Around the World, the Pirates get better

I just thought I would take a quick moment to talk about one of the ways the Pirates have gotten better as an organization. And if the new collective bargaining makes it tough to sign over the slot, this is the most important ways the Pirates are better: International Signings.

I write this now because Danny Arribas is about to start playing in the DSL. Arribas plays catcher, third base, and outfield. He was a signee from the Netherlands.

The Pirates will also be returning Dovydas Neverauskas in the Rookie League this year. He is from Lithuania and throws 93-94. Plus he is only 17 and he is 6'3". Thus, a very projectable pitcher. Worth a shot.

The Pirates have in the recent past signed guys from India, China, and a pitcher from Japan who briefly played in the majors.

This is all in addition to the improvement in the traditional gold mine of Central America. Luis Heredia is the best position. The Pirates missed out on, but were in the running with Miguel Sano. However they won the Heredia sweepstakes. He will be in the GCL this year.

The Pirates have had some guys show up like Diego Moreno and Eric Avila (although he is struggling now), who have shown signs of producing. This is important for long term success as good team don't draft first overall.