Sox sign pair of top international pitching prospects

BOSTON -- In moves that could have significant impact on the franchise in the coming years, the Red Sox officially announced the signings of two highly touted international pitching prospects Friday -- right-handers Anderson Espinoza and Christopher Acosta.

Espinoza was ranked the top international pitcher by MLB.com, and Espinoza was ranked second.

In all, the Sox signed eight international prospects, a group that also included right-handers Nicolo Clemente, Jhosmar Cortez, Junior Espinoza and Roniel Raudes; lefty Luis Colmenares; and third baseman Elwin Tejeda.

All eight players are working out at the Red Sox' Dominican academy in El Toro.