Chunichi Signs Four out of The Dominican

Chunichi found a gem last year in the previously unheralded Tony Blanco, and is looking for more of the same. The Dragons have been scouting the Dominican this offseason, and came up with four signings:

• Dionys Cesar
• Edward Valdez
• Candido Jesus (ikusei player)
• Joaquin Santamaria (ikusei player)

All four players have played for MLB affiliated ball and you can easily look up their stats on baseball-reference.com.

Of these four, Cesar is the interesting one. A 15 year minor league veteran, Cesar has never reached the majors, and has spent the last several seasons in the Mexican League. He's coming off a phenomenal season in Mexico, having hit .380 with 58 walks and only 36 strikeouts. Chunichi sees him as a utility guy who will play in the infield and outfield, taking over for the retired Tomas de la Rosa.

Chunichi has a growing interest in Dominican baseball. In addition to signing all these players, the Dragons employ former NPB slugger Domingo Martinez as a scout, and having been sending players to take part in the Dominican Winter League. I wonder if they'll eventually set a full-time academy there, like the Carp have.