Screengrab from MLB.com

Screengrab from MLB.com

The MLB’s international signing period kicked off today, and while the team is taking their damn time doing pretty much anything else, they did not wait to grab a 17-year-old Venezuelan shortstop off the market. Arquimedes Gamboa, who has an amazing name, was reportedly signed by the Phils for $900,000 and was listed as the #15 international prospect by MLB.com. Their scouting report reads:

“Standing 5-foot-11 and weighing 158 pounds, Gamboa is an athletic shortstop with a solid skill set and above-average run tool. He’s a switch-hitter without much power, and there is a belief that Gamboa is a better hitter from the right side of the plate. That said, he has made improvements from the left side and has made a name for himself as a contact hitter.

On defense, Gamboa has quick feet and good balance and is versatile enough to play multiple positions in the infield, but there is a belief he will stay at shortstop until he is forced to move elsewhere. Scouts have praised his bat control, but he is not known as a dynamic offensive player.”

Man, some of that sounds pretty familiar.