Cuban Players Defectors

[J.P]

I don't think anyone ever "disregarded" him, but his 22 games in the AFL -- against a bunch of dead-armed Single-A and Double-A pitchers -- doesn't change his prospect status very much.

Keep in mind, even though Escobar won the batting title, he did not even make the Top 20 Prospects list in what was considered one of the weakest AFL's in years. Scouts do not like him, plus he has quickly earned a reputation for being a cocky big-mouth with an attitude problem.

So 86 AB'a over 22 games dont count, but about 400 AB's over 4 seasons in Cuba(average about 100 AB's per season) do?????

[J.P]

This just in, Escobar makes All-Prospects team:

"Highlighting this year's All-Prospects Team are the league's top three offensive standouts: Yunel Escobar of the Peoria Javelinas, Kevin Frandsen of the Scottsdale Scorpions, and the Desert Dogs' Chip Cannon.

Escobar, Atlanta's second-round draft pick in 2005, collected 20 hits in his final 43 at-bats to raise his average to a league-leading .407. The 24-year-old Cuban defector hit .447 at home and .414 with runners in scoring position, further boosting his reputation as one of the best infield prospects in all of baseball."

-So much for having a bad rep and scouts not liking him.

[Agente Libre]

According to who, OurSportsCentral.com?

Give us a break.

Your love for Escobar is baffling. Sure, he had a great 22-game hot streak against a bunch of dead-armed A-ball and AA pitchers, but he failed to make the Southern League Top 20 list and he failed to make Baseball America's Arizona Fall League Top 20, which was selected by the top scouts in baseball.

How many second basemen make it in the majors by hitting .280 with 2 HR? I'll tell you: Not many.

[J.P]

According to who, OurSportsCentral.com?

Give us a break.

Your love for Escobar is baffling. Sure, he had a great 22-game hot streak against a bunch of dead-armed A-ball and AA pitchers, but he failed to make the Southern League Top 20 list and he failed to make Baseball America's Arizona Fall League Top 20, which was selected by the top scouts in baseball.

How many second basemen make it in the majors by hitting .280 with 2 HR? I'll tell you: Not many.

Actually, that was straight from the official website of the Arizona Fall League, here's the link:

http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/app/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061120&content_id=145546&vkey=news_l119&fext=.jsp&sid=l119

I'm not in love with Escobar, I've said time and time again that I dont think he is a super prospect, I just think it's too early to write him off, like you guys did, based on 4 seasons in Cuba where he got 400 AB's combined(you tell me who can develop like that) and his first full year of Pro ball (which wasnt horrible). Luckily for him, the Braves agrre with me, they wouldnt had wasted a spot on the AFL on him, and they keep saying time and time again that he has some value.

[Agente Libre]

Have I ever said Escobar should be released? No.

All I've ever said is that Escobar is not a premium prospect and that expectations of a meaningful MLB career are far-fetched based on his 6-year track record in Cuba and the U.S.

The guy is 24 or 25 years old, he's basically a .280 hitter with no power, and he plays mediocre defense (at best). Reading some of your posts, it's like he's suddenly going to start hitting .330 with 20 HR and play spectacular defense if/when he gets to Triple-A or the majors. It just doesn't make sense.

[J.P]

Nope, I do think he is going to continue to develop offensively (6 years, but again, the 4 in Cuba, he only got 400 AB's combined, and the one here, he started playing in the latter parts of the season) and if he can better his defense he could get a job as a Major League utility INF, and perhaps start at 2B for someone. Maybe it wasnt you who wrote him off, maybe I'm just confused with the Spanish forum, where our friend Cubano has given him the tags reserved for the guys who couldnt even make varsity in High School.

[Agente Libre]

Fair enough. I just don't think we're going to see much more out of Senor Escobar than we've seen already. I know he had limited AB's in Cuba, but those were only his official AB's. Escobar made Cuba's junior team in 2000, so it's not like he's some late-bloomer that no one knew about. Clearly, he played hundreds of games in Cuba between the National Series, junior leagues, summer league, Super Liga, etc.

By all accounts, Escobar peaked as a 19 or 20-year-old in Cuba, and his lack of offense and really bad defense (and some attitude problems) were the reasons he lost his starting job in Cuba and got decreased playing time. That's just the way baseball works, whether it's Cuba, Japan or the U.S.

[J.P]

I mostly agree with you, but the difference is, if a 20 year old prospect in the States doesnt have the expected impact in the Bigs, he gets sent to the minors, where he has a chance to play everyday and continue t develop, on the other hand, Escobar didnt produce as expected as a 20-21 year old, and what was he given? A seat in the bench, slowing down his development.

[Agente Libre]

Baseball America reported the Giants signed Yosandry Ibanez to a minor league contract.

Ibanez defected with Abreu, Canizares and a couple other guys almost 3 years ago. It's good he's finally getting a chance but he'll face long odds to sustain a career in the U.S. (I'm guessing he's between 25 and 30 years old; not sure.)

[J.P]

Good news, but you are pretty much right :(

[J.P]

Has anybody heard anything about Cuban defector Juan Miguel Miranda signing with the Yanks??? There's a rumor going around in the spanish forum.

[Agente Libre]

I read that same rumor and don't have any info. on it, but I can't think of a worse team for Miranda to sign with than the Yankees. If they can't find a spot for Bernie Williams, then Miranda will be doomed to Double-A. He should sign with the Nationals or Royals or a team like that, even if it's a smaller contract upfront.

[J.P]

Yunel Escobar #35 in MLB.com's Top 50 Prospects list:

http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/app/milb/news/top50/y2006_post.jsp?content=1

[Agente Libre]

Thanks for the link. Scouts are a schizophrenic bunch; Escobar missed the Southern League Top 20 and the Arizona Fall League Top 20 lists, but suddenly he's the #35 prospect in all of baseball.

[Kiefer]

Yoslan Herrera arrives for physical:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06343/744815-63.stm

[Agente Libre]

What's with all these Cubans guys changing their names after defecting? First Amaury Casanas turns into Amaury Cazana, and now Yuslan Herrera is Yoslan Herrera. Very strange.

[CameronCrazies]

What's with all these Cubans guys changing their names after defecting? First Amaury Casanas turns into Amaury Cazana, and now Yuslan Herrera is Yoslan Herrera. Very strange.

I also read it was Fransisley Bueno...

[Kiefer]

It is true, the New York Yankees signed Juan Miguel Miranda.

SANTIAGO, Dominican Republic -- The New York Yankees signed Cuban prospect Juan Miranda to a four-year contract worth $2 million, the player told ESPNdeportes.com.

The deal, which includes a signing bonus of $500,000, is a major league contract and requires the Yankees to place the outfielder-first baseman on their 40-man roster.

The signing was confirmed by a Yankees official who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

"In Cuba I grew up dreaming of playing in the big leagues, but I never thought it would be possible, much less with the Yankees," the 23-year-old Miranda said.

The left-handed-hitting Miranda was on the Cuban national team from 2001 until defecting to the Dominican in early 2004 following two previous unsuccessful attempts to leave Cuba by raft. Miranda gained Dominican citizenship last year. He left behind his parents and three brothers in the Cuban province of Pinar del Rio.

Miranda worked out for several major league scouts in the Dominican Republic over the last two years, but it wasn't until last week, after passing a team physical, that he completed the deal with the Yankees.

"There were a lot of teams interested, but they didn't match my contract expectations," Miranda said. "The Los Angeles Dodgers were close."

"Miranda is projected to hit over 20 home runs and hit .280," the Yankees official told ESPNdeportes.com. "He doesn't swing at bad pitches."

[Agente Libre]

Miranda is at least 25 or 26, not 23. I wonder if that's a typo or if Miranda is lying about his age.

[TheSweetSpot]

anyone here know where i could find a bio of juan miranda, i wanna know his height, weight, dob, and if he throws right or left and ditto with how he bats

[Agente Libre]

Per a quick Google search, Miranda was born April 25, 1981.

[J.P]

What's with all these Cubans guys changing their names after defecting? First Amaury Casanas turns into Amaury Cazana, and now Yuslan Herrera is Yoslan Herrera. Very strange.

Alain Soler also became Alay Soler, I think its probably whn their paperwork gets done in these third countries, the authorities commit a typo, and I guess than its easier to just go with a new name than go through the whole process of correcting the name, a process that could last months, putting them in the limbo again.

[Agente Libre]

You know, I think it might be the opposite: If the player slightly changes his name, the authorities might not be able to figure out the guy is a baseball player, and that might make it easier for him to get papers.

[Mattingly]

Miranda is at least 25 or 26, not 23. I wonder if that's a typo or if Miranda is lying about his age.
Buenos dias, Agente! :D

Can yourself or anyone else here tell me more about Miranda. Do you know hiw Cuban stats? Is he good defensively at 1B? We seem to have enough guys in the OF already.

Thanks for whatever info you can offer. ;)

[Agente Libre]

Miranda will turn 26 next April. He hit .301 with 57 home runs in 4 seasons in Cuba. His power makes him an interesting prospect but I think he would have been much better off signing with a smaller-market team where he'd have more of an opportunity to reach the big leagues. With the Yankees, he stands a good chance of getting stuck in Double-A or Triple-A.

[Mattingly]

Miranda will turn 26 next April. He hit .301 with 57 home runs in 4 seasons in Cuba. His power makes him an interesting prospect but I think he would have been much better off signing with a smaller-market team where he'd have more of an opportunity to reach the big leagues. With the Yankees, he stands a good chance of getting stuck in Double-A or Triple-A.
I think that any offense he could provide the big club that over a .275 BA, 10-15 jacks, 70+ ribs would be a plus, so long as he doesn't kill rallies.

I think that if his fielding is really good, that would make him a solid candidate. I think right now that his being inexpensive ($2m over 4 years) is his selling point, as the Yanks already have many $10m men (about 10-12).

So far, I can only think of Andy Phillips and not many others who are slated for the big team. I don't think there's many inexpensive options. The thing is this:

If Giambi plays 1B, then Miranda will sit on the bench a lot. Giambi's defense isn't so hot, but he hits better when playing 1B, opposed to DH. However, Matsui could also DH, letting the better-fielding Melky Cabrera play LF. By this, whether he plays 1B (and how often) depends on quite a few factors. In the end, I think he'll have a chance. I'll admit that if on the Royals or Pirates, he'd likely play more often.

[J.P]

The biggest thing we have to remember here is that the guy hasn't played in three years!!! We don't know what type of shape he is in, but even if he keep himself fit, he still needs to get in baseball shape, and that doesnt happen overnight.

[wigglestrue]

I can't wait to see Marti in STL, I hope he makes the team in ST.

[J.P]

I can't wait to see Marti in STL, I hope he makes the team in ST.
I will love it to, and I hate to be pesimistic here, but I think he strikes out way too much, so I don't see him in the bigs any time soon other than a Sept call up; i hope I'm wrong.

[Quicksilv3r]

I don't think Marti will make it even that quick.
He is welcome to prove me wrong tho:D

[Mattingly]

The biggest thing we have to remember here is that the guy hasn't played in three years!!! We don't know what type of shape he is in, but even if he keep himself fit, he still needs to get in baseball shape, and that doesnt happen overnight.
True. However, his will likely be essentially a bench role, as Giambi still plays 1B. I think that for $500k a year, he'd likely play in AAA for most of 2007, then if he's any good, he could be a defensive replacement for 2/3 of the games, then a starter for about 50 games. There's also Andy Phillips at 1B, so we'll see in a year how well he plays.

Anyone have access to Juan Miranda's Cuban stats?

[J.P]

True. However, his will likely be essentially a bench role, as Giambi still plays 1B. I think that for $500k a year, he'd likely play in AAA for most of 2007, then if he's any good, he could be a defensive replacement for 2/3 of the games, then a starter for about 50 games. There's also Andy Phillips at 1B, so we'll see in a year how well he plays.

Anyone have access to Juan Miranda's Cuban stats?

According to Agente Libre, he hit 301 with 57 HR's in 4 seasons in Cuba. If I'm not mistaken, he also was ROY.

[J.P]

This article by Baseball America, has him playing in only two seasons in Cuba, hitting 301 and belting 27.

[J.P]

I went to the official website for cuban baseball, and they are changing it around, I couldnt find the stats page, hopefully they are not taking out the defectors, like they do on the press, where when someone defects, it's basically like he never existed.

[Agente Libre]

Miranda played 4 full seasons in Cuba and, as posted above, hit .301 with 57 home runs. I'll try to post his full stats later today if I think of it.

[CameronCrazies]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/baseball/mlb/12/13/bc.bbo.playersmuggling.ap/index.html

From SportsIllustrated.com

[Agente Libre]

Gus Dominguez strikes again. It's like he's single-handedly trying to screw up the pipeline from Cuba.

[CameronCrazies]

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/minors/features/263001.html

A good recap of a game between junior olympic teams from Cuba vs. the U.S.

[Quicksilv3r]

Funny thing that Viciedo didn't tattoo the ball out of the park:lookitup

[Agente Libre]

From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:


On another front, the Pirates' signing of Cuban pitcher Yoslan Herrera is being delayed, apparently because of the team's concerns about the physical he took last week.

Herrera's agent said yesterday that terms of the three-year contract, agreed upon by the Pirates and his client nearly two months ago, are not an issue. Rather, he said, "We're just waiting for them to get back to us on the physical."

Littlefield did not specify the nature of the delay, but said, "We are still working on getting everything finalized, but it's not finalized yet."

[The Kid]

Yunel Escobar SS/3B Braves

Not so sure about him coming from cuba.

[Agente Libre]

Not so sure about him coming from cuba.

What exactly are you replying to/talking about?

[Raul_Avila_R]

What's with all these Cubans guys changing their names after defecting? First Amaury Casanas turns into Amaury Cazana, and now Yuslan Herrera is Yoslan Herrera. Very strange.

Have you thought that it may be not them changing their names, but misspellings; ¿an example? Tany Pérez ( Tany from Atanasio, his first name) became Tony Pérez. So, anything strange in my opinion.

[Raul_Avila_R]

Not so sure about him coming from cuba.

Yes, he comes from Cuba, he played 3b with Industriales after Vargas retired

[Industrial]

Not so sure about him coming from cuba.

Is he here? Is he coming or What do you guys know? He plays good!

[Raul_Avila_R]

Is he here? Is he coming or What do you guys know? He plays good!
Go there and find him
http://www.topprospectalert.com/2007atlantabravesprospects.htm
He is listed among the Braves' top prospects

[Quicksilv3r]

Odd to see a .230 BA guy with less RBI's than Yunel sitting at #1, and Yunel only at #8...

[J.P]

Will this help the Cubans in limbo out there in third countries in any way:

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/minors/news/262999.html

[Agente Libre]

It might help some older guys who might otherwise not have gotten a chance (or second chance) because of the old visa limits (e.g., Amaury Sanit, Arian Cruz, etc.), but for the most part, the guys who are "in limbo" are waiting for residency papers, not a U.S. visa.

[J.P]

You have any info on Arian Cruz? If I recall correctly he didnt do so bad his only year in US pro ball, pitching in AA for the Reds.

[Agente Libre]

He had shoulder surgery this past spring or summer and then was released by the Reds a few weeks ago.

He had major league ability but he is a real small guy and he seemed to pitch 12 months/year (Reds, then Nicaragua, then that winter league in Costa Rica, etc.). It didn't surprise me he ended up hurting his arm.

[Agente Libre]

Baseball America issued their 2007 Top 10 Prospects list for the Braves today, and Yunel Escobar dropped from #4 last year to #10 this year.

[J.P]

He had shoulder surgery this past spring or summer and then was released by the Reds a few weeks ago.

He had major league ability but he is a real small guy and he seemed to pitch 12 months/year (Reds, then Nicaragua, then that winter league in Costa Rica, etc.). It didn't surprise me he ended up hurting his arm.

Thanks for the info, hope he gets another shot.

[Cubano100%]

The Gigantes del Cibao web site is reporting that Francisley Bueno (Braves AA) has a sore arm. Get out of there immidiatelly!


Free Agent Yamel Guevara traveled to Miami because his sister had an accident. He was playing for the Boer Indians in Nicaragua.

[Agente Libre]

That's interesting. Guevara didn't have any family in the U.S. when he first defected. Maybe that's where some of Escobar's bonus went. ;)

(Guevara and Escobar are half-brothers.)

[Cubano100%]

Kendry Morales keeps hitting well in the Dominican R. During the regular season he fell 3 HR short of the Dominican record. He hit 11.
Angels first baseman Kendry Morales was leading the way for Gigantes' offense through the first five games, hitting .375 with four RBIs.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/minors/




The Braves signed a less-touted Cuban player of their own, signing righthander Dunieski Rodriguez, 18, for a bonus of $100,000. Rodriguez is 6-foot-7 and shows average velocity on his fastball, with room for projection. He also throws a curve, slider and changeup in their rudimentary stages.

His half-brother, Cuban outfielder Ryde Rodriguez, was showcased with other Cubans and Nicaraguans in Managua, Nicaragua in early December, but has yet to sign with a club. Rodriguez, an 18-year-old switch-hitting outfielder, is not a defector of his native country, as he left Cuba legally to join his mother in Argentina before signing with an agent and moving to Nicaragua. The five-tool player was reportedly seeking a bonus upwards of $1 million.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/news/263008.html

[Agente Libre]

RHP Alay Soler was named the Mets' #10 prospect by Baseball America today.

[jon7jmets]

Alay Soler, that played in the baseball of Puerto Rico, will replace in the Giants Francisley Bueno that it traveled to the United States… Amiable, that same one, like good disciple, goes after 12 years raised in the wood of other Liga. Anjá!


Alay Soler, quien jugó en el béisbol de Puerto Rico, sustituirá en los Gigantes a Francisley Bueno que viajó a Estados Unidos...Amable, ese mismo, como buen discípulo, va tras 12 años subido en el palo de la otra Liga. ¡Anjá!what does that mean?

[CameronCrazies]

Thanks,

I hoping to find out what happened to Francisley...sore arm or worse? It syas he is meeting with Braves doctor's and he is back int he US

[J.P]

Soler pitched last winter in PR, then the whole season in the Mets system (he was injured towards the end of the year), then again to PR, and now on to DR, isnt him getting a little too much work??

[Agente Libre]

Soler needs to stop throwing and get his butt on a treadmill. He had four chins in the last picture I saw of him a couple weeks ago. His wife must be a good cook.

[Cubano100%]

Kendry Morales won the Gold Glove as a 1B for the Cibao Giants. He finished the round robin (4 best teams out of 6) with 410 ave, 521 SLU, 3 HR, 5 2B, 7 BB y 7 K.
He did not finish the tournament due to a knee injury. The injury is not serious.

[Cubano100%]

Soler pitched last winter in PR, then the whole season in the Mets system (he was injured towards the end of the year), then again to PR, and now on to DR, isnt him getting a little too much work??

Exactly so.

[Cubano100%]

Soler needs to stop throwing and get his butt on a treadmill. He had four chins in the last picture I saw of him a couple weeks ago. His wife must be a good cook.

He is el Toro/the Bull. He has been like that since his days in Pinar del Rio.

[Cubano100%]

The following players have been invited to Spring Training as a non-roster invitees.




SS Yoennis Perez
http://milwaukee.brewers.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/team/roster_nri.jsp?c_id=mil


Eli Marrero
http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/team/roster_nri.jsp?c_id=stl


Javi Herrera
http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/team/player.jsp?player_id=434938


Alex Sanchez
http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/team/roster_nri.jsp?c_id=fla


Jorge Toca
http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/team/roster_nri.jsp?c_id=was


Alex Ochoa
http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/team/roster_nri.jsp?c_id=bos


Alex Gonzalez
http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/team/player.jsp?player_id=114924

[J.P]

Did anybody watch CSI Miami yesterday??

[Agente Libre]

No, but consider me curious ...

[J.P]

Well, a cuban rafter sets foot in Miami Beach, and while running towards the street steps on a land mine and dies, turns out he was young pitcher, who together with a power hitter was being smuggled into the US by an agent. But I mean, the writers of the show should have done their homework, the players were going to be signed for millions (we all know that cant happen since they have to go through the draft), and the power hitter arrived by boat in the morning, and that same afternoon was already practicing with the team that signed him; and what was almost comical was that the land mines had been set up by another righty pitcher who knew the Cubans were coming through that beach and didnt want his spot on the team threatened by this young defector :eek:

[J.P]

I read somewhere that Delgado could miss the first few games of the season due to the birth of his child, anybody knows if the Mets are giving Michel Abreu any consideration?

[Dalkowski110]

Two things...

1) CSI Miami is the absolute worst of the three CSI series in terms of realism, IMO, and...
2) I'm beginning to question whether Michel Abreu will make it to the Majors with the Mets AT ALL. Damion Easley or Julio Franco would be far more likely (and knowing Willie Randolph, he'll throw a bone to Franco). Also remember that Carlos Delgado would stay on the 25-man active roster in all likelihood, thus making no room for Abreu. Delgado will miss probably 5 games, tops.

[Agente Libre]

The Mets are so old that Abreu could get a chance by default. I don't see him replacing Delgado in April, if only because of 25-man and 40-man roster machinations, but if he hits in Triple-A like he did in Double-A last year, he'll either get a chance or get traded.

[Dalkowski110]

Well, some news on our man Abreu, while I was looking up Paul Lo Duca's requested contract extension...

The Mets are moving him to catcher. The guy is 31 according to the Mets, not 27 as he claimed (is he still claiming this?), so he may have some troubles behind the plate with regards to his knees. I didn't know or count on this, and he'd make a terrific, "Move Over Olmedo Saenz"-type bat off the bench, but I don't see him starting every day at catcher if he's 31 and has just moved to the position.

EDIT: If anyone gets the call in the aging outfield, it'll likely be Lastings Milledge, David Newhan, and in a worst case scenario where everyone's injured, Carlos Gomez. If Jose Valentin falls apart, Damion Easley and Anderson Hernandez would probably sub for him.

[Agente Libre]

Where did you read that? Seems dubious, for all the reasons you mentioned.

[cubaxpos]

That I know of, he never caught a ballgame in Cuba. He was a terrific 1B and very good outfielder, but I never saw him catch.
Mets fan, what have you heard about him coming from the Mets' brass?

[J.P]

I dont even recall him playing the OF in Cuba, but its posible, but catcher???!!! I have to admit, I didnt see that one coming, and yes, hes probably 31, not 27.

[cubaxpos]

J.P., I think he was brought up as the Matanzas RF, I could be wrong but if I am not mistaken that was his original position. He played there briefly, maybe a season or less.
If his path to the bigs is sped up by switching to catcher, and he could become a serviceable No. 2 behind LoDuca, that will be O.K. with me. Then again, LoDuca is going to be 35; therefore, if he can become an O.K. catcher who hits for AVE and power can replace LoDuca.
Maybe I am just daydreaming and had too much here at work.:D :D
He deserves it more than a lot of defectors. He's also a heckuva of a talent

[J.P]

And then again, the Mets had Piazza behind the plate for years, so they obviously dont expect much defensively from their catchers....;)

[cubaxpos]

You're totally right, Piazza was the Amazin's catcher for a number of years and he was just short of useless behind the plate. Now, he was a tremendous hitter and we shall not forget that.
I am O.K. with Abreu being a No. 2, now, if can make a push for the No. 1......................... way better.

[Dalkowski110]

"Where did you read that? Seems dubious, for all the reasons you mentioned."

Mets.com. It was posted in an article about Abreu a while back. I have no idea WHY the Mets are doing this, but I guess that with Piazza as your catcher for six years, you begin to think anyone with a decent arm (Abreu has a good arm, IIRC) can catch. The only conversion to catcher that worked mid-career from 1B I know of was Billy Outen, a legitimate star in the Pacific Coast League and who, in his single year in the Majors, proved he could hit MLB pitching (didn't cut it in the Majors because he attended his full four years of college and then went into the Army before signing a contract...in the 1930's, anyone over the age of 25 stood a horrible chance of sticking). Abreu could work as a good backup catcher at first before finally making the switch to fulltime catcher, and basically settle into the position (which is what Outen did).

EDIT: The Mets have made some rather unorthodox decisions conercning the two other Cuban defectors they have in their farm system. Alay Soler's progress, IMO, is being slowed because the Mets turned him from a spot starter/long reliever (where he was lights out) into a full-time starter (where he's very erratic, but you'll note how well he does through the first three innings). Miguel Perez became a starter, too. He was a full-time reliever (I think...that or a swingman like Soler) prior to that. Perhaps the Mets' scouting reports from Cuba are either poor or inaccurate?

[Agente Libre]

Alay Soler was always a starter. He might have pitched in relief a few times because of scheduling, roster situation, etc., but otherwise he's a starter.

Miguel Perez was signed off the scrap heap and is not, by any definition, a prospect. He left Cuba eight years ago and is strictly an organizational arm. That's not to say he couldn't sneak into the big leagues -- worse pitchers have -- but at this point, he needs to just do whatever the Mets ask of him.

[Cubano100%]

Even with a few Martinis, I do not believe the story about Abreu trying as a catcher.


Miguel Perez, as Agente wrote, has almost no chance of playing in the Majors. Abreu soon will be an organizational player too. Only with some luck, Abreu can make it. The same thing happened to Jorge Toca when he was labeled an organizational player when he left the Mets.


Amaury Casanas may follow the same path soon too.

[Agente Libre]

You're right, Cubano, and it's sad. It's very strange that a guy like So Taguchi racks up almost 5 years of Major League service time while players like Abreu, Casanas, Canizares, Toca, etc., can't even get a week in the big leagues.

(Disclaimer: I'm not looking for another Cuba vs. Japan conflagration. I have a lot of respect for Japanese baseball, but it's just a simple fact that Abreu, Casanas, et al, are just as good, if not better, than guys like So Taguchi and Shinjo. Year after year, Japanese guys go straight to the big leagues while comparable Cubans are shipped off to A-ball.)

[Dalkowski110]

"The same thing happened to Jorge Toca when he was labeled an organizational player when he left the Mets."

That guy had a million second chances. He was rated the Mets #1 prospect for around 4 years and for some reason, just couldn't hit MLB pitching. He tear up AAA and Spring Training, but zilch in MLB. It looked like he was swinging a homerun swing at every pitch he saw. He's still in pro ball, though. BTW, I went to Mets.com. I thought the part about him switching to catcher was there, in one of the Arizona Florida League articles, but it's not. I now have no idea where I read it, but it wasn't off some random forum post. Then again, it could have been some sportswriter mindlessly speculating. As for Alay Soler, I gleaned the piece of information where he was a swingman off of THIS THREAD, I believe.

"[Tsuyoshi] Shinjo."

That guy shouldn't have even been playing in the Majors...he was downright awful.

"but it's just a simple fact that Abreu, Casanas, et al, are just as good, if not better, than guys like So Taguchi and Shinjo. Year after year, Japanese guys go straight to the big leagues while comparable Cubans are shipped off to A-ball."

I agree. IIRC, the Cuban Leagues play with the same size baseball US pro ball does. Japan doesn't. It's easier for pitchers to throw, and while more difficult for hitters to hit for average, much easier to hit for power. Getting back briefly to Alay Soler, he was erratic, but had promise. Seemed afraid to throw his fastball, although my guess is that Mets pitching coach Rick Peterson can help him with that (he's good with confidence issues). Soler deserves another chance, albeit as a relief pitcher (he'd make a devastating righty specialist who could also do long relief duties). I can't say the same of Hideki Irabu, who had a million second chances and clearly not much MLB talent.

[Agente Libre]

The same thing happened to Jorge Toca when he was labeled an organizational player when he left the Mets."

That guy had a million second chances. He was rated the Mets #1 prospect for around 4 years and for some reason, just couldn't hit MLB pitching. He tear up AAA and Spring Training, but zilch in MLB. It looked like he was swinging a homerun swing at every pitch he saw. He's still in pro ball, though. ...

Toca logged exactly 27 at-bats from 1999 to 2001. That's hardly "a million second chances."

He tore up the minors for years but got passed over time and time again. His three ABs in 1999 and seven ABs in 2000 weren't a legit chance.


I agree. IIRC, the Cuban Leagues play with the same size baseball US pro ball does. Japan doesn't. It's easier for pitchers to throw, and while more difficult for hitters to hit for average, much easier to hit for power. Getting back briefly to Alay Soler, he was erratic, but had promise. Seemed afraid to throw his fastball, although my guess is that Mets pitching coach Rick Peterson can help him with that (he's good with confidence issues). Soler deserves another chance, albeit as a relief pitcher (he'd make a devastating righty specialist who could also do long relief duties). I can't say the same of Hideki Irabu, who had a million second chances and clearly not much MLB talent.

You have to remember, and this point evades most MLB personnel as well, most Cuban defectors haven't even seen much MLB baseball, let alone played it. Most Cuban defector pitchers, from Contreras to Soler, have given MLB hitters far too much respect when they first get to MLB.

Contreras didn't suddenly become a better pitcher at age 34. He just started pitching in MLB like he did in Cuba. Watching Contreras in 2003 and 2004 was disgusting -- all he did was nibble, even against defensive hitters. As soon as he started challenging hitters, he was the best pitcher in MLB from All-Star break 2005 to All-Star break '06. If Soler breaks the same bad habit, he could have success as well.

[Dalkowski110]

"Toca logged exactly 27 at-bats from 1999 to 2001. That's hardly 'a million second chances.'

He tore up the minors for years but got passed over time and time again. His three ABs in 1999 and seven ABs in 2000 weren't a legit chance."

I meant in Spring Training, AL.

"If Soler breaks the same bad habit, he could have success as well."

That's actually a pretty interesting take I'd never thought about. One other thing that might inhibit his progress, at least in the Mets organization, that has nothing to do with being Cuban or anything else, though, is his weight. Rick Peterson basically controls the pitching aspects of the organization regarding who gets what job. He's given more control than Randolph, though not quite as much as Minaya. He doesn't like fat pitchers. Tyler Walker, Heath Bell, and Royce Ring all disappeared on his watch, and while Bell got too many chances if anything (probably because Peterson was trying to iron out his mechanical problems and liven up his pancake-flat fastball), Ring and Walker (especially) really didn't get a fair shake. I'm only hoping Soler loses some weight at this point to give him a better shot with the Mets.

[Agente Libre]

I commented on Soler's weight a week or two ago. He was always stocky but he appears to have gotten fat. With his injury history, trying to lug around that extra weight is not a great idea.

The good thing for Soler is time is still on his side. With the lack of pitching around MLB, he should get plenty of chances, either with the Mets or elsewhere. That's where being on the 40-man is a huge advantage; unlike guys like Abreu stuck in the minors, the Mets can't take Soler off the roster without the other 29 teams getting a chance to claim him on waivers. (And some team would assuredly claim him.)

[Cubano100%]

Too much American food: burgers, wings, tenders, steaks, french fries, etc.


The same thing happened to Livan Hernandez and his visits to Burger King.


In Cuba, the food is rationed unless you head to the black market.

[Cubano100%]

Mexican Pacific League

LHP Raul Valdez -- The 29-year-old southpaw, signed by the Mets in December, went 0-2 with a 4.58 ERA in four starts for the Tomateros de Culiacan.

Mets.com

[Dalkowski110]

It would be interesting to see if the Mets try and turn Valdez into a LOOGY-type reliever if Pedro Feliciano or Scott Schoeneweis start having problems. The Mets don't have too many top-notch lefty starters in their Minor League system, either: Jon Niese and Adam Bostick seems about it (I'm not counting Jason Vargas or Oliver Perez, considering that Perez will almost certainly be in the rotation and Vargas stands a better than 50% shot). If Valdez (and can someone tell me their evaluation of him?) succeeds, he'll almost certainly wind up getting a look.

[Cubano100%]

After defecting, Valdez pitched was the best pitcher in the Dominican Winter League from 2002-2005. He was stranded there until last year he came too the USA. He was not good at all at AA or AAA for the Cubs. He was released and the Mets signed him. He went to the Indy league in Canada and did well. He was in that Indy team with another defector, Rolando Viera.


I do not know why the Cubs did not turn him into a reliever after failing as an starter. He went to the bullpen at the end, but his faith was already sealed. I least that is what I think happened.

[Dalkowski110]

IMO, the Mets should have the sense to make him into a LOOGY, then. We're without one since Rick Peterson kicked out Royce Ring due to his weight problems. Considering Valdez has had that much Minor League experience and knowing the Mets, I'd guess he'd start at AA as a long reliever/swingman.

[CameronCrazies]

Too much American food: burgers, wings, tenders, steaks, french fries, etc.

The same thing happened to Livan Hernandez and his visits to Burger King.

In Cuba, the food is rationed unless you head to the black market.

That really can show you something about Cuba. Livan, Soler, and those guys are now at the weight they probably would have been at in Cuba if they had the resources available. Those two guys are fat...nevermind, I don't know what I'm trying to say here.

I have been reading Pitching Around Fidel by SL Price and it has plenty of disturbing stories about life in Cuba. Really amazing if you can get it. Waiting for Fidel seems to be the same type book, but i haven't ordered it yet.

I also have Smoke: The Romance and Lore of Cuban Baseball which is great and the Duke of Havana - El Duque.

[Cubano100%]

The living condition of Cuban players has improved a little bit after a few defections. They now stay at hotels (not the best ones) but at least they do not sleep in a lodging room. The best hotels are for tourists: Canadians, Europeans, Latin-Americans, etc.

Now they are fed better than in the past. The MLB type of life or even the minor league conditions are way better than their life in Cuba. After the National Series is over, those that do not make the Cuban team go back to their hometown where they do not enjoy privileges.

They travel in busses.


I saw a documentary in TV Marti about Cuban defectors. The Santi Spiritus supersonic, RHP Mael Rodriguez, had a surgery in his shoulder. Mael used to throw 100-101 MPH. Former big leaguer RHP Rolando Arrojo paid for the surgery. Mael and other Cuban defectors are training in Tampa with former team Cuban head trainer Miguel Valdez. Valdez defected with Contreras in Mexico. Some Cubans that are training with him are Contreras, Yuniesky Betancourt (Mariners), RHP and ex-big leaguer Vladimir Nunez (had elbow surgery), Mael Rodriguez (I hope he can make it) and probably others.


The documentary is from October 2006. Vladimir Nunez was playing in Venezuela this winter.

[Cubano100%]

I also have Smoke: The Romance and Lore of Cuban Baseball which is great and the Duke of Havana - El Duque.


I have this book too.

[jon7jmets]

Abreu will be in the Big Leagues at some point next year.

[Dalkowski110]

I doubt that, unless Delgado goes down. IMO, the only chance of Abreu succeeding is if he's either traded or Delgado gets hurt.

[jon7jmets]

I remember Omar saying Abreu was in our plans for next season.

[Cubano100%]

It is hard for me to believe a 50 year old guy in Franco is ahead of Abreu even if Abreu has 0 MLB experience. Sometimes, I do not understand MLB for sure.

[Dalkowski110]

"In our plans" generally means, in Omarspeak, one of two things...
-Such-and-such a player really is a keeper.
-Such-and-such a player will be promoted higher in the Minors over the course of the season.

Nothing about playing a guy regularly. Otherwise, Milledge and Gomez would be played regularly...

"It is hard for me to believe a 50 year old guy in Franco is ahead of Abreu even if Abreu has 0 MLB experience."

Well, Omar is keeping his promise to the 48-year-old Franco. He's keeping him in the Majors till he hits his 50th birthday, then he probably makes him a coach. But Franco IS purely a bench player. In other words, what I'm saying is that if Delgado goes down, Franco would continue to stay on the bench. Damion Easley, David Newhan, and Michel Abreu (before Mike Carp, IMO) would all likely get shots at being the first sacker if that scenario happens.

[Agente Libre]

From Stan McNeal of The Sporting News:


Cuban defector Yunel Escobar, the Braves' second-round pick in 2005, has lost standing in the organization and is available in a trade. In 2006, he struggled at times at the plate and in the field. Another of the club's young shortstops, Elvis Andrus, continues to be impressive. Andrus, 18, is a name to remember because scouts say he has the tools to become the next great shortstop out of Venezuela. He can hit, too.

[J.P]

The living condition of Cuban players has improved a little bit after a few defections. They now stay at hotels (not the best ones) but at least they do not sleep in a lodging room. The best hotels are for tourists: Canadians, Europeans, Latin-Americans, etc.

Now they are fed better than in the past. The MLB type of life or even the minor league conditions are way better than their life in Cuba. After the National Series is over, those that do not make the Cuban team go back to their hometown where they do not enjoy privileges.

They travel in busses.


I saw a documentary in TV Marti about Cuban defectors. The Santi Spiritus supersonic, RHP Mael Rodriguez, had a surgery in his shoulder. Mael used to throw 100-101 MPH. Former big leaguer RHP Rolando Arrojo paid for the surgery. Mael and other Cuban defectors are training in Tampa with former team Cuban head trainer Miguel Valdez. Valdez defected with Contreras in Mexico. Some Cubans that are training with him are Contreras, Yuniesky Betancourt (Mariners), RHP and ex-big leaguer Vladimir Nunez (had elbow surgery), Mael Rodriguez (I hope he can make it) and probably others.


The documentary is from October 2006. Vladimir Nunez was playing in Venezuela this winter.

They are fed better, but most of them dont eat the steak or the ham and cheese sandwiches, they keep it(sometimes wrapping it in newspaper paper) to give it to their kids when they get home.

[J.P]

Yoslan Herrera was named the Pirates' #4 prospect by Baseball America.

[petercito_73]

Yeah, its true J.P. They are Mostly fathers and the only way to feed their family (more or less normal) is by keeping most of the food their given in the hotels. But they eat better than others in the country. I mean: maybe they don´t eat all the ham, but they eat ham.

[Cubano100%]

Yoslan Herrera was named the Pirates' #4 prospect by Baseball America.


How come? He has not pitched yet in America and he is already # 4. :eek:

[Martin Dihigo]

Because he's with the Pirates!!!!

[Martin Dihigo]

Hey cubano, what do you know about
Miguel Tejera, who was on the Mexican roster for the Caribbean
series. Played with Fresno in AAA last year and had decent numbers.

r

[Cubano100%]

J.P. may know more about him than I do. I believed he defected while with the junior team. He pitched in the Majors with the Marlins for some time. After that, he has been mostly in AAA. He put good numbers in AAA so I do not know why he is not considered for a relief spot. He is a lefty and they are hard to find.

[Agente Libre]

Tejera defected as a 17-year-old back in the mid-'90s and has pitched in parts of 5 ML seasons. He's not overpowering and allows too many walks, which has probably kept him from sticking in the majors as a lefty specialist. He'll probably have a Triple-A job for as long as he wants to pitch, but he'll have to cut down on the walks to stay in MLB for extended periods.

[Cubano100%]

I just found out that the Pirates have signed another Cuban pitcher.



Serguey Linares, who is listed as 23, is a Cuban defector with a big fastball and little else. He had a career record of 7-20 with a 5.59 ERA in 37 games as a pro in Cuba. While he's getting an invitation to spring training, he probably won't open the year higher than Double-A.


Thank you Kiefer.

[Cubano100%]

Let me take a moment here to pay tribute to the pitching coaches in Pinar del Rio specially Juan Carlos Oliva.

Juan Carlos Oliva is the brother of former Cuban MLguer Tony Oliva. Juan was a pitcher in Cuba and he was one of the best in his time. He has been the Pinar del Rio pitching coach for quite a while. Juan Carlos Oliva has developed the following pitchers:

In USA

Jose Contreras White Sox
Danys Baez Orioles
Alain Soler Mets
Yuslan Herrera Pirates
Serguey Linares Pirates

In Cuba and sure MLguers or AAA pitchers


Veteran RHP Pedro Lazo WBC
26 year old Yuniesky Maya WBC
22-23 year old RHP Vladimir Banos Intercontinental Cup
22 year RHP old Jose Melendis World University Games
RHP Raidel Miranda


Lazo is the number one starter in Pinar del Rio followed by Banos, Melendis and Miranda. Maya is the closer.


Another Pinar del Rio former pitcher and a great one too is one of the pitching coaches for the Industriales. His name is Julio Romero. The Industriales pitching staff is also one of the best in Cuba.

[J.P]

Tejera defected as a 17-year-old back in the mid-'90s and has pitched in parts of 5 ML seasons. He's not overpowering and allows too many walks, which has probably kept him from sticking in the majors as a lefty specialist. He'll probably have a Triple-A job for as long as he wants to pitch, but he'll have to cut down on the walks to stay in MLB for extended periods.

Exactly, he had decent #'s with the 03 Marlins.

[J.P]

By the way, Michel Abreu has officially been invited to Spring Training, anybody knows if the Cards are planning to invite Amaury Marti?

[jon7jmets]

BA "I know we’re supposed to be talking the final day of the Caribbean Series and everything, but let’s talk Cuban defectors for a second.

Well, one in particular.

I just had a scout run 18-year-old outfielder Ryde Rodriguez (who isn’t actually a defector since he left the country legally) under the bus.

Rodriguez just finished playing for Boer in the Nicaraguan League, and aside from poor numbers, he hit just .242 and hit no home runs, apparently the five-tool tag is about 4 1/2 tools too much.

“This guy is the king of jam shots,” a scout from an American League club said. “He has this shoulder swing and he can’t elevate. And this was in BP. The guy looked like he was swinging with a wet Baseball America . . . in BP.

“The body is great–looks like Ruben Sierra. 40 runner, with maybe a 55 arm, but he’s not accurate with his throws at all. People have told me he played in the amateur league in Cuba, but there’s no way.

“Cubans don’t play baseball like that.”"

[Dalkowski110]

"By the way, Michel Abreu has officially been invited to Spring Training"

From what it looks like, it'll probably be to showcase his skills and then use him as some kind of trade bait, probably for a replacement for Aaron "I wanna start" Heilman. Mike Carp, the other first baseman, isn't nearly as advanced as Abreu and may very well stay in the organization. In a way, I'd be happy to see Michel Abreu leave the Mets system...he really doesn't have a place right now, has a load of talent, and is a Major League-caliber ballplayer.

[J.P]

BA "I know we’re supposed to be talking the final day of the Caribbean Series and everything, but let’s talk Cuban defectors for a second.

Well, one in particular.

I just had a scout run 18-year-old outfielder Ryde Rodriguez (who isn’t actually a defector since he left the country legally) under the bus.

Rodriguez just finished playing for Boer in the Nicaraguan League, and aside from poor numbers, he hit just .242 and hit no home runs, apparently the five-tool tag is about 4 1/2 tools too much.

“This guy is the king of jam shots,” a scout from an American League club said. “He has this shoulder swing and he can’t elevate. And this was in BP. The guy looked like he was swinging with a wet Baseball America . . . in BP.

“The body is great–looks like Ruben Sierra. 40 runner, with maybe a 55 arm, but he’s not accurate with his throws at all. People have told me he played in the amateur league in Cuba, but there’s no way.

“Cubans don’t play baseball like that.”"

At least he is 18, theres time to work with him.

[Kiefer]

Pitcher Sergui Linares signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates this week for a bonus reported to be around $125,000.

When Linares tried out in front of dozens of scouts in the Dominican Republic last July, he was hyped more than fellow Cuban defectors Yohannis Perez and Yoslan Herrera despite worse stats than Herrera in the Cuban league. However, the 23-year-old righthander failed to impress at that outing. He was reputed to hit 97-98mph with his fastball, but at the tryout he was sitting at 85-86. Food poisoning was blamed, and he has since been reported to be both back up to his previous velocity and down to 90-91 at various tryouts. In any case, this is not a bad low risk, high reward signing for Pittsburgh, who also signed Herrera to a $1.95 million major league contract last year.

Supposedly Linares was previously signed by the Red Sox for a bonus in the neighborhood of $450,000, but the contract was voided for some reason. I don’t have any details on why.






Yoslan Herrera


Serguei Linares

[J.P]

I thought Francisley Bueno would get an invite to Spring Training, anybody knows if his injury in DR was serious??

[CameronCrazies]

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=5877

Does anyone have a subscription to this article? I would love to know what he says about the Pirates Cuban signings.

[Agente Libre]

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=5877

Does anyone have a subscription to this article? I would love to know what he says about the Pirates Cuban signings.

I'd like to read that article, too. There has to be a BP subscriber here; maybe someone can post the article or PM it to us. Thanks.

[Cubano100%]

I thought Francisley Bueno would get an invite to Spring Training, anybody knows if his injury in DR was serious??

I think he will be invited. He showed in his first year en AA that he was above this level despite missing a lot of time away from baseball. He then went to the D.R. and dominated there too. Therefore, he proved to everyone he deserves a chance.

[Cubano100%]

I have no interest or desire to read that BP article. Probably, it is another misleading article from the USA baseball media about Cuban baseball.

[Springman]

"I have no interest or desire to read that BP article. Probably, it is another misleading article from the USA baseball media about Cuban baseball."

I am new to this board.

How is the US media misleading?

Meanwhile, I am interested in learning whether any great players refused or could not return to the States to play after the 1959 Revolution.

[Cubano100%]

If they could just come straight from the National League or Super League!



Herrera impresses


One of the more uplifting sights for management in the early days of spring training has been the performance and poise of starter Yoslan Herrera, the Cuban defector signed this offseason.

On the mound, he has displayed a seemingly effortless delivery, dazzling offspeed stuff and, perhaps most impressive, an ability to throw all four pitches with an unwavering motion.

Off the mound, despite knowing little English, he appears to be assimilating well, and not just with the Spanish-speaking players. He often is seen smiling and joking with just about anyone, including Japanese starter Masumi Kuwata.

"He's very intriguing," manager Jim Tracy said. "Watching him pitch, you can see he knows what he's doing. His delivery is very consistent. And you can see, too, that he's handled himself extremely well in all areas over the first three days of camp."

[J.P]

I think he will be invited. He showed in his first year en AA that he was above this level despite missing a lot of time away from baseball. He then went to the D.R. and dominated there too. Therefore, he proved to everyone he deserves a chance.

I thought the same, but so far he does not show on the Invitees list for the Braves.

[J.P]

"I have no interest or desire to read that BP article. Probably, it is another misleading article from the USA baseball media about Cuban baseball."

I am new to this board.

How is the US media misleading?

Meanwhile, I am interested in learning whether any great players refused or could not return to the States to play after the 1959 Revolution.

I heard somewhere that Rogelio "Borrego" Alvarez, who was a Reds' power hitting prospect and got a cup of coffee in 1960 n 6, went back to Cuba after the 62 season to visit his ailing father, and was not allowed to return....dont know if this is a fact or not though.

[Dalkowski110]

I have a baseball card of Rogelio Alvarez. 1963 Topps, he shares a card with fellow Minor League star Dave Roberts and future MLB star Tommy Harper. According to SABR's Minor League Baseball Stars Volume II, Alvarez played pro ball until 1973 in the Mexican League. His last year in US pro ball was 1967 with Knoxville.

[CameronCrazies]

Apparently he is making an impression on Bobby Cox:

http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070224&content_id=1814678&vkey=spt2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl

http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070225&content_id=1815723&vkey=spt2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl

It was Jeff Blauser who said Escobar was scared to turn double play from second base last season...I gaurantee it. From all accounts he was a real A-hole.

[Agente Libre]

With all due respect, this is the classic Braves hype machine in action. Escobar's stock has fallen all over MLB ... he didn't make the AFL Top 10 after leading the league in hitting, he went untraded all winter after the Braves were reportedly shopping him heavily, and he didn't suddenly become a better player after three days of major league camp.

Also, Jeff Blauser is not a "former" Braves official, so you're probably wrong in attributing the quotes to him. From the Braves' site, Blauser is still working in their minor league system.

[J.P]

Still no news on Francisley Bueno??

[Agente Libre]

From today's Atlanta paper:


"Maybe it's working," said Cox, who reserved his lavish praise for infield prospects Yunel Escobar and Tony Pena, who led the Braves with two hits apiece.

Cox has praised Escobar at every opportunity, leading to some speculation that the Braves could be trying to trade the Cuban shortstop/third baseman.

"He's got plus-everything," Cox said, referring to Escobar's five-tool skills (run, throw, field, hit for average, hit for power).

Why isn't he a candidate for second base? Presumably because he has minimal experience at the position and was reluctant to play it last season at Class AA.

[J.P]

I think thats the best that could happen to him if he gets traded to a bad team, like Tampa or KC.

[J.P]

I mean, I can understand the dinosaur Franco being ahead of him for the Mets' backup 1b spot, but two games into Spring Training, they are playing Matt Carp ahead of Michel Abreu at 1b!!!! Is he even gon get a fair shot with this team???

[Kiefer]

I mean, I can understand the dinosaur Franco being ahead of him for the Mets' backup 1b spot, but two games into Spring Training, they are playing Matt Carp ahead of Michel Abreu at 1b!!!! Is he even gon get a fair shot with this team???

And the fossil Sierra has been their DH yesterday and today, so far 0-6. :noidea

[Cubano100%]

I am so upset about MLB that I may have to consider switching to Golf even though I do not consider it an sport.


MLB is more about business and potential than who is the most qualified guy o a better player.



Franco is too old at this point and Carp has not competed above A ball.

The best hitter in all AA, Abreu, has to sit in the bench. How do you guys think he feels seing what is going on around him? He is not stupid.


Abreu = Organizational Player: Players that provide depth to the minor leagues but are not considered future major leaguers.

[Cubano100%]

I think thats the best that could happen to him if he gets traded to a bad team, like Tampa or KC.


I am assuming you are talking about Escobar. It would be better if he gets traded to Tampa. The Braves have a crisis at 2B, he should be asking to play there.



I asked a Braves' insider about these two guys.

What happened to Francisley Bueno and Barbaro Canizares?
Thanks,

They will be in camp probably competing for jobs in Richmond. But they may go back to AA. We'll see how they do this month.

[jon7jmets]

I heard Soler lost some pounds.

[Kiefer]

I heard Soler lost some pounds.

Yes, that's true.

[CameronCrazies]

What happened to Francisley Bueno and Barbaro Canizares?

The insider had nothing to say about the possible injury to Bueno?

[brewcrew82]

Here (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=ArBZeaNENnJs6PqrybiKWOkRvLYF?slug=ap-brewers-perez&prov=ap&type=lgns) is a link to an article that I found this morning about Yohannis Perez of the brewers and his quest to make it through the brewers farm system after a two year layoff from professional baseball due to visa issues.

[CameronCrazies]

I heard Bueno arrived in Orlando yesterday and should be playing today. No mention of an injury or rehab or anything.

I also heard Barbaro Canizares will return to AA. I don't how they could have decided that already though. I assume Escobar, Bueno and Canizares will go to Richmond for a while.

[jon7jmets]

The Daily News reports that the Mets released right handed pitcher Alay Soler last night. The Cuban hurler has an 8.22 ERA so far this spring. With each rocky outing in Florida, it was apparent Soler did not have a place on the 2007 Mets or the 2007 Zephyres. He would have made $826,000 if he made the Mets and $620,000 if he were assigned to AAA.

[J.P]

It's been confirmed:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/spring2007/news/story?id=2796854

I cant say I'm not surprised, I didnt think he would open the season with the big club, but released??? Anyways, I dont think he should take long on getting signed, hopefully with a not so good team, with less pressure, and more opportunities........

[Agente Libre]

Not surprising at all. This guy just didn't take his career seriously. Wasted 2-plus years in the D.R., then made a mess of his paperwork situation, and then showed up in the U.S. looking like Fat Albert.

The guy could have made almost $1 million this year, and now he'll be lucky to make $100,000 in the minors. Very stupid.

[J.P]

Yes, I'm sure he purposedly "wasted" two years in DR, and got his papers "messed up"............like I said, i'm not surprised he didnt start the season with a big league club, but I'm sure theres work for him in AAA, and that he is better than many journeymen sitting in the pen on the Rays or Royals' staff.

[Agente Libre]

Sorry, but when he tried to use a fake passport, he caused his own problems, and when he showed up fat, he had no one to blame but himself.

I agree there are worse pitchers with the Devil Rays, but that's not how MLB works. The Mets either had to pay $1 million for Soler to hang out in Triple-A, or they could release him. I root for Cubans as much as anyone else, but the Mets do not owe Soler any more charity. They made him a millionaire, and he paid them back by going AWOL for 2 years and then becoming Fat Albert.

[Agente Libre]

J.P. -- In all seriousness, I'm not trying to give you a hard time. I just hate seeing these guys waste so much potential. Soler has the talent to be a #3 starter in the big leagues for 10 years but now he's managed to get released before a full year in the U.S.

But aside from wasting their own potential, I wish these guys understood how their successes and failures reflect on ALL Cubans. After today, it will be just a little tougher now for the next defector to sign a decent contract. Cuban defectors face enough obstacles without their own countrymen making it harder on them.

[Cubano100%]

Is this just a problem with Cuban players?

I am sure you have American, Dominican (Runelvys Hernandez, Duaner Sanchez), Venezuelan, Japanese (Irabu) players that either do not keep an eye on their weight or does not take their career seriously.



The Mets should release Michel Abreu.

[Agente Libre]

Is this just a problem with Cuban players?

I am sure you have American, Dominican (Runelvys Hernandez, Duaner Sanchez), Venezuelan, Japanese (Irabu) players that either do not keep an eye on their weight or does not take their career seriously.

Certainly not, but there are far fewer Cuban defectors, so each incident is a bigger deal.


The Mets should release Michel Abreu.

Ha ha ... The Mets were the only team to give Abreu a chance last year after he got caught lying about his age. It's not like they've buried him in Double-A for 3 years. With the Mets' old team, Abreu could get some major league time with them this year.

[Cubano100%]

Do you think so?


They played Mike Carp who has not played above A ball this spring. Carp did well. Abreu is an organizational player for the Mets at this point.

[J.P]

Sorry, but when he tried to use a fake passport, he caused his own problems, and when he showed up fat, he had no one to blame but himself.

I agree there are worse pitchers with the Devil Rays, but that's not how MLB works. The Mets either had to pay $1 million for Soler to hang out in Triple-A, or they could release him. I root for Cubans as much as anyone else, but the Mets do not owe Soler any more charity. They made him a millionaire, and he paid them back by going AWOL for 2 years and then becoming Fat Albert.

I'm with you on the weight issue, but you cant really blame him for going AWOL for 2 years, I mean, I'm not trying to justify the use of a fake passport, but sometimes being desperate makes you do stupid decisions, he was buried in DR anyways, so he just thought this could be a way out, if I recall correctly, most, if not all recent Cuban defectors have missed some significant time due to paperwork issues (Miranda, Kendry, Bueno, Abreu, Cañizares, Perez, Betancourt, Guevara, etc)

BTW, do you have any news on Guevara?

[Agente Libre]

There's no question desperation makes these guys do stupid things. A lot of wasted talent/wasted careers with Cubans. It's really unfortunate. At least Soler is in the U.S. and can continue his career here without needing a visa, etc. Maybe this will be a wake-up call for him.

Regarding Yamel Guevara, I haven't heard anything in many months. I heard he was pitching in Nicaragua and then left to come to the U.S. because his sister was in a car accident or something like that. My understanding is that he had suffered a shoulder injury back in 2004, and his velocity had not recovered.

As you probably know, Guevara was probably one of the Top 10 defectors at the time he left Cuba. (He was like 10-2 with a 2.00 ERA in the 2003-'04 National Series for Industriales.) That guy should have been filthy rich.

[Martin Dihigo]

Here's another article about the Brewers' Perez - sent to
minor league camp last week.

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=575884

Anyone know anything about his Cuban career?

[CameronCrazies]

Speaking of Guevara...

Agente, say something positive about (y)our favorite whipping boy Yunel Escobar - Yamel's half-brother - as you once told us because he is doing well in camp. Have you noticed?

His name continues to come up in trade talks which he has created with his great play - hardly any errors (2, 3?) and a 450+ batting average over the last several months (sample size isn't that small).

I'm proud of him and I hope to see him in Atlanta in September or possibly with another club.

I know he is a longshot to be a pro, but the fact that his father and sister are here now, his girlfriend is here, and his mother may soon be has to have lifted a weight off of his shoulders. Amazing he could focus at all last season.

Go ahead and make fun of me...

[Agente Libre]

I've said it about 10 times here and I'll say it again: I'm not rooting against Yunel Escobar. I simply do not believe he is likely to have an extended major league career. His skill set simply does not project him as an every-day major leaguer, and it projects him even less as a bench player (no speed, no power, makes a lot of errors, etc.).

I'll certainly admit he's having a nice spring, but for all I know, 90% of his hits have been against Double-A pitchers. History is chock full of players who had unbelievable spring training stats, and then were never heard from again.

Keep in mind, it's not just my opinion here. Escobar didn't make the Arizona Fall League Top 20 prospects list or Baseball America's Top 100 Prospects list. He also fell about ten spots on the Braves Top 20 list. That didn't happen by accident.

[CameronCrazies]

at least you can finally admit he will have a career as a major leaguer. I'm not saying your wrong for what you have said above so don't think I am attacking you.

Check the stats...Bobby Cox has hit him second in every game he has started or replaced Renteria. In front of Chipper and behind Johnson/Prado.

My thing is that he is turning it around and playing at a high level year-round (for the first time in his life) has turned him into a better player. He does not have to hit 15-20 homeruns to make this team. He never will hit like that anyway. The Braves were third in runs scored last season and still couldn't win the division...scored more runs than the Mets.

Top 20 in the AFL means alot of good players weren't listed. If he had 10 homers or so then he may have made it. Most people list him at 10 in the Braves system or close to it...that would not make you a Top 100 in BA.

[Cubano100%]

My good friend Keifer found this news:

"The New York Daily News reports that Alay Soler is expected to sign with the Pirates.

Soler, who was released by the Mets earlier this week, is reportedly likely to begin the season at Triple-A. Given Pittsburgh's pitching staff, he'd have a good chance to work his way into a prominent role at some point."







It seems that the Pirates have found a new minor league team: The Pinar del Rio Green Sox.


Yuslan Herrera
Sergei Linares
Alain Soler

[J.P]

Has Serguey Linares made it to the States yet??? Is Soler's signing official yet???........and dont forget Cubano, they also have Tejera in the minors...

[Agente Libre]

Not sure and yes.

[CameronCrazies]

Now this something you can take with a grain of salt...or you can believe a guy who is with the team everyday and speaks to scouts and management.

From MLB.com Braves Beat Writer Mark Bowman:

In your opinion, who is the best prospect in Atlanta's Minor League system?
-- Cody C., Temple, Texas

Based on what I've seen, the best prospect is Yunel Escobar. The 24-year-old shortstop can run, field and hit for both power and average. His muscular frame indicates that he could hit 30-plus homers regularly at the big-league level. This is the one guy in the farm system who I can confidently say will appear in multiple Major League All-Star Games.

I love it!!

[Cubano100%]

I think Mark Bowman is dreaming. Escobar has done nothing in his career to suggest he will be hitting 30 HR in MLB even if he goes to one of those special laboratories.


He has made 2 errors this spring in a handfull games. He has not played the entire game in these games. His fielding percentage is in the low 900.

[J.P]

Toca has been released by the Nats.

[J.P]

Alex Sanchez has been released by the Marlins............Hanzel Izquierdo is pitching in Mexico.

[jon7jmets]

A working visa issue is one major reason the Mets sent first baseman Michel Abreu to minor-league camp before he played in a Grapefruit League game. Like with Chan Ho Park, you're unable to play before a paying crowd until it's resolved. No official word, but it looks like he may not be able to begin the season with Triple-A New Orleans.

[J.P]

A working visa issue is one major reason the Mets sent first baseman Michel Abreu to minor-league camp before he played in a Grapefruit League game. Like with Chan Ho Park, you're unable to play before a paying crowd until it's resolved. No official word, but it looks like he may not be able to begin the season with Triple-A New Orleans.

But if I recall correctly, he did play in one Spring Training game as a defensive replacement but didnt get any at bats............................If this is true, its major blow, I mean, are Cuban players the only ones who seem to have major visa problems?????? Serguey Linares couldnt make it to camp, and nobody even knows if hes in the States yet.

[jon7jmets]

Chan ho Park ST debut got pushed back due to a working visa issue even tho he was in camp. i guess the same for Abreu. Abreu is playing Exhibition Game with the Mets AAA team tho.

[J.P]

Climbing the Ladder

Triple-A Richmond

Yunel Escobar, INF
A second-round pick in 2005 after defecting from Cuba, Escobar spent his first full season in Double-A Mississippi and played three infield positions. The Braves still think he can be an everyday shortstop, his original position, and he certainly has the arm strength to play there. They also feel his skill set fits at all three positions -- second, short or third. What's more exciting is his offensive development, particularly in the Arizona Fall League. Escobar won the batting title with a .407 average while continuing to show the excellent plate discipline that was on display during the regular season. Though his versatility may point him toward a utility role, the Braves still think he can be an everyday player, especially after he hit .362 over 47 at-bats in big-league camp this spring.

[J.P]

All reports indicate that Rey Ordoñez has made the team.......:cool: I have to admit, I didnt see this one coming.

[Agente Libre]

It might not be for long. Betancourt has to miss some games next week to testify in the Gus Dominguez smuggling trial.

[Agente Libre]

In other news, Yunel Escobar was reassigned to minor league camp by the Braves, and Roberto Sotolongo (Cubs) and Jorge Toca (Nationals) were released.

[CameronCrazies]

All reports indicate that Rey Ordoñez has made the team.......:cool: I have to admit, I didnt see this one coming.

What team? I'll look it up...

[Agente Libre]

Mariners, probably just as a short-term replacement while Betancourt is in Florida for the court case next week.

[J.P]

-Last minute trade keeps Ordoñez off the team :evil :
http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070401&content_id=1873982&vkey=news_sea&fext=.jsp&c_id=sea

-You are right Agente, Yunel didnt make the team, but this is whay Bobby Cox said:

"They both had great springs, but they need to play every day,"

Something he didnt do in Cuba, I think this also means he would had been ready to be an utility in the majors this year, but they rather have him play everyday because of the possibility he could turn into somethng bigger :clapping .

-And the Angels send Kendry down to start the season in AAA :crazy :evil

[Agente Libre]

J.P. -- I wasn't bashing Yunel. I was simply mentioning that he was sent to the minors for the people who hadn't seen it yet.

We can argue about that guy all year long, but it's going to take more than .260 with 2 HR and 40 errors to convince me he's a major league-caliber player. Maybe we can see what he does in Triple-A for a couple months and then resume the argument around June.

[CameronCrazies]

I've linked this guys website before for you guys:
http://globalbaseball.wordpress.com/2007/03/27/interview-with-peter-bjarkman/#more-67

Yunel is not on the 40-man roster yet, so he was just reassigned. They kept Orr and Woodward because they are out of options and they also have years of MLB experince. There is no doubt that Yunel is ready to play in MLB, but playing everyday in AAA will keep him sharp.

[Agente Libre]

... There is no doubt that Yunel is ready to play in MLB ...

Based on what -- a decent spring training against mostly minor league pitchers?

Again, let's see what he does in Triple-A and then revisit the argument.

[Agente Libre]

In a bizarre move, Amaury Casanas Marti has been loaned to the Petroleros of the Mexican League less than 24 hours after he was confirmed as a member of the Springfield Cardinals (Double-A).

No reason was given for the move. I'm guessing his immigration status/papers might have something to do with it.

[J.P]

In a bizarre move, Amaury Casanas Marti has been loaned to the Petroleros of the Mexican League less than 24 hours after he was confirmed as a member of the Springfield Cardinals (Double-A).

No reason was given for the move. I'm guessing his immigration status/papers might have something to do with it.


:dismay: :dismay: :dismay: :dismay:

[J.P]

Straight from the Petroleros' official website, they signed a cooperative agreement with the Cards, the news came out on 3/28, theres no metion of any specific player though, heres the link (spanish):

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070328&content_id=196854&vkey=news_t1210&fext=.jsp&sid=t1210

[ttug3]

Does anyone know what happened to Jesus Ametller? I know he was in the Cards minor league system, but haven't heard anything about him in a while.

[J.P]

He was playing professionaly in Italy (playing over there also were Bill Ortega, Roberto Colina, Julio Cesar Villalon, and Juan Carlos Bruzon) last I heard, cant recall right now if this was either last season or the one before.

[J.P]

Mariners, probably just as a short-term replacement while Betancourt is in Florida for the court case next week.

Well the Nats need a SS now, Christian Guzman was placed on the DL.

[CameronCrazies]

I just read on the Richmond Braves website that the Braves have six Cubans in the organization, but with Baez gone I count only five: Bueno, Escobar, Canizares, Pena, and Roberto Alvarez.

Any news on Alvarez? Does anybody know the sixth Cuban?

[Agente Libre]

The sixth guy is probably that teenage pitcher they signed out of the Nicaraguan winter league a few months ago. Can't remember his name.

[Cubano100%]

I just read on the Richmond Braves website that the Braves have six Cubans in the organization, but with Baez gone I count only five: Bueno, Escobar, Canizares, Pena, and Roberto Alvarez.

Any news on Alvarez? Does anybody know the sixth Cuban?

I believe it is Duniesky Flores.

[J.P]

He is sometimes referred to as Duniesky Rodriguez.

[Martin Dihigo]

Saludos folks,

Limonta is off to a hot start in High Desert (High A Mariners).
In his first two games he's 4 for 8 with 2 HRs and 3RBI.

Where did the pitchers (Herrera and the other guy) who the
Pirates sign end up?

r

[J.P]

Herrera is in AA; you mean Soler or Serguei Linares? Soler is in AA too, Linares, I dont even know if hes even in the US. I cant find Abreu in any roster, anybody knows anything??

[CameronCrazies]

I believe it is Duniesky Flores.

I thought his name was Danilo Alvarez?? I don't remember him being a Cuban?

http://www.elnuevodiario.com.ni/2006/12/12/deportes/36200

[Martin Dihigo]

Herrera is in AA; you mean Soler or Serguei Linares? Soler is in AA too, Linares, I dont even know if hes even in the US. I cant find Abreu in any roster, anybody knows anything??

Thanks, didn't know the Pirates had picked up Soler. Let me know if you find out where Linares is.

[Cubano100%]

I thought his name was Danilo Alvarez?? I don't remember him being a Cuban?

http://www.elnuevodiario.com.ni/2006/12/12/deportes/36200


Danilo is from Nicaragua. The Braves signed both Danilo and Duniesky out of the Nicaraguan Winter League.

[Agente Libre]

Serguey Linares arrived in the U.S. in late Feb. or early March and is currently in extended spring training. According to a Pittsburgh paper, he will be assigned to a Class A team in late April, after he gets back into game shape.

[Martin Dihigo]

Thanks for the info

[Dalkowski110]

"I cant find Abreu in any roster, anybody knows anything??"

Okay, here's what I've been able to find out on Michel Abreu...

He's having visa problems; the same type Chan-Ho Park had (he needs to get working papers renewed before he plays a professional game and there's a bureaucratic SNAFU). Technically, he's the property of the New York Mets and is in an extended Minor League camp. He can only play in simulated games, hence, extended Minor League camp. Once the paperwork problem is solved, he'll likely be assigned to the New Orleans Zephyrs and start by platooning with left-handed-hitting first baseman Andy Tracy.

[Agente Libre]

That's unbelievable regarding Abreu. The guy had been in the U.S. since about Feb. 2006 but never bothered to stop into an Immigration office? Amazing.

[Dalkowski110]

Actually, I checked online...Abreu isn't a US citizen. His country of residence is Mexico (at least I think so...when he first signed his contract with the Red Sox, he was living in Puerto Rico, but he had to have left). It really sounds more like the Chan-Ho Park situation where he couldn't pitch for over two weeks due to visa problems/renewing his work papers.

[Agente Libre]

Right, but Cubans are eligible for U.S. residency as soon as they step foot in the U.S., but it sounds like Abreu never bothered to adjust his status. Not real smart, especially for a guy who could have challenged for a bench job in the big leagues.

It's really starting to amaze me how so many Cubans are screwing themselves over simple paperwork issues.

[Dalkowski110]

I tend to think that the Mets brass is losing patience with Abreu...just a gut feeling, but why else would Omar Minaya state that Abreu figured heavily into the Mets plans and then after only one ST appearance, send him to Minor League camp in favor of then-Class A Advanced first baseman Mike Carp? This despite the fact that Minaya specifically praised Abreu's quick development and even hinting at either a bench job or September call-up.

[Agente Libre]

... because the same rules apply in spring training: Abreu is not eligible to play in front of a paying crowd until the visa issue is resolved. No sense having him take up space in major league camp if he couldn't play.

[Dalkowski110]

True, but Abreu's work visa problems only surfaced just before the regular season began...everyone expected him to start at New Orleans until a little less than a week before the season started. And how did he get into that one game in ST?

[Agente Libre]

The visa problem might have only surfaced publicly right before the season, but clearly the Mets found out earlier. Otherwise, they wouldn't have shipped him out so soon after Omar said he was fighting for a job.

As for the one ST appearance, it was likely an oversight, or Abreu told the Mets he was legal when, in fact, he wasn't.

[J.P]

Right, but Cubans are eligible for U.S. residency as soon as they step foot in the U.S., but it sounds like Abreu never bothered to adjust his status. Not real smart, especially for a guy who could have challenged for a bench job in the big leagues.

It's really starting to amaze me how so many Cubans are screwing themselves over simple paperwork issues.

But this sounds more like a job for his agent, not the player!

[Dalkowski110]

Just for the record, Abreu's agent is Bernie McGregor. McGregor had never represented a player before, and has not represented another since. Why then, is he represented by McGregor? Apparently, according to an article when he was property of the Red Sox, he befriended an American businessman in Costa Rica (yet another stop in his attempt to get residency) by the name of Mike Sims. Sims also happened to be friends with an aspiring agent...McGregor...who was enthusiastic, but couldn't find any clients. So really, it doesn't sound like he has a very good agent.

[J.P]

I would say he's pretty much screwed, all this time away from any sort of competitive baseball will show up in the stats and hurt his chances to make it to bigs this year :mad:

[Cubano100%]

What would you do if you were in his shoes? Probably, you would wait until good guy Castro let your family leave the country.


Apr 11 The Chicago Tribune's Mark Gonzales reports Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen supports SP Jose Contreras amid allegations Contreras paid $200,000 to smuggle his wife and children out of Cuba in 2004. "People have to understand the reality about Cuba," Guillen said. "People have to understand the politics between the United States and Cuba, understand the kids are in the middle of the situation. You want your kids out of there as quick as you can. You want your kids to be with you."

[Cubano100%]

Cuban defector Cazana-Marti was the club’s 18th-round pick last year. Marti first played independent ball when he arrived in the States, then left to become eligible for the draft. The Cardinals claimed at the time the Cuban defector was 28 years old, though records from the Cuban League show he was actually 32. St. Louis showed they wanted him on the fast track last season, sending Cazana-Marti to the Arizona Fall League, but putting a player on loan to the Mexican League doesn’t usually bode well for their future. Especially if the player is a 32-year-old who hasn’t played about Double-A. (Chris Kline)



http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/

[J.P]

Cuban defector Cazana-Marti was the club’s 18th-round pick last year. Marti first played independent ball when he arrived in the States, then left to become eligible for the draft. The Cardinals claimed at the time the Cuban defector was 28 years old, though records from the Cuban League show he was actually 32. St. Louis showed they wanted him on the fast track last season, sending Cazana-Marti to the Arizona Fall League, but putting a player on loan to the Mexican League doesn’t usually bode well for their future. Especially if the player is a 32-year-old who hasn’t played about Double-A. (Chris Kline)



http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/

Hes started the season on a tear in Mexico tough; also playing over there are Hansel Izquierdo and Jorge Toca

[Martin Dihigo]

http://www.miamiherald.com/505/story/72335.html

Anyone know if Dominguez is Cuban?

[Cubano100%]

http://www.miamiherald.com/505/story/72335.html

Anyone know if Dominguez is Cuban?



I think so. Either he is Cuban or Cubanamerican.


Forget about more Cuban players coming for a while.

[Cubano100%]

I asked a Braves' insider the following:


What are the Braves' plans for the following players?


Francisley Bueno: He dominated AA hitters last year and did the same in the Dominican Republic Winter League. In his first year as a Pro, he showed great things.

Barbaro Canizares: He was injured for part of last season. He did ok.


Roberto Alvarez: He arrived late last year.


Duniesky Flores o Duniesky Rodriguez: Signed out of Nicaraguan Winter League.



He wrote:



Francisley Bueno is an interesting pitcher. He needs to stay healthy first and foremost this season. I had one scout from a NL team tell me last year that he thought Bueno could be a number three pitcher in a big league rotation. I don't agree. I'm not convinced of that yet. Maybe if he has a full season he could possibly be that good of a prospect, but I want to see more results first.

Barbaro is a hitter. No doubt about that. Most thought he'd return to Double-A, but he went out and did well in spring training and won a job in Richmond. I think he's got a chance as a right-handed backup first baseman. He's not great defensively, but he has improved since last year.

Alvarez had some nagging injury in spring training that curtailed is spring training a bit. I haven't really seen him play much. I watched him hit a home run in Instructs last year. He's got talent, but I'm not sure yet how good of a prospect he might be in the future.

I'm pretty sure Flores was released at the end of spring training.

[J.P]

Anybody knows why Francisley Bueno hasnt pitched this year yet?? I remember he left DR with an injury...........

[J.P]

Bueno debuted yesterday:

Mississippi starter Francisley Bueno (0-1) gave up three runs on five hits and a walk with two strikeouts in 2 1/3 innings. Jose Ascanio surrendered six runs and six hits over 1 2/3 frames.

[Dalkowski110]

Been trying to keep track of Michel Abreu for you guys, but he was dropped from milb.com's player register today and I have no idea why...

[J.P]

Thanks Dalkowski, please let us know if you find out anything.............what player register are you talking about? Cuz I actually never found Abreu this year on milb........Thanks again.

[Dalkowski110]

"Cuz I actually never found Abreu this year on milb........Thanks again."

Same one I think you're talking about. The one where you do player searches. He showed up both early this year and also recently as simply having his parent club listed as the Mets, but today, he's gone.

[J.P]

Yeah, I found him early in the year, but I hadnt seen him there in a while. By any chance, you have any information on Alejandro Zuaznabar and Miguel Perez. Thanks

[Dalkowski110]

Definitely regarding Perez. He was released. Zuaznabar should be the starting third baseman for the Kingsport Mets this year, as their season hasn't yet begun.

[Cubano100%]

Just to put some faces on some names. The following info and pictures are from the teams web sites they play for. There are a couple of guys from Matanzas playing SS in the minors.

Yunesky Sanchez

Position: IF
Date of Birth: 05/03/1984
Height: 6' 2" Weight: 210 lbs
Birthplace: Matanzas, Matanzas, Cuba





Full Name: Yohannis Perez
Born: 10/11/1982
Birthplace: Colon, Matanzas, Cuba
Height: 6' 0"
Weight: 190
Bats: R
Throws: R

[J.P]

Roberto Alvarez has begun playing in the Braves' A advanced team......he's 1-7 in two games.

[J.P]

If Craig Wilson continues to struggle and Barbaro Cañizares picks up the pace in AAA, will the Braves consider bringing him up?

[Agente Libre]

Apparently the Red Sox released RHP Gary Galvez. He signed with the independent Brockton Rox yesterday.

[jon7jmets]

Yeah, I found him early in the year, but I hadnt seen him there in a while. By any chance, you have any information on Alejandro Zuaznabar and Miguel Perez. ThanksMets released him also.

[Dalkowski110]

Are you sure? He's still listed on Kingsport's roster and listed as the starting third baseman, no less. If they had him tabbed as the utility guy, I could see that, but they cut their starting third baseman after rosters were set?

[Agente Libre]

Short-season rosters aren't set in March. They might have temporarily assigned him to that roster and then released him out of extended spring training.

[Dalkowski110]

They must have released him pretty late...IIRC, they set rosters for the short season teams on either April 15 or April 20.

[Agente Libre]

I don't know what you mean by "set rosters" in April. 90% of the players in the short-season leagues aren't even drafted until June.

[Dalkowski110]

I checked again, and am wrong...it's mid May they try and set rosters for, not mid April. Regardless, the Mets tend to set their short season rosters early on.

[Agente Libre]

Maybe for players in extended spring training, but again, most short-season players aren't even drafted until June, so it's largely impossible to set rosters in May.

[jon7jmets]

He was released per BA.

[jon7jmets]

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/minors/news/print263278.html

[Dalkowski110]

Sounds reasonable, but they must have re-signed at least some of those guys...Juan Montero played in a ST game with the Mets.

[J.P]

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/minors/news/print263278.html

Unfortunately, jon7jmets seems to be right...............Is it too early to start calling Juan Miranda (238 AVG in A+) and Yoslan Herrera (ERA over 8 in AA) dissapointments??

[Agente Libre]

Probably too early given that both spent almost 2 years away from organized baseball. That said, neither guy was a premium prospect to begin with. Miranda has some raw power, and Herrera is (and always was) a finesse righty.

[Dalkowski110]

Agreed with Agente Libre...heck, look at pitchers (Cuban or otherwise) who miss seasons due to Tommy John Surgery...even if they successfully come back, their first season coming back is generally pretty below average.

Incidentally, the Mets did claim one Cuban pitcher, Ricardo Morales, in the Rule V Draft (for AA Binghamton...thus, all he needs to do is stay at that level or above for a year and won't have to be returned). He's done very well thus far as a swingman and has only walked 1 batter in 17 innings. New Orleans (AAA) is pretty lefty-depleted and righty Robert Paulk is Binghamton's other swingman. They may bump up Morales mid-season and see how he does in AAA (they did this last year with Willie Collazo after southpaw Blake McGinley started getting overworked). He won't make the Majors, but he may go up a level.

[Agente Libre]

What's the background on Ricardo Morales? I had never heard of him, or his Cuban heritage. Thanks.

[Dalkowski110]

Okay, feel free to call me an idiot...the Mets had a left-handed pitcher in A ball named Ricardo Morales who was Cuban in 2004. Never heard from him again. Turns out THIS Ricardo Morales, the one the Mets claimed in the AA Phase of the Rule V draft, is a Dominican. Because they were both born in 1983, I wrongly assumed they had to be the same guy (without looking at anything aside from year of birth, throwing arm, name, or position). Sorry. :(

EDIT: Looked for more info about the other Ricardo Morales. He's not listed on the Minor League Baseball website's player registry, so he either retired or is out for the season because of surgery. Not listed over at thebaseballcube.com, either. May have even been a guy the Mets signed and who just went into extended ST.

[J.P]

Miami Springs catcher, Cuban, Yasmani Grandal, is considred one of the best, if not the best defensive catcher in the draft, needs to work on his swing though:

http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/events/draft_report/y2007/index.jsp?mc=grandal

[siromaniyon]

II JUEGOS DEPORTIVOS DEL ALBA
http://www.juegosdelalba.com/Atletas/AtletasXPais.aspx?id=49
http://www.juegosdelalba.com/showpage/sp/showpage.aspx?d=BEI&n=3
(these sites are very slow to extend)

Jose Dariel Abreu,although he is one of particiants,he is no presence each game.
And,in these participants' list,his figure has gotten away.

It seems that he might have much potentiality not less than Kendry Morales.
Though ,as of now,he may be a little rougher than Kendry.

This might be my simple misunderstand...would you think about this matter?:confused:

[Agente Libre]

Are you saying he was in Venezuela for the games but then disappeared, or that he's on the roster but you haven't seen him at all?

[siromaniyon]

Are you saying he was in Venezuela for the games but then disappeared, or that he's on the roster but you haven't seen him at all?

To say nothing of my living Jpn,I don't know about this at all.
But I symply remenber Kendry's case in 2003.:nod:

[Agente Libre]

Quite a few Cuban athletes don't have a photo on their ALBA page, so it might not mean much re: Jose Dariel Abreu. Venezuela would also be a very strange place for a Cuban athlete to defect.

I agree Abreu is a good prospect, although probably not as refined as Kendry Morales was in 2004. (Abreu is a better athlete, though.)

[Cubano100%]

Quite a few Cuban athletes don't have a photo on their ALBA page, so it might not mean much re: Jose Dariel Abreu. Venezuela would also be a very strange place for a Cuban athlete to defect.

I agree Abreu is a good prospect, although probably not as refined as Kendry Morales was in 2004. (Abreu is a better athlete, though.)

Three boxers who won gold medals in Athens left their training camp in Venezuela recently and escaped to Colombia. They signed a contract with a German company to promote their fights. They were in Miami a month ago.


The Panamerican games will be held in Brazil during the summer.

[Agente Libre]

Three boxers who won gold medals in Athens left their training camp in Venezuela recently and escaped to Colombia. They signed a contract with a German company to promote their fights. They were in Miami a month ago.

It's certainly possible Abreu left in Venezuela, but I'm sure security at the ALBA games is very tight.

[Cubano100%]

It's certainly possible Abreu left in Venezuela, but I'm sure security at the ALBA games is very tight.


He was not even in the team. I do not think this is true.

http://www.trabajadores.cubaweb.cu/2007/abril/13/deportes/equipo.htm



http://www.juegosdelalba.com/showpage/sp/showpage.aspx?d=BEI&n=4,1,1,1

[Agente Libre]

Not sure if it's legitimate or just another dumb rumor, but people on another board are claiming pitchers Yuniesky Maya and Vladimir Banos and outfielder Alexei Ramirez, all from Pinar del Rio and all members of Cuba's national team, have defected.

These guys all had plenty of chances to leave at foreign tournaments and never did, so it seems hard to believe they all took off together by boat. I guess time will tell.

[J.P]

Serguey Linares debuted yesterday for the Pirates' A affiliate:

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070508&content_id=240015&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp

[Dalkowski110]

Okay, I have some news on Michel Abreu, though at this point it's only a rumor. Apparently, the Mets have considered voiding Abreu's contract for failing to get work papers and/or establish residency. As of this writing, he is still in extended Minor League camp (which I managed to find out in an article about Brian Lawrence), so he is technically part of the Mets organization. Further, Minorleaguebaseball.com has since created a player profile of Abreu, though you have to google it to get it to show up (his name still doesn't appear in the milb.com search). Considering I've googled Abreu in the past and not gotten an updated profile that was changed from the 2006 format, the Mets may have either worked something out or are ready to cut him loose. Just want to keep you fellas updated.

[J.P]

Tnks Dalkowski, we'll keep our fingers crossed......

[CameronCrazies]

Do you guys remember this from a couple of years ago?...2003 I think. Looks like a circle change he was trying to throw.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdVlcWNZkig

[Dalkowski110]

Heh...wow. Ryne Duren and Chuck Stobbs would be proud.

[Cubano100%]

Two more Cuban players are going to enter the 2007 Draft.

Havana Cowboys RHP Yusdel Tuero is in Florida.

Outfielder Michel Rodriguez also left Cuba.