Kernel of Truth 62.06 - DMO signs IFA Israeli Fults for four mil

[JRamirez]

HOT POPCORN!

The Des Moines Kernels have splurged $4mm on the international free agent second baseman Ricky Fults, 16, from Reh-ovot, Israel. The outlay is the second highest in the IFA market by JRamirez, although some say the signing was "dictated" by an overseas agency.

Fults comes in with figures of 9/7/5 potential, with above average ratings at second base. His 80 potential stands atop the Kernels International Complex list. "80 now, what will it be in a month, a year?" said Kernels asst GM Esteban Costa. Des Moines, or rather JR's, highest IFA signing (¿desperdicio de dinero?) heretofore was SS Zhi-Jan Shao, a guy who had a power potential of 9 when signed, and that has dipped to 6 despite an infusion of 70 WE.

"We're happy with Fults," Costa said. "I guess we have to be."

Asked whether team has or had its sights on other ammy's such as Matthew Berg (7/9/6 POT), Costa said, "We're happy with Fults." The second baseman will report to the IC, while Shao, now 18, has been moved to the Rookie League.

Fults might be assigned to the Development Complex, now that four spots have opened up.