Ferreira reaches agreement with scouts in Venezuela, DR, Curacao, Guatamala, Holland & Costa Rica

[ChaosLex]

masnSteve
Ferreira said he has reached agreements with scouts to work in Venezuela, DR, Curacao, Guatamala, Holland & Costa Rica.

Music to my ears. :boogie:

[ChaosLex]

masnSteve
Ferreira also said there is a real possibility of O's adding a Venezuelan academy and it could happen soon.

More music to my ears.

[incubus]

Nice X2!

[ChaosLex]

masnRoch
Duquette said he'll add more international scouts, and there could be more changes coming to the front office by Jan. 1. #orioles

My heart can't take all this prior to the winter meetings. :D;)

[SrMeowMeow]

This is great to hear.

[Can_of_corn]

My heart can't take all this prior to the winter meetings. :D;)

Don't worry Lex I am sure they are about to overspend on a bullpen arm or aging slugger.

[ChaosLex]

Probably a faux pas to rate my own thread. Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn. Heh.

[StrawDawg]

DD is really moving this Organization in the right direction and unlike MacPhail is sticking to his word as far as building from the ground up, with scouting and player development.

GREAT news!

[Frobby]

Wow, this is happening with lightning speed. Hopefully it will yield results, though we won't really know for a while.

[jonesing4pie]

Wow, this is happening with lightning speed. Hopefully it will yield results, though we won't really know for a while.

I'm very anxious to see what kind of results we see but it isn't even fair to make an assessment until after the first 5 years perhaps and by that time everything could be ripped up again.

[allstar1579]

Wow, this is happening with lightning speed. Hopefully it will yield results, though we won't really know for a while.

I was thinking the same thing. Now I have this weird uneasy feeling like this is too good to be true...where's the catch?

[RZNJ]

I'm very anxious to see what kind of results we see but it isn't even fair to make an assessment until after the first 5 years perhaps and by that time everything could be ripped up again.


It may take 5 years to see if it bears fruit at the ML level but we should have a pretty good idea within 2 years if we signed any legit prospects. It only took that long to realize that Schoop was a good find. I think we actually made some progress internationally under MacPhail, if only because the bar was set so low before. DD seems like he's about to take it to the next level.

[MrOrange82]

Holland?

[RZNJ]

Holland?

AKA The Netherlands. Baseball is pretty big over there and there are already quite a few prospects from there.

[ChaosLex]

Holland?

Vandenhurk. ;)

[Moose Milligan]

Awesome news. DD is wasting no time.

I'm a fan so far.

[JTrea81]

This is all great news....

...for the 2017 Orioles.

Still it's at least good to see that the Orioles are starting to rebuild their minors and scouting programs right off the bat. I like the aggressive nature thus far...

[Frobby]

Looks like Dave Stockstill is going to stay in the international area and report directly to Duquette:



"Fred Ferreira is one of the top talent scouts in the business," Duquette said. "One of the things that I felt we needed to put more resources toward was our international recruiting efforts, and Fred did a great job with the Yankees, signing a number of their core players. And we had the good fortune to work together in Montreal, and he signed some really top-quality players for the Expos, as well. And he's maintained all his contacts. He's ready to go back to work.

"The effort to boost the international recruiting is so we can be active in all the markets. International scouting is a passion of mine and something that I'm going to be paying very close attention to.

"I'm looking forward to having both these guys. They've got terrific track records in the industry. They'll be a great resource for all the young people in the organization."

Ferreira, who once signed Vladimir Guerrero for $2,500, and Stockstill will report to Duquette.

"It's going to be a group effort to recruit players from around the globe," Duquette said. "Fred has contacts in areas, Dave has contacts in other areas and we're going to be adding additional personnel that will have contacts in other areas. It's a pretty big world and we're going to leverage the contacts we have to recruit good players for the Orioles."

http://www.masnsports.com/school_of_roch/2011/12/dan-duquette-were-putting-the-band-back-together.html

[Can_of_corn]

Looks like Dave Stockstill is going to stay in the international area and report directly to Duquette:



http://www.masnsports.com/school_of_roch/2011/12/dan-duquette-were-putting-the-band-back-together.html

I am more concerned about who reports to him then who he reports to.

[crowmst3k!]

Excellent. I mean, this really should have been done years ago, but better than not doing it at all. Keeping the talent coming into the minor league system will be key to the Orioles executing more and more trades for established talent in the future.

[weams]

My heart can't take all this prior to the winter meetings. :D;)



He signed VandenHurk

[tennOsfan]

This sounds like a positive development, and one that is long overdue for this organization.

Really, this is better news than any single free agent signing that we could possibly make this winter.

[bobmc]

AKA The Netherlands. Baseball is pretty big over there and there are already quite a few prospects from there.

Davey Johnson managed/coached them (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netherlands_national_baseball_team) in the 2004 Olympics also. Plus Aruba and Curacao are part of the Netherlands, speaking of Schoop.

[Don Quixote]

The late Greg Halman was also from The Netherlands.

Excellent news from the OP, I agree.

[Frobby]

Here's a bit from Melewski: http://www.masnsports.com/steve_melewski/2011/12/os-add-international-scouts-;-venezuelan-academy-could-be-coming.html

[TakebackOPACY]

AKA The Netherlands. Baseball is pretty big over there and there are already quite a few prospects from there.

Eh, I'll betcha he misunderstood and their referring to the islands of the old Netherland Antilles.

EDIT: Referencing Vandenhurk... I stand corrected.

[Fan4Life]

I'm not missing La Carva yet.

[allstar1579]

I'm not missing La Carva yet.

Until LaCava helps sign Fielder this week...

[DrungoHazewood]

This sounds like a positive development, and one that is long overdue for this organization.

Really, this is better news than any single free agent signing that we could possibly make this winter.

Yea, obviously have to wait to see how this pans out, but this could well have a lot more impact on the future competitiveness of the organization than writing a bunch of checks to free agents.

It's almost like the Orioles are on the cusp of entering the 21st century.

[DrungoHazewood]

Eh, I'll betcha he misunderstood and their referring to the islands of the old Netherland Antilles.

EDIT: Referencing Vandenhurk... I stand corrected.

Holland is a fairly strong baseball country. A lot of their success at the WBC came because of their former colonies, but not all of it. I'm extremely happy and impressed the O's have some kind of scouting presence in Europe.

[ChaosLex]

Until LaCava helps sign Fielder this week...

Is this what you're hearing? I wouldn't be surprised, honestly.

[allstar1579]

Is this what you're hearing? I wouldn't be surprised, honestly.

They are a front runner. My money comes down to SEA, TOR or MIL.

[weams]

Holland is a fairly strong baseball country. A lot of their success at the WBC came because of their former colonies, but not all of it. I'm extremely happy and impressed the O's have some kind of scouting presence in Europe.


http://www.evtv1.com/player.aspx?itemnum=9011

[SoxHotCorner]

I knew you guys would be pleased with Duq right off the bat. He's strong in what everyone has been clamouring for years on this board. International presence. Consider the O's players in this market now. I'm happy to see this bringing a sigh of relief for may members on this board. We all knew what needed to be done, but for whatever reason it could never be executed until now. Awesome stuff so far!

[Sports Guy]

AKA The Netherlands. Baseball is pretty big over there and there are already quite a few prospects from there.

Yep...Remember, they beat up on the DR in the WBC.

You look for talent everywhere...as it should be.

Could you imagine what PA must have said? :

They play baseball other places than the USA?

[Sports Guy]

They are a front runner. My money comes down to SEA, TOR or MIL.

Fielder has always made a lot of sense for the BJs.

[xKHx]

Toronto has always made a lot of sense for the BJs.

Beer, football, and Christmas decorations are killing me the past two days lol because this statement made my head spin for a good three minutes.

[square634]

So much for that theory that MacPhail was working on building the international efforts but that it required baby steps.

[JDRex05]

So much for that theory that MacPhail was working on building the international efforts but that it required baby steps.

If MacPhail was taking "steps", I think DD just did a BASE jump.....

[JTrea81]

Until LaCava helps sign Fielder this week...

I doubt Fielder signs that quick. If it is the Blue Jays though that would make three teams in the AL East that figured out they needed a premium 1B man.

It would be nice to see the Orioles figure that one out eventually...

But none will be left for them to grab when they do, if they decided to pass on Fielder and Pujols.

[Sports Guy]

I doubt Fielder signs that quick. If it is the Blue Jays though that would make three teams in the AL East that figured out they needed a premium 1B man.

It would be nice to see the Orioles figure that one out eventually...

But none will be left for them to grab when they do, if they decided to pass on Fielder and Pujols.Are you going to continue to not answer this question?:

Is the only way this team can contend is if they have a premium first baseman?

[bandy75]

AKA The Netherlands. Baseball is pretty big over there and there are already quite a few prospects from there.

http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd497/bandy200/pMLB2-8725542dt-1-1.jpg

[JTrea81]

Are you going to continue to not answer this question?:

Is the only way this team can contend is if they have a premium first baseman?

The way they are constructed now and what is available for talent - yes.

[hoosiers]

You have to like the speed with which DD and team are adding scouts and filling holes in operations.

A few thoughts:
1) I hope the oldies network DD and company has can work its magic again.
2) I wonder if these are full time or part time scouts we are adding.
3) I wonder if the cross-checking by the American scouts philosophy of AM will be continued.
4) I am eager to see what DD does on the player development side.
5) Given the hires at key positions, expansion of US and international scouts, what Lacava was complaining about regarding control.

[Sports Guy]

The way they are constructed now and what is available for talent - yes.
Ok...so, you are saying there is only one way for this team to contend...and you don't see how incredibly idiotic that position is?

Oh well, its not going to happen and you will no longer have to subject yourself to being an O's fan by ST, so I guess it doesn't matter, right?

[Sports Guy]

You have to like the speed with which DD and team are adding scouts and filling holes in operations.

A few thoughts:
1) I hope the oldies network DD and company has can work its magic again.
2) I wonder if these are full time or part time scouts we are adding.
3) I wonder if the cross-checking by the American scouts philosophy of AM will be continued.
4) I am eager to see what DD does on the player development side.
5) Given the hires at key positions, expansion of US and international scouts, what Lacava was complaining about regarding control.Weren't you one of those arguing that doing these things take a lot of time?

So many of you defended AM over and over again...Rome not built in a day, blah blah blah.

This is what happens when you have someone who actually is aggressive and doesn't drag his feet.

Its not hard. You go out, have a plan and get the guys you want.

[24fps]

I was thinking the same thing. Now I have this weird uneasy feeling like this is too good to be true...where's the catch?

Yes, any progress that doesn't come at the cost of excruciating pain is somehow inauthentic. Such is the life of an Orioles fan these days.

;)

[lint06]

Ok...so, you are saying there is only one way for this team to contend...and you don't see how incredibly idiotic that position is?

Oh well, its not going to happen and you will no longer have to subject yourself to being an O's fan by ST, so I guess it doesn't matter, right?

Well, I'll give you this, SG, you are abrasive and aggressive toward multiple factions on the OH. BUT, at least you have a recognizable motif, a definite stance about what the Orioles should do and how they should do it, much as does...Trea.

[DrungoHazewood]

This is all great news....

...for the 2017 Orioles....

You're obviously exaggerating for effect, but the farther you go out in the future the more likely the Orioles are to be relevant.

[Enjoy Terror]

Are you going to continue to not answer this question?:

Is the only way this team can contend is if they have a premium first baseman?

This team is a contender when it finds pitching. The Rays scored less runs than we did last year, less than Toronto too. But we bled runs in pitching. I think we had the most runs scored against us in the MLB.

The offense isn't perfect, but it's not the problem.

[LookinUp]

Wow, this is happening with lightning speed. Hopefully it will yield results, though we won't really know for a while.

Here's what we do know.

We'll never get results if we never try.

FWIW, AM was definitely better than a zero on the Int'l scene, but it's obvious that DD will far surpass his committment. Hopefully he hits on a few guys.

[Tony-OH]

Weren't you one of those arguing that doing these things take a lot of time?

So many of you defended AM over and over again...Rome not built in a day, blah blah blah.

This is what happens when you have someone who actually is aggressive and doesn't drag his feet.

Its not hard. You go out, have a plan and get the guys you want.

Duquette is proving that it takes some aggressive leadership and some vision, but change can occur rather quickly when executed by someone with the ability to do so. I think it's becoming pretty obvious to those who bashed Duquette as a choice that he's not here to be a yes man and keep the status quo.

[hoosiers]

Weren't you one of those arguing that doing these things take a lot of time?

So many of you defended AM over and over again...Rome not built in a day, blah blah blah.

This is what happens when you have someone who actually is aggressive and doesn't drag his feet.

Its not hard. You go out, have a plan and get the guys you want.

You have a way of getting the board to think people wrote things they never wrote.

I said I was pleased with the international progress under AM and that as long as AM reached a good endgame - sufficient scouts and prospect spend - that I had patience to wait during the ramp up period.

International operations is frought with many perils from player age and juicing issues to scouts committing fraud with an organization's $ to organizations spending way too much $ on high end prospects. I believe part of AM's slow and deliberate build up in int'l spend was to avoid such problems and spend $ in a most efficient manner. I hope DD is able to avoid the perils as AM did.

There are many things AM did well, but also many areas where AM was cheap and "efficient" where it appears DD is going to spend lots more $ with likely a lesser, but still more than acceptable, return in building out a more complete organization in line with the better mlb organizations.

It also appears that DD is bringing in guys he knows and he can trust where AM appears to have worked with what he was given and what appeared to be working.

I am hopeful for DD as I was for AM.

[Lucky Jim]

Weren't you one of those arguing that doing these things take a lot of time?

So many of you defended AM over and over again...Rome not built in a day, blah blah blah.

This is what happens when you have someone who actually is aggressive and doesn't drag his feet.

Its not hard. You go out, have a plan and get the guys you want.

I don't think anyone said that it had to take a lot of time - just that there might be a logic/reason behind taking it more slowly. And, to be fair, we did have four years of advance work that shouldn't be ignored. I'm glad to see this investment, and the changes, myself. I say that without backing off (one iota) my belief that big-ticket/high-price Int'l FAs aren't a particularly sound investment - though I think a lot of talent can be bought in that $25,000-$250,000 range.

Let's also note that this ambition and rapid changeover, while likely Soma to the masses who believe that change in and of itself is good, hasn't actually resulted in anything. By any perspective, the approach should be wait-and-see. Syd Thrift had a pretty exciting buy-and-sell/make-things-happen approach, too. We ended up with Leslie Brea.

None of that is to say (i) that it's not exciting; (ii) that it's not overdue; or (iii) that I feel Duquette's done something wrong. On the contrary, I agree w/ Tony - these are good signs that he has some freedom.

[Sports Guy]

You have a way of getting the board to think people wrote things they never wrote.I said I was pleased with the international progress under AM and that as long as AM reached a good endgame - sufficient scouts and prospect spend - that I had patience to wait during the ramp up period.

International operations is frought with many perils from player age and juicing issues to scouts committing fraud with an organization's $ to organizations spending way too much $ on high end prospects. I believe part of AM's slow and deliberate build up in int'l spend was to avoid such problems and spend $ in a most efficient manner. I hope DD is able to avoid the perils as AM did.

There are many things AM did well, but also many areas where AM was cheap and "efficient" where it appears DD is going to spend lots more $ with likely a lesser, but still more than acceptable, return in building out a more complete organization in line with the better mlb organizations.

It also appears that DD is bringing in guys he knows and he can trust where AM appears to have worked with what he was given and what appeared to be working.

I am hopeful for DD as I was for AM.

I asked you if you were one of those guys, not accused.

And I don't just mean international stuff, I am making a general statement there about any aspect of things.

I know you were saying it takes time to hire scouts, etc...

No it doesn't. It takes an aggressive approach, knowing what you are doing and going after it.

I just wish DD could do what he wants with the ML team. I suspect that isn't the case.

[hoosiers]

I asked you if you were one of those guys, not accused.

And I don't just mean international stuff, I am making a general statement there about any aspect of things.

I know you were saying it takes time to hire scouts, etc...

No it doesn't. It takes an aggressive approach, knowing what you are doing and going after it.

I just wish DD could do what he wants with the ML team. I suspect that isn't the case.

I do not believe I posted much in the various, multiple, angry threads every 6-12 months that discussed the fewer scouts employed by the Os relative to our division - especially in the US. AM and Joe Jordan seemed to think there was sufficient US coverage despite our smaller number of scouts. I do not believe we received a sufficient explanation on the difference from the organization, but those are two good baseball folks from other organizations.

DD is making it seem easy to hire scouts and in some ways it may be given the number of old-timers and unemployed scouts. Perhaps these are quality scouts and perhaps we are picking up the discards of other organizations. We also do not know the compensation and level of involvement of the new scouts (full time, part time, etc), but generally more would be better. For our sake, hopefully there is quality within the quantity. We'll see.

[Bradysburns]

I doubt Fielder signs that quick. If it is the Blue Jays though that would make three teams in the AL East that figured out they needed a premium 1B man.

It would be nice to see the Orioles figure that one out eventually...

But none will be left for them to grab when they do, if they decided to pass on Fielder and Pujols.

No, you don't need a premium first baseman to win a WS. It helps, but a good first baseman will do.

[Bradysburns]

Until LaCava helps sign Fielder this week...

LaCarva may sign Fielder, but that doesn't mean signing Fielder makes sense for this team where it currently stands. I'm all for not signing Fielder. I think we should make that our #1 priority. #2 would be signing a pitching staff of some kind. Then we need a third baseman, and a left fielder, and some bullpen arms. Then with whatever is left over, we can buy Reynolds an even larger first baseman's glove - one larger than his head. That will save us around $200 million dollars right there!

[scOtt]

I'm not missing La Carva yet.

Just speculation... I think LaCava would have been fine. His approach may have differed fro DD but I think both would have shaken things up. When TLC turned us down I think everyone thought we were getting second tier choice. I'm just glad DD is looking so good (so far).