July 2, 2007 at 8:58 PM
Sox sign $1.5-million bonus baby Almanzar
The Red Sox have reportedly signed Dominican SS-3B Michael Almanzar to a $1.5-million signing bonus. Almanzar, 16, was one of the most highly-sought after prospects in the well regarded July 2007 early international signings class. He is the son of former MLB pitcher Carlos Almanzar, a pitcher currently rehabbing in the Sox minor league system. Michael Almanzar spent time with the Red Sox in Extended Spring Training earlier this season. He has spectacular power potential with a great swing and an athletic build. His glove is not up to par at this point, and he is projected to be shuffled to 3B down the line. Almanzar's $1.5-million bonus is the highest ever given to an international free agent by the Red Sox.