I saw a link to this article on C. Trent's blog and if true, I am again impressed. I'm not gonna lie, I was kind of expecting the Reds to use the Duran signing as proof that they were committed to spending on international players without actually consistently doing so, but between this apparent signing as well as the rumors that they're very much in the mix for Inoa, it looks the Reds are very much for real.

Rodriguez rates as the clear second best overall prospect and the best hitting prospect in this class of internationals. Duran, had the Reds not found a loophole in the rule and signed him, likely would've slotted just behind Rodriguez as the third best overall prospect and second best hitting prospect. Michael Inoa, the Dominican pitcher the Reds are battling the Rangers and A's (among other teams) for, is the consensus top prospect. Could you imagine if the Reds managed to land Inoa along with Duran and Rodriguez? That's one hell of an influx of talent to your farm system for a total money commitment about equal to a year of Corey Patterson and what we ended up paying Mike Stanton. We obviously won't know anything for sure until July 2nd, but if the Rodriguez deal is indeed done, that's something to get excited about as a Reds fan. Here's the blurb on Rodriguez from the article:

2. Yorman Rodriguez, CF, Venezuela: Yorman Rodriguez has been touted as the top position player in this class for some time. His selling point is a rare combination plus-plus speed and plus-plus raw power. He’s a five-tool talent with an outstanding frame, athleticism, and defensive tools, but like most July 2nd hitting prospects, he gets a wide range of reviews on his ability to hit.

The common refrain on a raw bat are heard with Rodriguez: lunges at the ball, trouble identifying breaking pitches, trouble with high level stuff, questionable approach, and 5 o’clock power (batting practice only). Some players grow out of it, some never adjust, so the team that gets Rodriguez believes in his ability to make adjustments.

He has all the elements of a star centerfielder. He’s been compared to Miguel Cabrera for his powerful bat and Venezuelan bloodlines, but more athletic comparisons like Cesar Cedeno, Eric Davis, or a right-handed hitting Carlos Beltran seem more apt. That being said, Rodriguez, or any of the hitters below him, could go to the GCL and hit .180 for three seasons and make everyone look stupid, but those kind of comparisons let you know why teams will pay him and that the tools are for real.

There are rumors that since his agent has stopped shopping him around that a deal has been struck and the Reds are rumored to be that team—another team new to being a major player on the international scene, spending $2.0 million in March on 16 year old power-hitting OF Juan Duran, and have already spent $3-4 million this season on pre July 2nd prospects. The Yankees, Mariners, Red Sox, and Cardinals are all heavily interested and Rodriguez figures to get a bonus between $2.5 million and $3.0 million, which would top Miguel Cabrera’s $1.9 million bonus in 1999 as the highest in Venezuelan history.