Phils find gem in a Germany high school

The Phillies have signed players from all over the world and recently they added an outfielder from Germany.

Julsan Kamara, a 17-year-old outfielder and a member of the German Junior National Team, was recently signed to a seven-year minor league contract.

Kamara is 6-foot-4, 192 pounds. He throws and bats righthanded.

"The ball comes off his bat well and we think there is potential power there," said Benny Looper, the Phillies assistant general manager, player personnel. "He has general athleticism and we are hoping that translates to a good baseball player."

Kamara, who won't turn 18 until December, is a junior in high school. The Phillies will get to work with him some this summer, according to Looper, but Kamara won't be available to the Phillies full-time until he graduates from high school in the spring of 2014.

Kamara is familiar with baseball in the U.S., having competed during the winter in the Power Showcase, which was held at Marlins Park in Miami.

Looper wouldn't delve into the financial terms, only to say it was a low figure.

The Phillies, according to Looper don't know where in the outfield Kamara will play.

As expected, Kamara is a raw player, whose athletic ability intrigued the Phillies.

"He hasn't played a lot and with a lot of international signings he needs to be taught how to play the game," Looper said. "He has good tools and we are looking forward to working with him."