The Pittsburgh Pirates recently signed four prospects out of Venezuela, including two 16-year-old pitchers last week. We heard that the Pirates were trying to expand their presence in Venezuela last month and it turns out that they recently signed a very influential scout in the country who no doubt had a hand in signing these newest players.
Emilio Carrasquel, who has worked in Venezuela for the Seattle Mariners since 2001, is now with the Pirates. He has signed numerous Venezuelan players for the Mariners who reached the majors, including the big prize of Felix Hernandez, plus players like Asdrubal Cabrera and Luis Valbuena. Carrasquel has also signed players out of Brazil, including Thyago Vieira, who tops 100 MPH with his fastball, and pitcher Luis Gohara. Both debuted in the majors last year.
Below, you can see Carrasquel working with outfielder Andres Monzon last week, who is eligible to sign during the upcoming July 2nd signing period.
https://twitter.com/fsbacademy/status/969961343901143048
