July 3
Paul DePodesta told ESPNNewYork.com; “He’s a very solid defender at shortstop — definitely stays at the position,” when talking about 16-year old Yoel Romero.
Romero was not ranked in the Top 30 in Baseball America’s ranking.
July 2
With the July 2nd deadline to sign international players fast approaching, the Mets have been active today. They’ve added a pair of young shortstops out of Venezuela– a market they’ve been very aggressive in during past years and are expected to be once again this July.
Baseball America has done a great job reporting these signings as well as adding some info on the players which will be featured below.
Yoel Romero, who stands 6 foot, 175 pounds was signed for $300,000.
From Baseball America:
Romero moves around well at shortstop with good agility and average arm strength that plays up because of his short arm stroke and quick release. More quick than fast, he’s a fringy runner with gap power from the right side and projection to grow into more strength.
Shortly after, the Mets announced the signing of another shortstop, 16-year old Edgardo Fermin for $250,000. Fermin is 6 feet, 145 pounds.
Fermin’s game will benefit from additional strength, with solid tools that play up because of his advanced instincts and feel for the game. He’s a below-average runner with a fringy arm but is smooth at shortstop and moves around well at the position. He has shown a line-drive stroke from the right side with occasional gap power and the ability to hang in against good velocity.