Michael Almanzar

From SoSH

Michael Almanzar (born December 2, 1990 in Santo Domingo, D.R.), was signed by the Boston Red Sox as an International Free Agent in July of 2007, out of the Dominican Republic. Almanzar received a signing bonus $1,500,000.

Contents 1 Scouting Report 2 Minor League Career 3 Trivia 4 External Links

Scouting Report

• A tall, lanky shortstop - Almanzar is extremely athletic, but also extremely raw. He's very thin now, but his frame looks like it has room to add a lot of muscle and strength. He signed at the age of 16 and hadn't played much organized ball prior to his signing, despite that he's the son of former MLB pitcher Carlos Almanzar. Offensively, Almanzar is mostly potential at this point. His stance and swing are closer to little-league than big league. He fidgets a lot in the box, has an open stance that tightens up a lot after a huge timing step. Regardless, he generates a lot of bat speed and has plus plus power potential. Almanzar is also a work-in-progress defensively. Not a great fielder at 3B yet, despite that he spent much of his (albeit limited) time before signing at SS. His arm is strong but erratic. Basically, he's the ultimate raw toolsly player, and the Red Sox apparently hope to turn him into a star from the ground up. ~ SoxProspects.com

Minor League Career

• Signed July 2, 2007 as a 16-year old international (Dominican) free agent.
• Received a Boston-record $1.5 million bonus.
• Will begin playing in the 2007 in the rookie leagues.

Trivia

• His $1.5 bonus was the highest ever paid by the Sox.
• Had link to Boston, as the Sox signed his father, former MLB pitcher Carlos Almanzar, and had him rehab an arm injury in Fort Myers.

External Links

• Michael Almanzar - Minor League Information Courtesy of Sox Prospects