International Signing Day

Today is the day, and the Dodgers are predicted to be marginally active.

MIDDLE GROUND

These teams should be in the bidding for some of the mid-level prospects, though don't be surprised if they jump up and spend for one of the top bonuses of the signing period.

Los Angeles Dodgers: When a team doesn't have a first-round pick, it often makes up for it by spending on foreign talent. Assistant general manager Logan White has been scouting Latin American talent, and the buzz is that the Dodgers could go after a power bat like Dominican shortstop Rosel Herrera or Dominican catcher Jacob Beltre. Others think the Dodgers are more likely to diversify by spreading their money over several mid-level prospects.

Kiley McDaniel covered the potential international signings for the Dodgers last week, and Ben Badler has his take on who the Dodgers are showing interest in.

12. JOCHI OGANDO, RHP
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
B-T: R-R Ht.: 6-4 Wt.: 220

Many teams didn't get a look at Ogando until this spring, but when they did see him they watched one of the most physical pitchers in Latin America this year. Ogando has a power frame and a power arm, pumping fastballs that can get up to the low-90s. He's reportedly thrown even harder, though his velocity has been inconsistent leading up to July 2. Arm strength and a projectable body are Ogando's best attributes, as his curveball is below-average and he struggles to repeat his arm slot when throwing the pitch. Scouts say Ogando's delivery is also a little bit stiff. The Giants, Cubs and Dodgers are believed to have interest in signing Ogando.

13. JACOB BELTRE, C
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
B-T: R-R Ht.: 6-5 Wt.: 220

Gary Sanchez is the top catching prospect in Latin America, but Beltre is another catcher generating some interest for his bat. Power is Beltre's best tool, as he already has imposing size and the ability to hit for power to all fields. With Beltre's size and lack of looseness and agility, many scouts think Beltre will move to first base, though he does have some arm strength. He hasn't been playing catcher for long after converting to the position within the last year from third base. With the Giants missing out on Mateo, some believe they will turn their attention to Beltre, who has also reportedly drawn interest from the Brewers and the Cubs.

19. ROSEL HERRERA, SS
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
B-T: R-R Ht.: 6-4 Wt.: 185

Herrera, who hails from Santo Domingo, trains at Edgar Mercedes' Born To Play Baseball Academy, along with outfielder Wagner Mateo and Victor Payano. The main draw for Herrera is his projectable power, which should continue to develop as he fills out his frame. Herrera has shown well for some teams, though some scouts aren't sure his swing will be conducive to hitting for average. Because of his size, below-average speed and throwing mechanics, Herrera will probably move to third base or more likely to right field. He throws from an unusually low arm slot for an infielder, which causes him to push the ball and costs him carry on his throws. Scouts say the Rockies and Dodgers are among the teams with interest in Herrera, whose bonus could push the high six figures.

As you can see, there are a lot of new names being thrown about, so the market seems relatively unpredictable to me.

There is already some bad news for the Dodgers though, as the only elite prospect that they were rumored to be interested in will apparently sign with the Cardinals.

FRIDAY, 2:42pm: ESPN.com's Jorge Arangure reports that the Cardinals will sign Mateo for $3.1MM. GM John Mozeliak solidified the agreement at Mateo's house. The Giants nearly offered him $3.5MM, but backed off at the last minute.

I hope Frank McCourt doesn't cheap out on the farm budget again.