Monday Bantering: Gurriel up, International signings

There are a couple of bits of Blue Jays news this morning.

I didn’t notice it, but yesterday Darnell Sweeney was optioned to Buffalo and, this morning, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. was called up.

Sweeney got into yesterday’s game as a defensive replacement but didn’t get an at bat for the Jays.

Gurriel has been up two times this season. He played in 21 games, has a .222/.243/.361 line with 3 home runs, 2 walks and 19 strikeouts in 74 PA. In Buffalo he has a .281/.308/.452 line. I’m hoping he gets to stay up this time. I’d like to see him walk more, but he gives the team someone who can spell our regulars at second, short and third, which would be better than seeing Martin out at those spots.

And Dan Jarrett reports that the Jays are espected to sign international free agents Orelvis Martinez (SS), Javier D’Orazio (C) and Amell Brazoban (OF).

The big one is Orelvis Martinez, a SS, out of the Dominican Republic who is to get $3.5 million from the Jays. Nice money for a 16-year-old. He’s 6’1”, 181 lb

Ben Badler tweets that it is expected to be the the top bonus for an international player this summer. Baseball America ranks him 7th In their top 50 international prospects list.

MLB has this line about Martinez: Orelvis Martinez, a power-hitting shortstop from the D.R. sometimes compared to a young Adrian Beltre. I’m ok will that comparision.

Baseball America says:

Martinez is expected to receive the highest bonus of any international player when the 2018-19 signing period opens on July 2, likely pushing past $3 million with the Blue Jays the favorites. He has fast hands and a calm, easy swing that generates power and loft from right-center over to his pull side.

Martinez should get a chance to begin his career as a shortstop, but he projects as more of a strong, physical player than an athletic shortstop, with a skill set that would fit well at third base.

Here is some video: