There hasn't been a whole lot of talk about the Mariners lately other than the whole GM search. So something I'm interested in is how we did in the international signing period. Did Bob Engle pull any rabbits out of his hat this year? As far as the best player available the Athletics gave their left testicle for Michel Inoa giving him $4.25 mil. I see we got a pretty highly rated outfielder named Julio Morban and a highly rated pitcher from Nicaragua named Francisco Valdivia. Both are 16 years old. Many sources are saying Morban got a $1.1-1.2 mil bonus. Other than them its hard to find any info on any other signings, anyone have info on any others? I know some of you know a hell of a lot more than I do. Engle made two big signings last year in Jharmidy DeJesus and Gabriel Noriega. I wonder if thats his strategy. Hopefully we'll see a few of these players come up through the minors in the next couple years.

Press release from Mariners with quotes from Engle on each player

ESPN had this to say about Morban and Valdivia:

Morban can play anywhere in the outfield, but his good defense and arm belong in center field. He is not too big (5-11, 178) but has speed on the base paths and swings an occasionally powerful bat. Morban bats from the left side and has a strong grasp of the game.

Valdivia has a nice build (6-3, 185) but needs to work on his mechanics, something that is not surprising if we take into account that he turned 16 in March. Valdivia pitches with a three-quarter arm slot, and his fastball reaches 91 mph.