Mets Sign Two Dutch Players

According to a report on Honkbalsite.com, the New York Mets have signed two 18-year-old Dutch players to a minor league contract on Saturday in presence of European scout Lionel Chattelle. Kevin Weijgertse and Bjorn Hato were among the group of 20 European players, which went to North Carolina in November to participate in the first European Player Showcase.

Weijgertse, who was born on February 22, 1991, made his Hoofdklasse debut for the Konica Minolta Pioniers in 2008 and played his first full season this year for Corendon Kinheim. The right-handed corner infielder batted .243 (OBP .285/SLG .250) with one double, 15 runs scored and 17 RBI in 39 games. Hato was born on June 26, 1991 and is a right-handed infielder/outfielder who spent most of the 2009 season with the Rookie team of Kinheim. He made his Hoofdklasse debut in April as a pinch runner, which was his lone appearance all year.

Both players also were part of the Dutch team during the European Championship Juniors in Bonn, Germany, where they finished in second place behind winner Italy. Weijgertse played first base in the tournament, batting .381 (OBP .552/SLG .429) with a double, six runs scored and four RBI in six games. Hato played in center and right field, batting .357 (OBP .400/SLG .357) with eight runs scored and two RBI.- mwob