Jan. 7, 1981
Matt signed on with the Twins organization for a bonus of $40,200, giving me my first big check since Mike's signing bonus a few years ago.
More promising news for the agency came with the signing of four new clients. My outreach at the winter meetings the past few years has been a big help.
Johnny Stanley, an 18-year-old from Washington, DC, became the first pitcher signed to my agency, and he could be a true star. The lefty has an unorthodox four-pitch mix of a plus sinker, a plus splitter, a plus forkball, and a changeup that projects well below average. His stuff should develop to be well above average, and his command is so strong that he won't give up many home runs. Stanley has the potential to win multiple Cy Young awards if he pans out.
16-year-old Jim Bridges is a right-handed pitcher out of NYC. He is a long, lean, athletic starting pitcher who relies heavily on his slider, the best of his three pitches (he also throws a cutter and a changeup). His stuff has always been good, but he gives up a fair number of homers. I don't think he'll pan out to be more than an emergency call-up or an occasional spot starter.
My next signee was
Cody Allen, a 23-year-old right-handed reliever. His three-pitch repertoire includes an above-average fastball, a curveball with good depth, and a strong changeup. Everyone raves about his big-time stuff. He's projected to be a late-inning reliever.
My final player signed this offseason was
Lee Maye. He's a 24-year-old outfielder from Tuscaloosa. He has above-average contact skills with a smooth swing, quick hands, and good pitch recognition and could hit above .300. His power potential projects to be decent. He's a slow runner, but he has good instincts and could steal a few bases. He's projected to be an above-average, everyday big league player.
My new clients will enter the draft in December.