Thanks to their rotten 2012 finish, the Red Sox have moved up the food chain in pursuit of International Free Agents (a process that began at midnight last night). Their $3.18 million of spending cash is seventh-highest in all of MLB, and they will likely be aggressive in signing one or two players. The most intriguing to us is Dominican outfielder
Micker Adolfo Zapata. Ranked #2 overall by MLB.com, the 6'3" 199-pound Zapata would give Boston something they haven't had in years—a big, powerful outfielder with a canon for an arm. Zapata is currently a corner outfielder, but some project center field as his best position in the majors. He is an "all-tools" player, who is still a little rough around the edges, but could be a plus-plus power guy for a long time. For perspective, last year, Boston drafted then 16-year old Dominican pitcher
Jose Almonte—now playing in the Dominican Summer League and sporting a 2-0 record and 1.00 ERA in 18 innings of work. Stay tuned for some news today or tomorrow on 2013 signings.
