http://www.kansascity.com/sports/story/243353.htmlApparently the Royals have spent $900,000 to sign five 16-year-old prospects. Among them were SS's Yowill Espinal for $250,000 and Geulin Beltre for $230,000. Espinal exhibits gap power and seems a natural fit for Kauffman Stadium’s big power alleys. Some scouts prefer Beltre, who received a $230,000 bonus.
Baseball America reported the club also signed Venezuelan outfielder Vicni Pereira for $200,000, Dominican third baseman Samuel Carmona for $125,000 and Panamanian catcher Edul Escobar for $103,000.
Pereira projects as a power-hitting right fielder; Carmona is regarded as an advanced hitter with emerging power; and Escobar already shows polished game-calling skills.
All but Carmona will take part next month in the Instructional League in Surprise, Ariz., before returning to the Royals’ academy in the Dominican Republic.