The Oakland Athletics are not spending a lot of money on big league free agents in 2012, but they are continuing to try and stock up their farm system with young talent. The latest news has the A's reportedly signing a young shortstop out of the Dominican Republic. Reports from the Dominican Prospect League website indicate Yairo Muñoz signed with the A's for $280,000.
Reports indicate that Muñoz is primarily known for his fielding, but is a solid contact hitter. Given his age one would imagine he could grow into his bat. Muñoz played in the Under Armour All-American Baseball Game at Wrigley Field last August and was 2-for-4 with what proved to be the game-winning hit.
The A's have Cliff Pennington starting at shortstop in the majors, but otherwise have no shortstops on their 40-man roster. Grant Green was a first round draft pick in 2009 as a shortstop, but he has since been converted into a centerfielder. They drafted B.A. Vollmuth in the third round last year, but he has since moved to third base, leaving the A's short of future options.