THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,384 MLB PLAYERS | 15,801 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,384 MLB PLAYERS | 15,801 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Create Account
Sign in Create Account
Draft  | State Preview | 5/10/2011

State Preview: Puerto Rico

David Rawnsley
Photo: Ryan Young
 In the weeks leading up to the draft, Perfect Game will be providing a detailed overview of each state in the U.S., including the District of Columbia, as well as Canada and Puerto Rico.  These overviews will list the state's strengths, weaknesses and the players with the best tools, as well as providing mini-scouting reports on all Group 1 and 2 players.

Puerto Rico State-by-State List (link)
 
Puerto Rico / Virgin Islands Overview:
Player Exodus Leaves Islands Shy of High-End Talent
 
The overriding story in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands for this year’s draft is who could have been drafted from the two U.S. Caribbean-island territories, not who will be drafted.
 
Shortstops Francisco Lindor and Javier Baez, who were born and raised in Puerto Rico, are strong candidates to be drafted in the first round out of Florida high schools, while Virgin Islands native Deshorn Lake, a righthander, is a potential top-3 round pick from his Virginia high school.
 
All three prospects are established talents on the U.S. mainland and were 2010 Aflac All-Americans.
 
Lindor and Baez have very similar backgrounds. Lindor was raised in Caguas in the east-central part of Puerto Rico, before moving to Toa Baja on the northern coast in 2003. Baez grew up in Toa Baja and the two eventually played in the same youth organization in 2004, though in different age groups.
 
A former coach in that league says he is certain that the two future top prospects played a game or two against each other. Baez subsequently moved to Jacksonville in 2005, while Lindor relocated to the Orlando area a year later.
 
Lake had already put himself on the prospect map as a 16-year-old in the Virgin Islands, when he was already touching 94 mph. He moved to Newport News, Va., in 2009 to play baseball in a more structured high-school environment and has excelled for Menchville High as both a junior and senior.
 
That exodus of those players, in particular, leaves a void in the 2011 Puerto Rican draft class, and only one player, righthander Jorge Lopez, is projected to be drafted in the top three rounds.
 
Lopez, who has been compared by scouts on the island to veteran major-league righthander Javier Vazquez, is the most unusual of Puerto Rican prospects as he is a very projectable pitcher, and yet already has a low-90s fastball and feel for spinning a breaking ball. He could become the highest-drafted pitcher from Puerto Rico since righthander Luis Atilano was selected by the Atlanta Braves with the 35th overall selection in 2003.
 
Lopez is from a region of the island that is best-known for producing positional talent, and not surprisingly the 6-foot-4 righthander is a converted shortstop. He moved to the mound two years ago, when he started concentrating on baseball full-time. Prior to that, he excelled in track and field, volleyball and basketball, in addition to baseball.
 
After Lopez, there are perhaps a half-dozen solid position prospects with the potential to go in the first 10 rounds. However, there may end up being no more players drafted overall this year from Puerto Rico than were a year ago, when only 15 players were selected, 11 of whom signed.
 
That low total points to what has been a steady, downward trend concerning Puerto Rico and the draft. In both 2004 and 2006, 35 players were drafted that were products of Puerto Rican high schools. Two years ago, in what was considered a banner draft on the island, 33 players were selected. When Puerto Rico first entered the draft in 1989, there were 59 selections that year.
 
Part of the reason for the decline in interest in Puerto Rican talent can be attributed to the change in draft rules in 2007 that eliminated the old “draft-and-follow” rule, which provided an opportunity for major-league teams to draft players and retain their signing rights until a week before the next draft, provided that they did not attend four-year schools. That has discouraged teams from taking mid- or late-round fliers on young, undeveloped Puerto Ricans and monitoring their growth and improvement.
 
The annual Excellence Games, perhaps the biggest scouting attraction for Puerto Rican players each year, were held May 4-7. It provided the best opportunity for most clubs to see the premier Puerto Rican talent for this year’s draft assembled in one location.
 
Possibly the biggest surprise of all at that event was lefthander Cesar Ogando, who was draft-eligible last year but passed over. He has been attending a junior college in Puerto Rico since then, but has not played organized baseball of any significance as there are no college baseball programs there. Ogando, who is still 18 years old, flashed a fastball up to 94 mph. While his command and secondary pitches were inconsistent, he showcased the necessary arm strength to be drafted in the first 5-7 rounds.
 
The Major League Scouting Bureau holds one of its annual workouts in Puerto Rican just prior to the Excellence Games, and the main attraction for cross-checkers this year was Virgin Islands righthander Richard White. While White didn’t pitch at 92-93 mph as he did for scouts earlier in the spring, he nonetheless had a loose arm and projectable frame, and is also a candidate for the first 10 rounds.
 
One thing that almost certainly won’t happen this year is a player from the island receiving a signing bonus to match the one Dickie Lee Thon received from the Toronto Blue Jays in the fifth-round pick a year ago as an inducement to pass up a scholarship offer to Rice. He signed for $1.5 million, nearly $400,000 more than the bonus given Puerto Rican outfielder Reymond Fuentes, a first-round pick a year earlier.
 
Thon’s bonus, the equivalent of a mid-first round slot, was driven not only by his high-ceiling talent but by his academic credentials and big-league bloodlines as he is the son of former major-league all-star shortstop Dickie Thon.
 
While this year’s crop is considered modest by Puerto Rican standards, scouts should have plenty to look forward to in 2012. Shortstop Carlos Correa from the Puerto Rican Baseball Academy is a 6-foot-3, 190-pound, five-tool package and may be the best prospect to come from Puerto Rico in at least a decade.
 
Puerto Rico / Virgin Islands in a Nutshell:
 
STRENGTH: Premium Position Prospects.
WEAKNESS: Pitching Depth.
OVERALL RATING (1-to-5 scale): 3.
 
PROSPECT ON THE RISE: Cesar Ogando, lhp, Caribbean College. One scout compared the 6-foot-3 Ogando to a “shorter C.C. Sabathia,” for his body type. His fastball jumped from the upper-80s early in the spring to 91-94 mph in early May.
 
PROSPECT ON THE DECLINE: Gabriel Rosa, ss, Colegio Hector Urdaneta HS, Rio Grande. Rosa didn’t perform well at the Excellence Games, potentially costing himself a spot in the top three rounds, according to scouts.
 
WILD CARD: Michael Perez, c, Francisco Oller HS, Catano. Perez has fought injuries in the past, but a lefthanded-hitting catcher with power and arm strength always tempts scouts.
 
BEST OUT-OF-STATE PROSPECT, Puerto Rico/Virgin Islands Connection: Francisco Lindor, ss, Montverde Academy, Clermont, Fla. (raised in Caguas, P.R., and Toa Baja, P.R., before moving to Florida in 2006).
 
TOP 2012 PROSPECT: Carlos Correa, ss, Puerto Rico Baseball Academy.
 
HIGHEST DRAFT PICKS
Draft History: Ramon Castro, c, Rivera HS, Vega Baja (1994, Astros/1st round, 17th pick).
2006 Draft: Hector Correa, rhp, Lorenzo Coballes Gandia HS, Hatillo (Marlins/4th round).
2007 Draft: Reynaldo Navarro, ss, Puerto Rico Baseball Academy (Diamondbacks/3rd round).
2008 Draft: Javier Rodriguez, of, Puerto Rico Baseball Academy (Mets/2nd round).
2009 Draft: Reymond Fuentes, of, Fernando Callejo HS, Manati (Red Sox/1st round, 28th pick).
2010 Draft: Eddie Rosario, of, Rafael Lopez Landon HS, Guayama (Twins/4th round).
 
BEST TOOLS
Best Hitter: Jean Delgado, ss, Isabel Flores HS, Juncos.
Best Power: Gabriel Rosa, ss, Colegio Hector Urdaneta HS, Rio Grande.
Best Speed: Ismael Salgado, of, International Baseball Academy, Toa Alta.
Best Defender: Christian Otero, ss, Puerto Rico Baseball Academy, Vega Baja.
Best Velocity: Cesar Ogando, lhp, Caribbean College.
Best Breaking Stuff: Jorge Lopez, rhp, Acadamia la Milagrosa, Cayey.
 
TOP PROSPECTS, GROUPS ONE and TWO
 
GROUP ONE (Projected ELITE-Round Draft / Rounds 1-3)
 
1. JORGE LOPEZ – rhp, Academia la Milagrosa, Cayey
Very athletic 6-4/180, new to pitching, 89-92 mph FB, good feel for CU, sound delivery, high-ceiling talent.
 
GROUP TWO (Projected HIGH-Round Draft / Rounds 4-10)
 
2. GABRIEL ROSA – ss, Colegio Hector Urdaneta HS, Rio Grande
Long 6-4/180 build, future 3B/OF, 6.7 runner, big power potential, present strength, solid arm strength.
3. MICHAEL PEREZ – c, Francisco Oller HS, Catano
Solid 5-11/175, pull hitter with plus power, quick bat, plus throwing arm, receiving skills still a bit raw.
4. CESAR OGANDO – lhp, Caribbean College
Big bodied 6-3 build, local JC student but still 18, FB to 94 mph, flashes quality to CU/CH, Big velo jump.
5. JEAN DELGADO – ss, Isabel Flores HS, Juncos
Slender 6-0/150, polished player, whippy bat speed with gap power, quick feet, soft hands, 6.6. runner.
6. RICHARD WHITE – rhp, St. Croix Eductional HS, St. Thomas, V.I.
Wiry 6-1/175 frame, long loose arm action, high three-quarters release, FB up to 93 mph, off speed coming.
7. VIMEAL MACHIN – ss/c, Puerto Rico Baseball Academy, Caguas
LH hitter with power, good balanced approach, + arm strength, SS now but BA speed projects him as a C.
8. NEFTALI ROSARIO – c, Puerto Rico Baseball Academy, Gurabo
Mature 5-11/195, top catch/throw defender in P.R., polished, some bat speed, still developing as a hitter.
9. CRISITIAN OTERO – ss, Puerto Rico Baseball Academy, Vega Baja
Best defensive SS in P.R., + range/actions, slick glove, strong arm, lacks present strength at plate.
10. ISMAEL SALGADO – of, International Baseball Academy, Toa Alta
Excellent speed, good outfield instincts, beginnings of some bat speed, 6-1/155 frame, needs to get stronger.
Give us your feedback
Draft | Story | 12/10/2025

PG Draft: Post-Lottery Draft Targets
Tyler Kotila
Article Image
On Tuesday night, the MLB Draft Lottery took place, and the draft order has officially been set for July. With draft slots finalized, teams can now begin narrowing in on the prospects most likely to be available when they are on the clock. From polished college players to high-upside preps, several potential targets are already emerging as ideal fits based on past draft philosophy and finalized draft position. Let’s take a look at potential targets for the six teams that were awarded a lottery pick.  1. Chicago White Sox Potential Targets:  -Roch Cholowsky, SS, UCLA -Grady Emerson, SS, Fort Worth Christian HS (Tex.) -Gio Rojas, LHP, Marjory Stoneman Douglas HS (Fla.) The White Sox took home the top spot at the MLB Draft Lottery, staying true to their spot, with the highest odds to earn the first-overall draft pick amongst lottery-eligible teams this year. This will only...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 12/13/2025

Finest in the Field: Class of 2029

Tyler Russo
Article Image
Finest in the Field: Class of 2026 | Class of 2027 | Class of 2028 These guys might just be entering high school, but they've certainly already made a name for themselves on the national circuit, especially with their abilities on the defensive side of things.  C: Xavier Rodriguez (Logansville, GA) Rodriguez is a polished defender with real arm strength behind the dish, while showcasing the ability to impact the baseball with authority to all fields evident by thirty of his sixty-five hits going for extra-bases including seven bombs. He handles high-level pitching extremely well, commands his staff and his offensive prowess makes him a true two-way asset. 1B: Cooper Knight (Buda, TX) Knight is a smooth operator at first base with plenty of range, fluidity and agility in his footwork around the bag. Add-in a rocket for an arm, the ability to change slots and to...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 12/12/2025

Scout Stories: Part 5

AJ Denny
Article Image
Best Game I Saw: The Dream NTL 18U vs. MBA Scout Team Murphy Jupiter always brings out the best, and we got fireworks from the jump. Turner Marshall gave The Dream an outstanding 4+ innings of work on the mound, holding a lethal MBA team at bay with Chance Dixon, Derrick Carter, and Ellis Appling providing an offensive spark out of the gate for the Georgia based boys. However, it was only a matter of time before the talent on the other side got going, as MBA erased a 3-run deficit in the 5th to take a 4-3 lead led by a Parker Loew HR. The Dream then took command again in the Top of the 6th, before MBA punched right back with a huge 5-run inning in the bottom half capped off by a clutch RBI single from Matthew Kerrigan, ending a wild sequence with tons of notable performances from two very competitive rosters. Best Tournament Performance I Saw: Surely someone has already brought this...
Read More
College | Story | 12/12/2025

College Notebook: December 12

Craig Cozart
Article Image
Nebraska Cornhuskers 2025 Highlights: The Cornhuskers were a difficult team to figure in ’25 as they finished with 33 wins, played just .500 (15-15) in the Big Ten but had some big wins at various times during the season and got hot at the right time. They knocked off then #16 Vanderbilt in the second game of the year, beat #5 Oregon State 2-out-of-3 at home in late March and then got hot at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha to win the Big Ten Tournament. They beat Michigan State in a 10-inning thriller before taking care of #4 Oregon, knocking off Penn State and then shutout #13 UCLA to punch their ticket to the Chapel Hill Regional. Head coach Will Bolt has now led his alma mater to three conference titles and three NCAA Regional appearances during his six years in Lincoln. No different than when he was a player, Bolt’s teams play with passion and toughness, this was never more...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 12/12/2025

Finest in the Field: Class of 2028

Troy Sutherland
Article Image
Finest in the Field: Class of 2026 | Class of 2027 You like athletes? You like defenders who can impact a game at any given point? Look not further than this class as it's loaded from coast-to-coast with elite defenders all over the diamond.  C: Brogan Witcher, Bakersfield, CA Our scouting staff got several strong looks at Witcher whether that was at the Summer Kickoff, Sophomore National or the Underclass All American Games where he showcased his strong overall skillset and especially his advanced ability behind the plate. His 6-foot-3,180 pound build looks like one that will fill in quite nicely and be that big and physical catcher’s frame. His arm talent is undeniable where he gets it out quick and runs it up to 79 mph on throwdowns to 2nd (1.84 pop). Besides the standout catch/throw ability, we’ve seen him frame/receive strong arms and block it well during...
Read More
Softball | Softball Tournament | 12/11/2025

PG Softball "Toys 4 Tots" Fundraiser 18U division

Dave Durbala
Article Image
BURLINGTON, IA - 2025 Perfect Game Softball Toys 4 Tots Fundraiser One Day, December 7, 2025. Kicking off the holiday season, six teams participated in this one day, 3 game guarantee tournament in the 18u Division. We would like to thank those that donated a toy, and know that they will be distributed to area underprivileged children through a local charity organization. Following are some of the top performers from the weekend. Earning Tournament MV-Pitcher was Jolee Strohmeyer (2026 Dubuque, IA), a RHP/UTIL with tournament champion Lady Expos Blue. Strohmeyer shows hitters a consistent and repeatable motion and delivery with good use of the legs in the drive phase, and a quick and aggressive arm whip. Working with a six pitch mix of fastball, change-up, rise, drop, curve and screw, Strohmeyer topped out at 60 mph, and showed good movement  as she worked her rise and curve just out...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 12/11/2025

Scout Stories: Part 4

Tyler Henninger
Article Image
Scout Notes: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 Best Game I Saw: Hudson Reed (‘26, GA) torches this ball to deep CF for a solo 💣. Generates easy power that plays to the big part of the yard. Middle of the order traits #UBCWest @PG_Georgia @PG_Uncommitted pic.twitter.com/UXqDVFmUBx — Perfect Game California (@California_PG) June 18, 2025 I was fortunate enough to see a lot of highly competitive games with loads of talent on the field, the game that sticks out to me the most was Alpha Prime 2026 vs. ZT National Prospects at the UBC West. The game was an efficiently played affair with arms dominating on both sides. Graham Schlicht was masterful for Alpha, striking out 12 hitters over 5 dominant innings. PG All-American Julian Cazares came out of the pen blowing smoke, touching 97 mph with the fastball. On the other side, Jake Carbaugh surrendered just one hit and...
Read More
Press Release | Press Release | 12/11/2025

PG Believe In Baseball Announces Awards Dinner

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
    667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923 www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   THE PERFECT GAME BELIEVE IN BASEBALL FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES DETAILS FOR FIRST ANNUAL “IN THE SPIRIT OF THE GAME” AWARDS DINNER AND AUCTION   Los Angeles, California (Thursday, December 11, 2025) – The Perfect Game Believe in Baseball Foundation, together with Perfect Game leadership of Chairman Rick Thurman and CEO Rob Ponger, has announced the inaugural “In the Spirit of the Game” event, an evening of baseball and laughter, taking place Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the iconic Laugh Factory in Hollywood, Calif. The evening supports the Foundation’s mission to provide financial assistance and resources that allow deserving young athletes to play, learn and grow through the...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 12/11/2025

Finest in the Field: Class of 2027

AJ Denny
Article Image
Finest in the Field: Class of 2026 Elite defenders from coast to coast certainly seems to be a strength and to think you could make another top-tier team without thinking, speaks to the real depth this group possesses. The infield is a no-doubt strength of the group, but what catcher Dariel Carrion can do behind the plate is like something we haven't seen in a while in the prep ranks with an absolutely bazooka of an arm.  C: Dariel Carrion (San Juan, PR)  It isn’t often you get a catching prospect as athletic and natural as Dariel Carrion, a big reason why he holds the rank of #1 player in PR and #18 nationally. Metrics wise, the 5-foot-10, 210 pound San Juan native is all you can ask for and more, posting a sub 1.80 pop time with an 84 mph arm behind the dish. He has both contact and clear power threat on the offensive end, ending 2025 with a .337 BA and 4 HRs while also...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 12/10/2025

Finest in the Field: Class of 2026

Tyler Henninger
Article Image
The Class of 2026 is one of the deeper prep classes that we have seen in a couple of years. With that being said, there is plenty of talent on the defensive side. Let’s take a look at some of the best defenders in the class.  C: Will Brick, Christian Brothers HS (Memphis, TN) Brick is a newcomer to the class after reclassifying, but immediately became the top backstop. Extremely advanced actions are shown behind the dish with impressive athleticism to go with it. Brick showcases big time arm strength and is consistently accurate on throw downs. He can make playing the position look extremely easy at times. Brick possesses all the defensive tools needed to be a premier catcher.  1B: AJ Curry, University City HS (San Diego, CA) Curry has a bigger and stronger frame with good strength throughout. He has a well-proportioned build that serves him well on the dirt. He’s...
Read More
General | Blog | 12/10/2025

Youth Baseball Exec. DeDonatis III Joins PG

Jim Salisbury
Article Image
Youth Baseball Executive Don DeDonatis III Joins PG By Jim Salisbury  It’s free-agent season in baseball and Perfect Game has landed a big one. Don DeDonatis III joined PG as a consultant in November. The DeDonatis name is synonymous with youth baseball and softball. Along with his dad, Don Jr., DeDonatis helped build USSSA into a big hitter in the game. He brings decades of experience and knowledge to PG. “We all acknowledge that Donny has moved on from USSSA,” PG CEO Rob Ponger said. “This is a new chapter for him and we hope both sides take advantage of it to help youth sports in general. “The DeDonatis name has a legacy attached to it and we’re hoping that Donny is going to help us. PG is a growing brand and he’s on board to help.” DeDonatis was CEO at USSSA from 2018 until his exit from the company two years ago. “I’m...
Read More
Loading more articles...
About Perfect Game :: Contact us :: Terms of Use :: Privacy Policy :: Testimonials :: Job Opportunities
Copyright 1994-2025 by Perfect Game. All rights reserved. No portion of this information may be reprinted or reproduced without the written consent of Perfect Game.