senators : Maybe not the greatest catcher but I like his hitting style and for the money, a good pick.

Vic Santiago, C, Cleveland Indians : A prototypical defensive PC catcher. Maybe not the greatest hitter, but he will wait on his pitch and put the ball in play. And a very cheap pickup.

Victor Ramirez, C, Vancouver Canadians: Not nearly as good as Vic in the catching department but will hit much better.

Harry Espinoza, CF, San Diego Dirt Bags : CF is a stretch but 2B is not and could turn into a good defensive bench player at the ML level.

Matty Ortega, P, St. Louis Barracudas : For the price he was a steal. I am not kind with left handed pitchers whose vsR is below 65, but his low price makes him the steal of the IFA market at the moment.