Daddy Yankee taking swings, international signings, Vladi visits Sammy Sosa

Daddy Yankee getting in work

Daddy Yankee visited Lino Rivera, a Puerto Rican manager who led the Águilas Cibaeñas to the winter league championship in the Dominican Republic. We wonder if the Caribbean Series is easier to manage than Daddy Yankee?

Junior’s Ready to launch

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. practiced for the upcoming Home Run Derby. We don’t think he’s going to have any trouble hitting a few out on Monday night at Progressive Field.

Prospects Sign

July 2 opened the international signing period for MLB clubs.

The New York Yankees spent $5 million on 16-year-old outfielder Jasson Dominguez from the Dominican Republic. Scouts have raved about Dominguez, who has even been drawn comparisons to Mike Trout.

The White Sox signed Elijah Tatís, the younger brother of Fernando Tatís Jr. who originally signed with the White Sox. Big brother offered congratulations to Elijah, and threw a little shade while he was at it.

The White Sox also signed Cuban infielder Yolbert Sanchez.

Venezuelan slugger Richard Hidalgo enjoyed a nine-year big league career. Now his son Reny will begin his journey to the majors with the Marlins organization.

Finally, Detroit signed Cuban infielder Roberto Campos. His agent is a familiar name to Tigers fans.

Buffalo Concentration

Wilson Ramos made this look… easy?

Pro Post of the Day

While his son was warming up for the Home Run Derby in Toronto, Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero hung out with Sammy Sosa.

Fan Post of the Day

Championship team photos are the best. That’s a good looking trophy!

OTD

2012 – Rosters for the 2012 All-Star Game were announced. Toronto outfielder José Bautista received a record 7.4 million votes to lead the American League team headed to Phoenix, AZ.

2009 – Albert Pujols set a new Cardinals team record with his fourth grand slam of the year. The shot also happened to be the 350th long ball of his career, making Pujols the third youngest to reach that benchmark after Alex Rodriguez and Ken Griffey Jr.

1996 – Mets rookie outfielder Alex Ochoa hit for the cycle in a five-hit performance, leading New York to a 10-6 win over the Phillies.

1968 – Cleveland’s Luis Tiant set two modern major league records. He struck out 19 Twins in a 1-0 win, establishing a new record for strikeouts in a 10-inning game. Tiant also set a new record with 32 strikeouts over two consecutive appearances.

1967 – The Cubs and Braves combined to hit five home runs in the first inning, a new major league record. Hall of Famer Billy Williams, Ron Santo and Randy Hundley homered for Chicago in the top of the first; Rico Carty and Felipe Alou answered in the bottom half for Atlanta. Carty would add a second home run in the game but Chicago won the day 12-6.

Happy birthday!

Yangervis Solarte (b. 1987)
Edinson Vólquez (b. 1983)
Moises Alou (b. 1966)