..........The original report, written by Ben Badler, is posted here at Baseball America’s web site.

An excerpt from Badler’s story:

The Cardinals have Matias under contract and under reserve, but he still has to clear a few hurdles before his bonus will be paid. Matias had previously agreed to a $160,000 deal with the Red Sox but he did not pass his investigation with Major League Baseball, which suspended him for one year in March 2009. Matias still has to have his age and identity cleared by MLB and receive his visa from the U.S. consulate for the deal to be completed and to receive his bonus.

Matias has presented himself to teams as an 18-year-old with a Sept. 2, 1991 date of birth. If Matias can get his visa to come to the United States, the suspension might have turned out to be a positive for him, as his prospect stock soared when he added velocity.

At 6 feet, 165 pounds, Matias has a loose delivery and an electric fastball that can sit in the mid-90s and routinely hits 97-99 mph, according to several scouts from other organizations. Between the velocity and cutting action on his fastball, it is a true 80 pitch on the 20-80 scouting scale, already one of the best fastballs at any level of baseball.

No problem.

I didn't think the Mateo thing would screw us. Our money is just as good as anyone else's.

Sounds a lot like Ubaldo Jimenez and look at what that kid's done since he's learned how to pitch.