Rob Biertempfel reports that the Pirates will sign Dominican third baseman Julio de la Cruz. Baseball America listed Cruz as the No. 16 amateur international prospect this season, so this would be a significant signing. The Pirates have a good relationship with Luis Polonia, who is helping to steer Cruz, and whose son, Rodney, is an infielder on one of the Pirates' DSL teams.
The international signing period opens today.
Below the jump, you can check out some video of Cruz.