The Padres made a splash on Day 1 of the 2012 international signing period, inking 6-foot-2 third baseman Carlos Belen to a $1 million deal.  Baseball America ranked Belen eighth among international prospects, citing his advanced bat as the reason behind his high ranking.

Belen features a short swing not often seen in players his own age or experience level and projects to hit for average and power down the road.  Defensively, the evaluations of Belen range from above average potential to near guarantees he’ll move off the position.  Belen does feature above average arm strength but his footwork and instincts at the position are very much on the raw end – even for a 16-year-old prospect.  Continue reading “Padres Sign Dominican Third Baseman Carlos Belen” »