"Signing guys in Latin America is like recruiting guys in college football and in college basketball," Smith said last week. "Things change. It's a fluid situation. It's a lot about building relationships. It's a different ballgame."
In other words, don't get too excited until players sign on the dotted line.
But on Wednesday, the Padres pulled off the equivalent of a major recruiting haul when they signed four players from Latin America and one from Australia on the first day of the international signing period.
The Padres signed shortstop Alvaro Aristy (Dominican Republic), right-handed pitchers Adis Portillo (Venezuela) and Elvin Tavarez (Dominican Republic), outfielder Luis Domoromo (Venezuela) and infielder/outfielder Corey Adamson (Australia).
"With today's signings we feel we have secured the best group of international players available," Smith said in a release. "The recent opening of the club's state-of-the-art facility in the Dominican Republic along with today's commitments have changed the perception of the Padres internationally."
According to ESPN.com, Portillo was rated the third-best Latino prospect. Domoromo ranked fifth on the list, Aristy sixth and Tavarez ranked 10th.
No other Major League team signed as many top players on Wednesday as the Padres, who aren't just paying lip service to being active in Latin America.
The Padres built what is considered a state-of-the-art training facility for $8.5 million in the Dominican Republic that opened in April.
A look at the five players the Padres signed on Wednesday:
• Adamson, 16, is from Perth, Australia. He helped the Western Australia Under 16 team to the National Championship in January. He led all tournament batters with two home runs, 17 RBIs, 12 runs scored, 26 total bases, a 1.040 slugging percentage and a .618 on-base percentage. Adamson hit at a .520 clip, third-best among tournament leaders.
"Corey is one of the best athletes to come out of Australia in recent history," Smith said. "He is a five-tool player with plus speed."
• Aristy, 16, is a native of Bani, Dominican Republic.
"We see Alvaro as the best pure shortstop in Latin America, both with his defensive ability along with his consistency at the plate," Smith said.
•Domoromo, 16, is a 6-foot-1, 170-pound outfielder from Portuguesa, Venezuela.
"Luis is one of the most complete position players available. He has a sound approach at the plate and the ability to hit the ball to all fields," Smith said.
•Portillo, 16, is a 6-2, 192-pound right-hander from Maracaibo, Venezuela.
"One of the most complete pitchers in Latin America, with a fastball that has reached 93, Adis has great mechanics with a strong mound presence and command of three pitches," Smith said.
•Tavarez, 16, is a 6-2, 170-pound right-handed pitcher from San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic.
"Elvin is a well-built right-hander with a fastball that reaches 90 [mph] and good rotation on his curve ball." Smith said.
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