The Pittsburgh Pirates recently signed four prospects out of Venezuela, including two 16-year-old pitchers last week. We heard that the Pirates were trying to expand their presence in Venezuela last month and it turns out that they recently signed a very influential scout in the country who no doubt had a hand in signing these newest players.
Emilio Carrasquel, who has worked in Venezuela for the Seattle Mariners since 2001, is now with the Pirates. He has signed numerous Venezuelan players for the Mariners who reached the majors, including the big prize of Felix Hernandez, plus players like Asdrubal Cabrera and Luis Valbuena.