- Full name Micker Zapata
- Born
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Organization Prospect Rankings
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The White Sox badly want to resuscitate their presence internationally, particularly in the Dominican Republic, and aggressively pursued Zapata, who also has been known by the surname Adolfo. They were tied to him before the July 2 signing period began and eventually inked him for a $1.6 million bonus, the largest in franchise history for a Latin American amateur. He has an unusual background for a Dominican prospect, having been born in the U.S. Virgin Islands; White Sox officials say his English is better than his Spanish. At age 14, Zapata moved to the D.R. to train and practice at La Academia and work with Moreno Tejada, the trainer who handled Twins prospect Miguel Sano. Like Sano, Zapata stands out for his size and precocious raw power. He's athletic enough to be an average runner despite his size, and he got a Michael Jordan physical comparison from one club official. Zapata has five-tool ability if he hits, though most scouts see his power ahead of his feel for hitting. His swing can be undisciplined and too geared for power, while the White Sox see a hitter who has time to learn that he's strong enough to punish the ball without trying too hard. The organization hopes Zapata will be ready to begin his pro career in the Rookie-level Arizona League in 2014, though a Dominican Summer League start is possible as well.