Cuban Players Defectors [Archive] - Page 6

Cubano100%

06-04-2007, 10:14 PM

AL Leaders: BA, Men On Base (Thru Jun. 3, 2007)
.9 PA/Game
Rank Player Team Stats
1 Dustin Pedroia Bos .426 ( 23/54 )
2 Vladimir Guerrero LAA .402 ( 39/97 )
3 Ichiro Suzuki Sea .378 ( 28/74 )
4t Mike Redmond Min .375 ( 21/56 )
4t Joe Mauer Min .375 ( 18/48 )
6t Orlando Cabrera LAA .368 ( 42/114 )
6t Ramon Hernandez Bal .368 ( 21/57 )
8 Yuniesky Betancourt Sea .365 ( 31/85 )
9t Placido Polanco Det .364 ( 32/88 )
9t Kevin Youkilis Bos .364 ( 32/88 )
11 Victor Martinez Cle .363 ( 37/102 )
12 Mike Lowell Bos .362 ( 34/94 )
13 Derek Jeter NYY .359 ( 33/92 )
14 Magglio Ordonez Det .358 ( 38/106 )
15 Casey Kotchman LAA .354 ( 29/82 )
16 David Ortiz Bos .353 ( 36/102 )
17 Jay Payton Bal .352 ( 19/54 )
18 Jorge Posada NYY .351 ( 34/97 )
19 Brian Roberts Bal .350 ( 28/80 )
20 Carl Crawford TB .349 ( 30/86 )

AL Leaders: BA Scoring Position (Thru Jun. 3, 2007)
.6 PA/Game
Rank Player Team Stats
1 Placido Polanco Det .446 ( 25/56 )
2t Victor Martinez Cle .429 ( 24/56 )
2t Derek Jeter NYY .429 ( 21/49 )
4 Yuniesky Betancourt Sea .426 ( 20/47 )
5 Ichiro Suzuki Sea .422 ( 19/45 )
6 Raul Ibanez Sea .421 ( 16/38 )
7 Joe Mauer Min .393 ( 11/28 )
8 B.J. Upton TB .390 ( 16/41 )
9 Dustin Pedroia Bos .379 ( 11/29 )
10 Ramon Hernandez Bal .371 ( 13/35 )
11 Vladimir Guerrero LAA .371 ( 23/62 )
12 David Ortiz Bos .368 ( 21/57 )
13 Magglio Ordonez Det .367 ( 22/60 )
14t Mike Lowell Bos .353 ( 18/51 )
14t Mark Teahen KC .353 ( 18/51 )
16t Kevin Youkilis Bos .346 ( 18/52 )
16t Kevin Millar Bal .346 ( 9/26 )
18 Carlos Guillen Det .345 ( 19/55 )
19 Jay Payton Bal .344 ( 11/32 )
20 Jhonny Peralta Cle .340 ( 16/47 )

Cubano100%

06-04-2007, 10:33 PM

Yunel Escobar homered for the first time in his brief MLB career.
http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070604&content_id=2005377&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl

industfan

06-05-2007, 05:58 AM

I heard some news a couple of weeks ago that Juan Carlos Bruzon had been apparently kidnapped in miami and was nowhere to be found. His car was found abandoned and with a broken glass, his family in Miami was inteviewed and they were desperate.

I haven't seen any follow ups on this situation. Does anybody know anything?

J.P

06-05-2007, 09:33 AM

I heard the same news on Channel 23 Spanish News, but nothing after that.

Cubanball

06-06-2007, 07:45 AM

I found this article about a recent Cuban defector named Leovet Cardoso Serpa. Any more info on him?

http://www.heraldnet.com/stories/07/06/05/100spo_c1cubanpitcher001.cfm

Cubano100%

06-06-2007, 09:27 AM

I found this article about a recent Cuban defector named Leovet Cardoso Serpa. Any more info on him?

http://www.heraldnet.com/stories/07/06/05/100spo_c1cubanpitcher001.cfm

Thank you.

A friend of mine told he left but it was not official. I guess now it is. I saw him this year against the Industriales Lions. He is tall and has long arms. He throws 90 MPH and I like his breaking stuff too. He used to pitch both hands but now he throws left handed most of the time. He lost that game 1x0 vs Yadel Marti (WBC). Rudy Reyes hit a HR off him.

Agente Libre

06-06-2007, 09:39 AM

The story talks about Cardoso maybe getting drafted, but unless he notified MLB he was in the U.S., he'll have to wait until the 2008 draft. (It doesn't sound like he has an agent; just a friend who is helping him get around. I doubt the friend knows about MLB's rules for Cubans.)

NewEnglandAmazins

06-06-2007, 10:05 AM

He throws 90 MPH and I like his breaking stuff too. He used to pitch both hands but now he throws left handed most of the time.

Can he throw that hard for both arms?

Cubano100%

06-06-2007, 11:18 AM

Can he throw that hard for both arms?

I only saw him left handed, but I know he can throw from both sides. I read it once.

J.P

06-06-2007, 11:19 AM

Agente Libre

06-06-2007, 12:12 PM

Any player living in the U.S. has to be eligible for the draft before he can sign a contract. The vast majority of players are drafted out of a high school or college, but players -- usually foreign guys -- are occasionally drafted out of indy leagues, etc.

Cubano100%

06-06-2007, 12:30 PM

He has very little time to get ready not only legally but also in baseball shape.

Probably, Betancourt's agent is helping him.

J.P

06-07-2007, 07:58 AM

As Cubano100% noted in our spanish forum, Industriales catcher Joel Galarraga also defected an is playing in Mexico on the same team as Amaury Cazañas:

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Joel%2520Galarraga&pos=NON_P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=517810

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c183/qbanboy82/galarraga.jpg

J.P

06-07-2007, 12:05 PM

Leovet Cardoso, Yusdel Tuero, and Michel Rodriguez, all three are draft eligible:

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/draft/y2007/drafttracker.jsp?p=0&s=30&sc=pick_number&so=&st=number&ft=&fv=

Cubano100%

06-08-2007, 04:48 AM

The Marlins selected Matt Dominguez with their first-round pick in the baseball draft.

ROOTS IN CUBA

Dominguez has Cuban roots. His father, Fernando, is a native of Moron, Cuba.

Matt Dominguez also traveled to Cuba last year to play in a Team USA juniors tournament.

''He played in the same stadium where we grew up watching baseball,'' said his uncle and agent, Gus Dominguez.

Gus Dominguez was convicted in April of smuggling Cuban players into this country and faces decades in prison. Sentencing is set for July 9.

But he said that if the outcome prevents him from serving as his nephew's agent, he would be represented by other members of his firm, Total Sports International.

Drafting Dominguez broke the Marlins' recent trend of focusing on pitchers. But they didn't stop with Dominguez in drafting position players on Thursday, using their second-round choice (77th overall) to take outfielder Mike Stanton of Notre Dame Academy in Sherman Oaks, Calif.

http://www.miamiherald.com/589/story/132659.html

Cubano100%

06-08-2007, 06:52 AM

It seems Barbaro Canizares was placed in the Restricted list due to some visa trouble.

J.P

06-08-2007, 09:15 AM

Agente, do you have any idea why Abreu, Cañizares, and Yunel Escobar are having these visa problems??

Agente Libre

06-08-2007, 10:10 AM

This is unofficial, but from what I've heard, the Cubans on the Restricted List entered the U.S. on work visas and then allowed those work visas to expire before they filed for residency under the Cuban Adjustment Act. Technically, that left them as illegal aliens, which is making it harder for them to obtain residency/work permits. (I believe this is true for Abreu and Canizares and maybe one or two others. I'm not aware of Escobar having paperwork problems.)

J.P

06-08-2007, 12:02 PM

Agente Libre

06-08-2007, 12:08 PM

Thanks Agente, it looks like Escobar doesnt have a green card:

"Because he doesn't have a green card, Escobar was unable to travel with Triple-A Richmond to play in Ottawa this weekend. Thus he was sent to Chattanooga to spend the next few days with Double-A Mississippi. But shortly after arriving, he learned that he was coming to the big leagues."

Good thing the Expos moved to DC :happy:

This is actually not a visa problem so much as a standard requirement of the Cuban Adjustment Act, which requires Cubans to remain in the U.S. for 366 consecutive days in order to earn permanent residency.

(Actually, on second thought, it's sort of a visa problem: Escobar was eligible for a U.S. passport as of October 2005 -- one year after he arrived in the U.S. -- so someone has dropped the ball with his situation. It sounds like his papers are running over a year late.)

J.P

06-08-2007, 12:49 PM

Agente, has it surprised you that we are in round 25 of the draft, and nobody has taken a chance on Yusdel Tuero, i mean, the guy posted pretty good numbers last year, in a league, far more competitive than HS or college....

Cubano100%

06-08-2007, 01:05 PM

In my opinion, there is to much uncertainty for these Cuban players that just arrive a week or two before the Draft. Nobody knows anything about them. Teams do not know their real age, stats though you can get them, background, etc. Probably, scouts have not had a real good chance to see and evaluate them. In addition, the Draft is for kids (high school and college players).

One day the scouts are going to be able to drive along Ocho Vias (8 lanes highway accross Cuba) to watch how the Camaguey Nationals beat the Industriales Metropolitans combined. :cap:

Hopefully, it will be soon. :happy:

Agente Libre

06-08-2007, 03:58 PM

I am somewhat surprised about Tuero, but since he arrived so late and apparently had no pre-draft workouts, it also wouldn't be a big surprise if he went undrafted. The draft goes 50 rounds, so there's still plenty of time for a team to take a flyer on him.

Agente Libre

06-08-2007, 04:09 PM

I didn't even know he was draft-eligible, but former Industriales catcher Roberto Sabates was drafted by the Cubs with the 1,166th overall pick in the draft. (Sabates left Cuba in late 2005 or early 2006 and had been living in Mexico the last I knew.)

Still about 8-10 rounds left in the draft ...

Cubano100%

06-08-2007, 06:35 PM

J.P.

Is this guy cuban american?

http://hurricanesports.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/diaz_walter00.html

He was drafted by the Indians in the 48th round.

How about Yoandy Barroso in round 46th, Andres Diaz in round 43th, Michael Martinez in round 43, Alexander Rodriguez in round 37, Enrique Garcia in round 34?

Cubano100%

06-08-2007, 06:49 PM

I do not see Yusdel Tuero, Michel Rodriguez and Leovel Cardoso anywhere. Therefore, they were not drafted.

What is next for them?

Free agency and play for the Indy leagues?

Agente Libre

06-08-2007, 07:19 PM

Tuero should get picked up by an MLB team unless he's hurt. The other two are fringe prospects at best. Rodriguez is 28 years old, and Cardoso didn't exactly blow away hitters in Cuba, although being a lefty might get him a chance.

J.P

06-11-2007, 08:11 AM

J.P

06-11-2007, 08:11 AM

Agente Libre

06-11-2007, 08:30 AM

I don't have much on Sabates. He was listed on Industriales' roster for the 43rd and 44th (?) National Series but didn't play much. He got to Mexico in late '05 or early '06 and tried to sign there (along with a pitcher), then played in Nicaragua.

I'm guessing he ended up in the U.S. because his efforts to sign a free agent contract failed. Hopefully the Cubs will give him a chance, but he'll probably only receive a $1,000 bonus at the 1,166th pick.

Cubano100%

06-11-2007, 06:53 PM

Are the Braves shopping Yunel Escobar?

"Over the next couple of weeks, you're going to hear both Saltalamacchia and Yunel Escobar linked to a number of different trade rumors. They are two of the brightest young stars in the game, and because there isn't currently an availability for either of them to play their natural position at the Major League level, there's definite reason to at least speculate the Braves are shopping them."

Is Barbaro Canizares an option at 1B for the Braves?

"Barbaro Canizares, a 27-year-old Cuban who is currently sidelined while attempting to work out some employment visa issues, could prove to be a capable right-handed hitting option at first base. But first he must acquire his green card. "

http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070608&content_id=2013703&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl

Cubano100%

06-11-2007, 07:00 PM

Michel Hernandez is playing in AAA for Tampa.

Calix10

06-14-2007, 11:27 AM

I've never heard about this guy before, can you expand a little on him(age, career in Cuba, etc)?

Thanks.

I know this guy from here Mérida Yucatán México. He was living on Andres Ayon's House with Dunyeski (mmm i cant remenber his last name). The Other Guy Was a pitcher. Roberto play in a little town call Motul and on the capital Mérida.

He wasnt really that good enough (from my point of view).

In several times a lot of scouts of ML teams came to watch those guys but never sign with one of them.

See Ya But i hope this information was enough 4 you.
Ps. Sorry about my very bad english.

Agente Libre

06-14-2007, 02:11 PM

I know this guy from here Mérida Yucatán México. He was living on Andres Ayon's House with Dunyeski (mmm i cant remenber his last name). The Other Guy Was a pitcher. Roberto play in a little town call Motul and on the capital Mérida.

He wasnt really that good enough (from my point of view).

In several times a lot of scouts of ML teams came to watch those guys but never sign with one of them.

See Ya But i hope this information was enough 4 you.
Ps. Sorry about my very bad english.

Thanks for the information. I remember hearing about Sabates working with Andy Ayon last year but then I forgot about him until I saw his name in the draft. (There was a story about Mike Brito from the Dodgers looking at Sabates and the pitcher.)

Cubano100%

06-14-2007, 02:26 PM

Who is Andres Ayon?

This name sound familiar to me.

Agente Libre

06-14-2007, 02:31 PM

Probably one of the better pitchers of the 1960s and early 1970s to never appear in an MLB game.

Google his name and a bunch of good articles will come up. (He left Cuba a long time ago.)

http://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Andres_Ayon

J.P

06-15-2007, 09:38 AM

I know this guy from here Mérida Yucatán México. He was living on Andres Ayon's House with Dunyeski (mmm i cant remenber his last name). The Other Guy Was a pitcher. Roberto play in a little town call Motul and on the capital Mérida.

He wasnt really that good enough (from my point of view).

In several times a lot of scouts of ML teams came to watch those guys but never sign with one of them.

See Ya But i hope this information was enough 4 you.
Ps. Sorry about my very bad english.

Hey, thanks for the info, Duniesky was actually signed by the Braves after his stay in the Nicaraguan Winter League, but was actually released out of Spring Training.

J.P

06-15-2007, 11:11 AM

Thanks for the information. I remember hearing about Sabates working with Andy Ayon last year but then I forgot about him until I saw his name in the draft. (There was a story about Mike Brito from the Dodgers looking at Sabates and the pitcher.)

I found the Brito story, the say that Sabates' physique is a carbon copy of Javy Lopez.

J.P

06-21-2007, 02:17 PM

After only 8 professional starts, Serguey Linares is in the World Team for the Futures game:

http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/events/allstargames.jsp?mc=_world_07&sid=milb

If they wanted to pick a Cuban for PR purposes, then they should had gone with Eduardo Morlan, he deserves it way more than Linares. Here are Morlan's stats(look at the W to SO ratio):
http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Eduardo%2520Morlan&pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=461851

Or even Johan Limonta, Francisley Bueno, or Juan Miranda, have better numbers than Linares:
http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Johan%2520Limonta&pos=NON_P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=501910

http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Juan%2520Miranda&pos=1B&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=506673

http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Francisley%2520Bueno&pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=499107

CameronCrazies

06-22-2007, 07:01 PM

why would they choose Linares over Morlan and Limonta? They are both in A ball but they have both been very good, but I would have given the vote to Morlan. He has been dominant.

Bueno has been solid and I heard he has a lot going on outside of baseball, in the US and in Cuba, that has been a distraction to him this year.

Agente Libre

06-22-2007, 08:48 PM

It's not just the best guys; every MLB team needs to be represented plus the pitcher/position player factor comes into play. Some teams, like the Braves, have a lot more candidates for the Futures Game than a team like the Pirates.

As for Bueno's issues in the U.S. and Cuba, what are you referring to? Some sort of family problems?

Agente Libre

06-22-2007, 09:02 PM

By the way, looks like Yunel Escobar is coming back to reality. After a hot start he's now hitting .275 with 1 home run, 0 stolen bases and he's on pace to commit almost 50 errors.

J.P

06-25-2007, 11:12 AM

By the way, looks like Yunel Escobar is coming back to reality. After a hot start he's now hitting .275 with 1 home run, 0 stolen bases and he's on pace to commit almost 50 errors.

Agente, do you think is coincidence his struggles have begun when Chipper came back to the team and he was slated to the bench..........I mean, we all now, ask any player, that rythmn wise, its not the same to be in there everyday than to get the ocassional start or pinch hit at bat here and there, specially for a player who's been a starter the whoole season, and now is been given an utility role.

J.P

06-25-2007, 11:19 AM

Sabates went 4-4 in his AZL debut yesterday.

J.P

06-25-2007, 11:31 AM

Sabates went 4-4 in his AZL debut yesterday.

Yusdel Tuero is also with the AZL Cubs, pitched 2 inn yesterday, 0 H, 1BB, 3K.

Agente Libre

06-25-2007, 02:46 PM

Agente, do you think is coincidence his struggles have begun when Chipper came back to the team and he was slated to the bench..........I mean, we all now, ask any player, that rythmn wise, its not the same to be in there everyday than to get the ocassional start or pinch hit at bat here and there, specially for a player who's been a starter the whoole season, and now is been given an utility role.

Chipper Jones only came back less than a week ago, and Escobar only missed a couple games because of his return.

Escobar has played pro-level baseball for the last seven (7) years, and his average season looks something like .275 BA, 3 HR, 4 SB and a ton of errors.

For the life of me, I don't understand why people seem to think he's suddenly going to hit .320 with 25 HR and play flawless defense. It's not like the guy is 19 years old; he's already 24 or 25 years old.

Agente Libre

06-25-2007, 02:49 PM

Yusdel Tuero is also with the AZL Cubs, pitched 2 inn yesterday, 0 H, 1BB, 3K.

This is very strange. Tuero was draft-eligible but didn't get drafted, and now he's already signed as a free agent with the Cubs?

I don't think he's a big prospect, but he had something like the #14 ERA in this past Cuban National Series. Seems like he should have generated some publicity and/or got at least decent money.

Cubano100%

06-25-2007, 08:16 PM

Yunel Escobar has earned the coladera nickname because of his defense. Escobar's gloves is like a coladera (colander). :laugh

Cubano100%

06-25-2007, 08:23 PM

Cubano100%

06-25-2007, 11:45 PM

I finished the research below and I like to share it with you. There are many factors affecting Cuban defectors while they try to reach the Majors such as age, legal papers to work in the USA, inactivity after defecting that sometimes may last up to 3 years, injuries, ect. For instance, I have no doubt in my mind that Michel Abreu is a big leaguer, but right now he can not play in the USA until he gets his legal status resolved.

As you can see, this list have players with different degrees of success in Cuba.

In the recent 46 National Series, 144 players out of 278 had a 250 or higher batting average (51.8 %). Based on this work, I estimate that 18.06 % of these players (144) could reached the Majors at some point in their careers if they come to the USA. The 18.06 % is the percentage of position players that have made it to the big leagues hitting 250 or higher in the Cuban league.

There were 129 pitchers with 30 or more IP that finished with a 4.99 or less ERA. I estimate that 27.91 % of these pitchers would reach the Majors if they could come to the USA. The 27.91 % is the percentage of pitchers that have made it to the big leagues with an ERA of 4.99 or less in the Cuban league.

I did not include Leovel Cardoso, Roberto Sabates and Yusdel Tuero in this research.

147 players
(GL) = reached Majors
(AAA) = reached AAA
(AA) = reached AA
(A) = reached A
(R) = Rookie
Indy = Independent leagues

Mael Rodriguez (injured)
Julio Rojo (retired)
Rigoberto Betancourt (coach)

Name # Series ERA

Pitchers (5 or higher ERA)

Jose Cordero (A) 3 5,16
Hassan Pena (A) 2 5,11
Kenny Rodriguez 3 5,31
Joel Monzon (A) 3 5,32
Jose Prado 1 5,4
Sergei Linares (A) 2 5,59
Juan Medina 7 5,68
Maikel Neninger (Nica) 3 5,8
Yoankis Turino (Indy) 3 6,65
Eduardo Rodriguez 2 7,53
Yosandry Ibanez (AA) 2 8,34
Agustin Marquetti (A) 3 8,17
Osmani Fernandez 0
Reynar Diaz 0
Rafael Galvizo (A) 0
Osbiel Oiz 0
Yolexandry Reina (Indy) 0
Dunesky Flores (Nica) 0
Michael Tejera (GL) 0
Hansel Izquierdo (GL) 0

20 pitchers
GL (2) = 10 %
AAA (0)
AA (1) = 5 %
A (6) = 30 %
GL (2) + AAA (0) = 10 %
GL (2) + AAA (0) + AA (1) = 15%
GL (2) + AAA (0) + AA (1) + A (6) = 45 %

Pitchers (4.99 or less ERA) Series ERA

Rolando Viera (AAA) 6 3,42
Rene Arocha (GL) 11 3,18
Rolando Arrojo (GL) 13 3,5
Danys Baez (GL) 2 4,7
Jose Contreras (GL) 10 2,82
Orlando Hernandez (GL) 10 3,05
Livan Hernandez (GL) 3 4,57
Ariel Prieto (GL) 10 4,47
Alain Soler (GL) 5 3,53
Raul Valdez (AAA) 6 3,61
Yuslan Herrera (AA) 3 3,72
Adrian Hernandez (GL) 4 2,99
Vladimir Nunez (GL) 3 4,37
Francisley Bueno (AA) 5 3,46
Osbeck Castillo (AA) 4 3,86
Roberto Sotolongo (AA) 3 3,5
Mael Rodriguez 6 2,29
Reinier Bermudez 2 4,17
Yamel Guevara 3 2,99
Julio Villalon (AA) 6 4,2
Rubelman Acosta 4 3,51
Ivan Alvarez 3 3,91
Zaidel Beltran (A) 3 3,22
Francisco Casanueva 2 3,49
Raidel Costa 3 3,5
Juan Chavez 5 2
Edisbel Benitez (Indy) 4 4,32
Arian Cruz (AA) 2 3,82
Ricardo Diaz Quesada 2 2,42
Osvaldo Fernandez Guerra (GL) 11 3,12
Osvaldo Fernandez Rodriguez 8 3,3
Angel Garcia 5 2,47
Alain Hernandez 6 3,9
Luis Hernandez 3 4,71
Manuel Hernandez 1 1,64
Edilberto Oropeza (GL) 5 4,42
Rolando Pastor 3 2,89
Miguel Perez (AAA) 8 3,74
Maique Quintero (A) 4 2,85
Larry Rodriguez (A) 2 4,55
Euclides Rojas (AAA) 13 2,93
Amaury Sanit (Mexico y Nicaragua) 7 4,11
Luis Alberto Alvarez 1 3,15

43 pitchers
GL (12) = 27.91 %
AAA (4) = 9.30 %
AA (6) = 13.95 %
A (3) = 6.98 %
GL (12) + AAA (4) = 37.21 %
GL (12) + AAA (4) + AA (6) = 51.16 %
GL (12) + AAA (4) + AA (6) + A (3) = 58.14

Position Players (249 or less batting average) Series AVE

Roberto Alvarez (A) 3 249
Jose Ballester 2 206
Ramiro Chamizo 5 273
Eduardo Cajuso 3 198
Bienvenido Ceballos 4 186
Alexander Diaz 4 129
Roman Duequesne 4 243
Osmany Estrada (AAA) 4 246
Alexis Fonseca 2 240
Mario Gonzalez 4 244
Rolando Gum 4 239
Yohan Limonta Zayas (A) 1 207
Donell Linares 1 191
Alejandro Martin 4 181
Rogelio Mediavilla 6 167
Jose Mesa 1 146
Juan Muniz (AA) 5 233
Rafael Ortega 3 201
Omar Perez 5 232
Joel Perez (R) 2 0
Pablo Pozo 5 83
Roberto Salazar 8 239
Yuniesky Sanchez (A) 2 234
Americo Santiesteban 2 240
Yennier Sardinas 3 212
Julio Soto 9 218
Miguel Urra 2 167
Bernardo Utset 1 67
Ramon Valdivia 2 0
Elio Lopez 2 0
Walter Frias 0
Yalian Serrano 0
Alex Sanchez (GL) 0
William Plaza (A) 0
Omar Llapur 0
Maikel Jova (AAA) 0
Juan Carlos Diaz (GL) 0
Raidel Costa 0
Mario Miguel Chaoui 0
Smaily Borges 0
Yasser Alberto Borges 0

41 position players
GL (2) = 4.88 %
AAA (2) = 4.88 %
AA (1) = 2.44 %
A (4) = 9.76 %
GL (2) + AAA (2) = 9.76 %
GL (2) + AAA (2) + AA (1) = 12.20 %
GL (2) + AAA (2) + AA (1) + A (4) = 21.95 %

Position Players (250 or higher batting average) Series AVE

Michel Abreu (AA) 8 315
Jesus Atmetller (AAA) 3 287
Evel Batisda ( AA) 4 306
Yuniesky Betancourt (GL) 4 281
Ramiro Chamizo 5 273
Juan Carlos Bruzon (Indy) 12 311
Alexi Cabrejas (A) 6 320
Barbaro Canizares (AAA) 10 298
Amaury Casanas (AAA) 9 296
Gregorio Casares 1 267
Carlos Castillo (Indy) 2 253
Roberto Colina (AA) 11 293
Lazaro Costa 3 269
Jose Cano (Indy) 5 294
Jorge Diaz (A) 6 283
Yobal Duenas (AA) 14 321
Yunel Escobar (GL) 4 271
Barbaro Garbey (GL) 5 290
Osmani Garcia (AAA) 8 300
Alberto Hernandez (Taiwan) 11 253
Angel Lopez (AA) 12 267
Alexis Hernandez (Indy) 6 281
Michel Hernandez (GL) 3 284
Vladimir Hernandez (Indy) 7 312
Felix Isasi Bustamante 8 276
Oscar Macias (Indy) 18 310
Juan Miguel Miranda (A) 4 301
Neylan Molina 3 318
Osmani Masso 4 275
Andy Morales (AA) 9 319
Kendry Morales (GL) 3 330
Reynaldo Ordonez (GL) 4 261
William Ortega (GL) 2 299
Ayalen Ortiz 4 280
Josue Perez (AAA) 2 297
Yohannis Perez (AA) 4 271
Nestor Perez (A) 1 278
Nataniel Reinoso (AA) 9 292
Osmani Santana 7 302
Francisco Santiesteban (A) 8 280
Jorge Luis Toca (GL) 8 319
Alejandro Zuaznabar (R) 2 268
Joel Galarraga (AAA) 3 317,254,243

43 position players
GL (8) = 18.6%
AAA (15) = 34.88 %
AA (9) = 20.93 %
A (5) = 11.63 %
GL (8) + AAA (15) = 53.49 %
GL (8) + AAA (15) + AA (9) = 74.42 %
GL (8) + AAA (15) + AA (8) + A (5) = 86.05

Total numbers:
24 players have reached the big leagues out of 147 (16.33 %)
21 players have reached AAA (14.29 %)
17 players have reached AA (11.56 %)
18 players have reached A (12.24 %)
GL (24) + AAA (21) = 30.61 %
GL (24) + AAA (21) + AA (17) = 42.18 %
GL (24) + AAA (21) + AA (17) + A (18) = 54.42 %

Cubano100%

06-26-2007, 09:05 AM

Yuniesky Betancourt has the Chuck Knoblauch syndrome. He has been lifting weight and this is messing his throws according to the Mariners.

J.P

06-26-2007, 10:57 AM

This is very strange. Tuero was draft-eligible but didn't get drafted, and now he's already signed as a free agent with the Cubs?

I don't think he's a big prospect, but he had something like the #14 ERA in this past Cuban National Series. Seems like he should have generated some publicity and/or got at least decent money.

I think this goes to show that some teams still dont know how to handle Cuban defectors, for example, the Pirates and Brewers threw Yoslan Herrera and Yohennis Perez in AA, knowing they were out of baseball for a while; then comes Tuero, who like Agente says, it's not a top prospect, but its decent, and was active last season in Cuba, and not only he goes undrafted, but then he gets thrown in a very low level like the AZL :crazy

J.P

06-26-2007, 11:13 AM

Chipper Jones only came back less than a week ago, and Escobar only missed a couple games because of his return.

Escobar has played pro-level baseball for the last seven (7) years, and his average season looks something like .275 BA, 3 HR, 4 SB and a ton of errors.

For the life of me, I don't understand why people seem to think he's suddenly going to hit .320 with 25 HR and play flawless defense. It's not like the guy is 19 years old; he's already 24 or 25 years old.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/7938

Up to his last's game as a starter(playing everyday) againtst Cleveland on June 17th, Escobar was hitting 306; then the Braves hosted the Red Sox, meaning Chipper couldnt DH anymore, so Escobar didnt play on the 18th; got 1 PH at bat in the next game, and two more in the one after(replacing Chipper at 3rd in a blowout), then he got two starts over three games in the weekend series against the Tigers, bottom line, his average went from 306 as a starter, down to 264, when he started partiming; if this was a fan favorite like Kendry Morales, we would be saying he is getting used to his new role as an utility and pinch hitter, but since it is Escobar we just say he is coming back down to earth. Funny thing is while he was going 4-4 and hitting game winning doubles, none of his detractors pointed out how well he was doing; and bottom line, I never argued he was going to be a superstar hitting 320 with 25HR, just that he deserved another chance to prove himself, and maybe he could earn himself an utility role in the major leagues, whether he sticks around or not, his performance in AAA, and the fact the Braves started him when Chipper was out, and now want to keep him around as an utility, has proven me right.:gt

Agente Libre

06-26-2007, 01:02 PM

Dalkowski110

06-26-2007, 01:05 PM

...again, it's just a rumor, but it looks like he'll either be sitting out the season or if he gets his paperwork in order, he'll more than likely start off with St. Lucie (Class A Advanced), not Binghamton (Class AA). The Mets are apparently willing to give him another year, though, so we'll see how this unfolds over the next couple months.

J.P

06-26-2007, 01:26 PM

You mean, even if he doesnt het to play this year, the Mets are willing to bring him back next year? Thanks.

Agente Libre

06-26-2007, 01:28 PM

Has anyone confirmed the exact problem with Abreu? It's almost impossible for a Cuban to become an illegal alien in the U.S., but I heard that was Abreu's problem.

J.P

06-26-2007, 01:29 PM

I really don't want to get into Round 312 of the Escobar debate. I just don't understand the expectations people seem to have attached to him, and I certainly don't understand how he will even be a good utility guy.

A good MLB utility guy is usually an outstanding defender at one or more positions and/or offers either some speed or some power off the bench. Escobar goes 0-for-3 in those categories.

A good MLB utility infielder doesnt have to provide power off the bench, as for the defense, he has to be able to play at least three INF positions, but not oustandingly, I mean, Escobar is a good guy to have on the bench, he can hit for some average and he takes BB, and he can play, 3b, 2b, and SS.

Dalkowski110

06-26-2007, 03:01 PM

"You mean, even if he doesnt het to play this year, the Mets are willing to bring him back next year?"

Pretty much. Though due to their problems with outfielders and Milledge and Ben Johnson possibly on their way out via trade, they might try and stick him in a corner OF position (I know, I said I read an insider article where they were thinking about making him a catcher and you all reacted well...that is was horse hockey. Incidentally, turns out the "insider" was making everything up, not just about Abreu, but the whole article!). As for Abreu's immigration status, I can only quote directly what I heard: he's having visa problems. I have no idea why...I dunno if he's as dumb as a post, or if the immigration service guy handling his case is, but I concur that something's just a little odd here.

Cubano100%

06-26-2007, 08:21 PM

It's almost impossible for a Cuban to become an illegal alien in the U.S., but I heard that was Abreu's problem.

Thank you, USA.

Cubano100%

06-26-2007, 09:20 PM

I think this goes to show that some teams still dont know how to handle Cuban defectors, for example, the Pirates and Brewers threw Yoslan Herrera and Yohennis Perez in AA, knowing they were out of baseball for a while; then comes Tuero, who like Agente says, it's not a top prospect, but its decent, and was active last season in Cuba, and not only he goes undrafted, but then he gets thrown in a very low level like the AZL :crazy

At this time of the year, all rosters are already filled. If he does well, look for him to move to a higher level when teams (Cubs) release players at the end of July or sometime in August.

All the draftees are sent to the low levels because the season for these teams begin in June.

Keep in mind that the Cubs have not seen Tuero pitch before. This is a problem with Cuban defectors because scouts do not have a decent chance of evaluating them. One day the scouts and agents will be driving accross Cuba along the Ocho Vias (8 lanes highway). Everything will be different once this is possible. :D

Cubano100%

06-26-2007, 09:22 PM

Once Abreu gets his darn legal papers, he should play winter ball.

Agente Libre

06-27-2007, 12:24 AM

Once Abreu gets his darn legal papers, he should play winter ball.

... but only in Puerto Rico (i.e., in U.S. territory).

J.P

06-27-2007, 07:53 AM

" I have no idea why...I dunno if he's as dumb as a post, or if the immigration service guy handling his case is, but I concur that something's just a little odd here.

I used to think the same, but Barbaro Cañizares is having the same troubles, and Yunel Escobar, right before being called up to the show was sent to AA for the weekend, because the Richmond Braves were playing in Ottawa, and Escobar couldnt leave the country because of visa problems.

J.P

06-27-2007, 08:01 AM

ATLANTA -- When May arrived, there was reason to believe Kelly Johnson might earn his first All-Star selection. But his prolonged offensive struggles and the fact that Yunel Escobar needs playing time have put Johnson in position to possibly be utilized in a platoon role at second base.
Before starting Escobar at second base in Tuesday night's game against the Nationals at Turner Field, Braves manager Bobby Cox discussed his reasoning with Johnson, who found himself on the bench for the second time in three days in a game where the Braves were facing a left-handed starting pitcher.

"He told me he wanted [Escobar] to play and get at-bats while he's up here," said Johnson, who has hit .228 with a .319 on-base percentage in June. "I don't have much to say about it, to be honest with you."

When Chipper Jones came off the disabled list on June 13, there was a possibility that Escobar would return to the Minors, where he could enhance his development with regular at-bats. But it now looks like he's going to remain in the Majors.

"I just can't sit Escobar," Cox said of the 24-year-old infielder, who has batted .264 (19-for-72) since joining Atlanta on June 2. "I just can't do it. It's a good problem."

While hitting .326 in April, the left-handed-hitting Johnson batted .366 (15-for-41) against lefties. Since the beginning of May, he's hit just .200 (13-for-65) against them.

Cox, whose team had been limited to one run in 46 innings before Monday night's 4-1 win, may continue to use a platoon at both of the positions on the right side of the infield. The skipper gave Jarrod Saltalamacchia his third start at first base on Tuesday.

Saltalamacchia, an impressive 22-year-old switch-hitting catcher, has played first base in place of Scott Thorman in three of the past four games that the Braves have faced a left-handed starter.

"It's nothing against Thorman and nothing against Kelly," Cox said. "It's just when you score one run in five days, you want to shake things up a little bit."

While Saltalamacchia and Escobar have the potential to make significant offensive contributions, the added versatility they can show while being used in a platoon role should do nothing but enhance the already strong values they have on the trade market.

Escobar, who has spent most of his life as a shortstop, proved he could handle the third base position when Jones was hurt. Now it looks like Escobar's going to be given the chance to prove he can also play on the right side of the infield. He made 24 starts at second base with Double-A Mississippi last year.

Agente Libre

06-27-2007, 01:04 PM

I used to think the same, but Barbaro Cañizares is having the same troubles, and Yunel Escobar, right before being called up to the show was sent to AA for the weekend, because the Richmond Braves were playing in Ottawa, and Escobar couldnt leave the country because of visa problems.

Well, it just means they're all dumb.

Yunel Escobar arrived in U.S. in Oct. 2004 and was eligible for permanent U.S. residency (and a U.S. passport) in Oct. 2005. There is absolutely no reason in the world why he wouldn't/shouldn't have his papers handled by now.

Even if these guys don't have an agent, every Cuban on the face of the Earth should know about the great U.S. immigration laws for Cubans. There's just no excuse except laziness or stupidity. Sorry if that's harsh, but it's the truth. If some guy bagging groceries at Publix can get his papers done, then there's no excuse for relatively wealthy guys like Escobar, Abreu and Canizares.

Dalkowski110

06-27-2007, 02:00 PM

And to prove it's nothing recent, I don't think Francisely Bueno, or Serguey Linares, or Yahmed Yema, or Yusdel Tuero had these kinds of problems...and they've all arrived within the past two years.

Agente Libre

06-27-2007, 02:07 PM

And to prove it's nothing recent, I don't think Francisely Bueno, or Serguey Linares, or Yahmed Yema, or Yusdel Tuero had these kinds of problems...and they've all arrived within the past two years.

Well, Bueno and Linares had plenty of problems, but they were problems with foreign papers.

I don't know who Yahmed Yema is, but Yusdel Tuero proves the point: Unless he's playing without papers and the Cubs don't know it, he managed to at least get his work permit in 90 days or less. (It's only a 2-page form; it's not that tough.)

Dalkowski110

06-27-2007, 03:18 PM

Cubano100%

06-27-2007, 09:05 PM

Well, Bueno and Linares had plenty of problems, but they were problems with foreign papers.

I don't know who Yahmed Yema is, but Yusdel Tuero proves the point: Unless he's playing without papers and the Cubs don't know it, he managed to at least get his work permit in 90 days or less. (It's only a 2-page form; it's not that tough.)

Anybody can go to the INS site and download the papers. Then, fill it out and send it.

J.P

06-28-2007, 07:43 AM

Regarding Yahmed Yema...he's not been doing well this year (did well last year), but he's playing for the Lancaster JetHawks as a corner outfielder.

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Yahmed%2520Yema&pos=OF&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=460014

Yema went to high school here, he was a teammate of Reds AA pitcher Camilo Vazquez, he then played at my Alma Mater, Florida International University, and was drafted by the Red Sox, he started this year injured, and now even though it shows he is active he hasnt played since Jun 7, so I think he might be injured again; also, I think he is mostly a CF, even though he plays the corner OF's too.

J.P

06-28-2007, 07:44 AM

Well, it just means they're all dumb.

Yunel Escobar arrived in U.S. in Oct. 2004 and was eligible for permanent U.S. residency (and a U.S. passport) in Oct. 2005. There is absolutely no reason in the world why he wouldn't/shouldn't have his papers handled by now.

Even if these guys don't have an agent, every Cuban on the face of the Earth should know about the great U.S. immigration laws for Cubans. There's just no excuse except laziness or stupidity. Sorry if that's harsh, but it's the truth. If some guy bagging groceries at Publix can get his papers done, then there's no excuse for relatively wealthy guys like Escobar, Abreu and Canizares.

Just one minor correction, you dont get a US passpoert until you become a citizen, not a resident.

J.P

06-28-2007, 02:27 PM

Yusdel Tuero was knocked around a little bit today:

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2007_06_28_cubrok_angrok_1

Agente Libre

06-28-2007, 02:51 PM

Just one minor correction, you dont get a US passpoert until you become a citizen, not a resident.

The blue passport is for citizens, but Cubans who become permanent residents can obtain a passport/travel document after 366 days in the U.S.

emanuelsaavedra

06-28-2007, 09:48 PM

i have a couple of things to ask. Does anyone knows what in heavens ever happened to Yobal Duenas and maels Rodriguez? Second, sorry for asking here but im new. Can anyone tell me where i can find good pictures of the stadiums in Cuba, i really need to get my hands on them.

Agente Libre

06-29-2007, 01:25 AM

Alay Soler was released by the Pirates yesterday.

J.P

06-29-2007, 07:45 AM

The blue passport is for citizens, but Cubans who become permanent residents can obtain a passport/travel document after 366 days in the U.S.

But you still travel with your Cuban passsport.

J.P

06-29-2007, 07:46 AM

Alay Soler was released by the Pirates yesterday.

No surprise, after posting a 6.00 ERA in AA.

Agente Libre

06-29-2007, 04:06 PM

But you still travel with your Cuban passsport.

Maybe if you have one, but 98% of the Cubans I know left Cuba without a passport and ended up getting a U.S. passport/travel document ASAP. Most Cubans are eligible after 366 days in U.S., although the government will issue them sooner in special cases (e.g., baseball players who need to travel to Canada for work purposes).

emanuelsaavedra

06-30-2007, 09:54 AM

hello, i am a big cuban baseball fan and i also create software, i am trying to create this game that covers cuban baseball, but it has been literally impossible to find pictures of the stadiums and good pictures of the players on each team. I noticed that in this forum you guys discussed cuban baseball. If anyone could please help me and tell me where i can find these pictures or if any of you has any good pictures that you would let me have, i would really appreciate it. I think it would be awesome if any of you could help me, all i need to finish the game is create the stadiums and get faces for the players. If any of you has anything i could use i can be reached here or at emanuelsaavedra123@hotmail.com. Please if you can help me with these pics!!
Thank you

J.P

07-02-2007, 01:11 PM

Yoslan Herrera seems to be coming around, here are his last 4 starts:

Date OPP W L ERA SV IP H ER BB SO
Jun 12 NBR 1 0 0.00 0 6.0 7 0 0 2
Jun 17 CT 0 1 3.60 0 5.0 3 2 2 4
Jun 24 @REA 1 0 3.60 0 5.0 6 2 1 5
Jun 29 TRE 1 0 1.50 0 6.0 2 1 2 2

J.P

07-02-2007, 01:15 PM

Agente, do you know if any team has expressed interest in Joel Galarraga, hes done pretty well his first 25 games in Mexico. By the way, his teammate Amaury Cazaña is tearing the ball up, is he in the Card's plans at all??

Agente Libre

07-02-2007, 07:06 PM

Herrera probably just needed some time to get back into the groove of pro-level baseball. He had missed almost 3 years, between being suspended in Cuba and then trying to sign as a free agent.

As for Joel Galarraga, I don't know much about his situation. I'm assuming he has some sort of Mexican residency if he's playing in Mexico already, but on the flip side, players in Mexico can't just jump to MLB. If he got his Mexican papers through the Mexican team, he might be stuck with that team for awhile.

Cubano100%

07-02-2007, 10:14 PM

From Cuba, With a Dream of the Majors

Geikel Conyedo from Villa Clara, Cuba may one day play professional baseball.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/22/sports/baseball/22cuba.html?pagewanted=1&ei=5070&en=32b4f97225a5df86&ex=1183608000&emc=eta1

Cubano100%

07-03-2007, 01:33 PM

Former big leaguer LHP Eddie Oropesa is playing in Holland.

Former Santiago de Cuba Wasps RF Fausto Alvarez is also playing in Holland. I do not think he defected rather he went there as a coach. He is also playing there.

http://home.planet.nl/~stoov/headline-e.htm#0107

J.P

07-03-2007, 01:49 PM

Sparta/Feyenoord expects the arrival of a new pitcher on Wednesday-morning. That will be 35-year old lefthander Edilberto (Eddie) Oropesa, who pitched four seasons in the American Major Leaue.
In July 1993, Eddie Oropesa was the third Cuban player to defect his home country, hoping to play baseball in the USA. In 1991, pitcher René Arocha was the first. Two days before Oropesa opted for the States, short stop Rey Ordóñez has done the same. Ordóñez and Oropesa both were members of the Cuban National Team which then participated in the World University Games in Buffalo in New York State.

In 1994, Oropesa was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers, then two years later by the San Francisco Giants. After playing in their minor league-teams, Oropesa signed with the Philadelphia Phillies, with whom he made his Major League-debut in 2001. In that season, the lefthander appeared in 30 games in which he threw 19 innings, striking out 15 batters. He finished the season with an 1-0 record and was a Free Agent afterwards. In 2002, Oropesa pitched for the Arizona Diamondbacks and was 2-0 after throwing in 32 games. While he was released after that season, Oropesa resigned with the D-backs and threw again for the big league-team in 2003. This time, he threw in 47 games and was 3-3 and again became a Free Agent. In 2004, he pitched for the San Diego Padres and was 2-1. After conclusion of this season, Oropesa was released and this also meant the end of his Major League-career. In four seasons, he appeared in 125 games, all as a reliever, and was 8-4. In 92 innings, he struckout 78 batters, but also walked 72 and gave up 79 runs and 99 basehits.

In January 2005, Oropesa signed with the Chicago Cubs and pitched for their triple-A team in Iowa, but was released again in April. In August, he signed with the Baltimore Orioles and became a Free Agent in October. Last year, Oropesa threw in Mexico.

In Cuba, Oropesa was a pitcher for Matanzas, before he decided to go to the USA. In 2003, Oropesa became an American citizen. Eddie Oropesa is not the first pitcher with Major League-experience to throw in the Dutch big league. In 1992, veteran Stan Bahnsen was the first one and pitched for Haarlem Nicols. In 2004, Aruban Calvin Maduro was the second and threw for Mr. Cocker HCAW. Maduro is currently on the roster for DOOR Neptunus, but hasn't thrown in the Netherlands since 2004. Maduro also pitched for the Dutch National Team.
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c183/qbanboy82/f-eddie_oropesa_190507.jpg
Former Major Leaguer Eddie Oropesa debuts

In the seventh, Fausto Álvarez Rizo, the oldest player on the Pirates-roster and in the big league, hit his eighth homerun of the season.......
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c183/qbanboy82/f-alvarez3.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c183/qbanboy82/collage7ec7.jpg
and here he is in Cuba:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c183/qbanboy82/scu-fausto.jpg

Cubano100%

07-05-2007, 10:53 PM

Juan Miranda and Yoslan Herrera may see big league action in September.
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2007_07_05_altaax_treaax_1

Agente Libre

07-08-2007, 09:15 PM

J.P

07-09-2007, 08:37 AM

Cuban RHP Kenny Rodriguez signed a minor league contract with the Blue Jays this weekend. The signing bonus was not reported. Baseball America reported last week that Rodriguez could sign for over $1 million, but Toronto doesn't usually spend big money on foreign players.

And thats a lot of $ for a guy who I wouldnt hink is a top prospect.......as for Tor not spending a los on foreign players, they did offer Omar Linares a blank check :laugh

J.P

07-09-2007, 08:43 AM

He already is with the Dunedin Blue Jays (A+):

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Kenny%2520Rodriguez&pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=524289

Cubano100%

07-09-2007, 12:36 PM

Click on each picture to maximize it.

I went to see Kendry recently when the Angels visited Baltimore.

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/5281/1001762uy6.th.jpg (http://img169.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1001762uy6.jpg)
This is my autographed ball.

Kendry warming up before the game though he did not play

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/8519/1001761go9.th.jpg (http://img169.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1001761go9.jpg)

Kendry taking batting practice

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/895/1001760ga7.th.jpg (http://img169.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1001760ga7.jpg)

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/2411/1001759ba7.th.jpg (http://img169.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1001759ba7.jpg)

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/8492/1001758rd7.th.jpg (http://img169.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1001758rd7.jpg)

Kendry taking fielding drills.

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/9723/1001757yg8.th.jpg (http://img169.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1001757yg8.jpg)

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/102/1001752gk4.th.jpg (http://img169.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1001752gk4.jpg)

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/4136/1001751us1.th.jpg (http://img169.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1001751us1.jpg)

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/2840/1001750vt5.th.jpg (http://img169.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1001750vt5.jpg)

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/1220/1001749ub7.th.jpg (http://img169.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1001749ub7.jpg)

Cubano100%

07-09-2007, 12:49 PM

I went to see Juan Miranda and the Trenton Thunders play the Harrisburg Senators this weekend. I took some pictures.

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/9395/1001811sn0.th.jpg (http://img513.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1001811sn0.jpg)
Miranda taking fielding drills.

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/350/1001821hz3.th.jpg (http://img513.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1001821hz3.jpg)
Miranda taking batting practice.

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/2167/1001860lv3.th.jpg (http://img513.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1001860lv3.jpg)

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/5969/1001862vc8.th.jpg (http://img513.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1001862vc8.jpg)

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/807/1001863nr9.th.jpg (http://img513.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1001863nr9.jpg)

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/3661/1001864hp9.th.jpg (http://img513.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1001864hp9.jpg)

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/7246/1001865yi0.th.jpg (http://img513.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1001865yi0.jpg)

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/7926/1001866um2.th.jpg (http://img513.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1001866um2.jpg)

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/1702/1001867km1.th.jpg (http://img513.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1001867km1.jpg)

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/8637/1001913lq3.th.jpg (http://img513.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1001913lq3.jpg)

Cubano100%

07-09-2007, 12:55 PM

Miranda

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/4998/1001927wx5.th.jpg (http://img513.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1001927wx5.jpg)

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/7696/1001957cp3.th.jpg (http://img513.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1001957cp3.jpg)

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/8130/1001958gv1.th.jpg (http://img513.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1001958gv1.jpg)

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/4540/1001967me9.th.jpg (http://img513.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1001967me9.jpg)
Bases loaded facing ex big leaguer Jerome Williams

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/9646/1001968rz1.th.jpg (http://img513.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1001968rz1.jpg)
Miranda homer.

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/7526/1001969tk5.th.jpg (http://img513.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1001969tk5.jpg)

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/6162/1001980kt0.th.jpg (http://img513.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1001980kt0.jpg)

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/3691/1001986dv4.th.jpg (http://img513.imageshack.us/my.php?image=1001986dv4.jpg)
Retired in rolling to first.

Cubano100%

07-09-2007, 01:18 PM

Cubano100%

07-09-2007, 01:21 PM

Maybe J.P. forgot but he found the following article. J.P. we can talk about cubanamericans in here too.

http://www.miamiherald.com/588/story/164569.html

Cubano100%

07-09-2007, 07:32 PM

July 9

Miranda 2-5 with a triple

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2007_07_09_treaax_haraax_1

OBP .415
SLG .667
OPS .1082
ave 333

Did the Yanks sign Hillebrand or Durázo?

Miranda is knocking the Yankee door.

Cubano100%

07-10-2007, 08:04 AM

ALL-STAR GAME
Marlins' Gonzalez comes full circle
Fourteen years after missing out on an All-Star Game because of the birth of his son, Fredi Gonzalez will be there tonight - along with that son.

http://www.miamiherald.com/589/story/165609.html

Cubano100%

07-10-2007, 08:07 AM

FEDERAL COURT | PLAYER-SMUGGLING CASE
Baseball agent gets five years
Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax and other ballplayers came to the aid of their friend, convicted sports agent Gus Dominguez, at his sentencing for migrant smuggling.

http://www.miamiherald.com/590/story/165537.html

emanuelsaavedra

07-10-2007, 04:16 PM

i know that you guys may think that i am absolutely crazy on this but with the trade deadline approaching i think that the Angels would be smart if they looked to trading Kendry Morales. I mean, right now i think that they could get a lot of value for him. For example take the White Sox, they have a bunch of good pitchers coming up in their farm system and they are only a decent hitter away from putting a run together now that their pitching is waking up. Kendry wont play a lot for the Angles, EVER, and they could use a good young pitching prospect to get some separation from the Mariners. I think it is a win- win deal, also other teams like the Marlins, Braves and Twins have enough talent on the farm to trade for Kendry. Just let me know what you think

emanuelsaavedra

07-10-2007, 04:23 PM

I asked Juan Miranda about which league he thought was better between the Easter League (AA) and the Cuban National Series. He said that he found the Cuban National Series better than the Eastern League.:laugh

No offense, but, ARE YOU SERIOUS? Comapring the cuban league with AA. I know that a lot of people think that the cuban league is overrated, but they are at least AAA level. I mean, they consider the Mexican league to be AAA and they cuban league is much better than the Mexican league, trust me i lived in cuba most of my life, i know what i am talking about. The reason that a lot of guys struggle getting use to playing in the US while coming from Cuba is because, first, the game is different, cuban baseball is more focused on speed and run manufacturing, rather than hitting big hacks. Also some of the players coming here dont play for sometimes a year, and that takes a big toll on players.

J.P

07-17-2007, 10:11 AM

He already is with the Dunedin Blue Jays (A+):

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Kenny%2520Rodriguez&pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=524289

Now he shows in the Blue Jay's DSL roster, yet another case of problems with the papers??

Agente Libre

07-17-2007, 11:34 AM

Not sure if he's having problems but there's no way he could get a work visa so fast after signing. Toronto probably just put him on the Dunedin roster as a paperwork move, then formally added him to the DSL roster afterward.

J.P

07-17-2007, 12:06 PM

Roberto Sabates was moved up to A Short Season.

J.P

07-19-2007, 08:17 AM

Roberto Sabates was moved up to A Short Season.

Now he shows up with AZL Cubs again, and he played there yesterday. Yusdel Tuero was sent to A+ though.

CameronCrazies

07-19-2007, 01:19 PM

http://www.ajc.com/braves/content/sports/braves/stories/2007/07/18/escobar_0719.html?cxntnid=brv071907e

His father, mother, and sister are all in the US now.

J.P

07-19-2007, 02:17 PM

Great news man :applaud: :party:

Cubano100%

07-19-2007, 10:37 PM

http://www.ajc.com/braves/content/sports/braves/stories/2007/07/18/escobar_0719.html?cxntnid=brv071907e

His father, mother, and sister are all in the US now.

Good for him. Now, he can play baseball freely. Let's go Escobar.

J.P

07-20-2007, 01:40 PM

:dismay: http://www.ajc.com/braves/content/sports/braves/stories/2007/07/18/escobar_0719.html?cxntnid=brv071907e

His father, mother, and sister are all in the US now.

Some scouts have been claiming that Contreras hasnt been physically healthy all year, but maybe theres a little more to the story; someone in the spanish forum says that Contreras' dad finally got permission to come visit Jose in the US, but he suddenly passed away while he was in the process of completing the paperwork for the trip; this person in the forum also says that Contreras' mom is also very sick in Cuba, and he is worried she might also go before seeing her again. Something similar happened to Michel Abreu last year, when his AA manager found him crying in the parking lot because he had just gotten the news of his mother's sudden passing, El Duke and Livan also had to deal with his dad's fatal illness and not being able to see him before his passing a couple years back.....................it's a tough hand we've been dealt

Agente Libre

07-20-2007, 02:45 PM

I certainly sympathize, but Cuban players need to be careful about using such things as an excuse. Otherwise, teams would be well within their rights to avoid signing Cubans since they could suddenly find themselves distracted by family issues. (I know it's tough; I'm just saying ...)

Cubano100%

07-22-2007, 10:05 PM

These guys are having success in the minors. Michel Abreu (Matanzas Crocodiles) Barbaro Canizares (Industriales Lions) and Miguel Perez(?) Holguin Hounds are missing in action do to visa problems.

Juan Miranda Pinar del Rio Green Sox (Yankees)
He may be in AAA soon and he may be in line to fight for a spot next year in the big club. He has would have gone from A bal to AAA this year. He may even be called up in September. Probably, the Yanks would send him to AFL. Amazing accomplishment for Miranda who was in the Dominican R. for 2 or 3 years waiting for legal status.
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Miranda%20%20DH&pos=&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=506673

Yuslan Herrera Pinar del Rio Green Sox (Pirates)
He started slowly but has pitched very well in his last 7 starts. He may see action in the big leagues in September. He was in the D.R. for a while.
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Yoslan%20Herrera&pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=506648

Serguey Linares Pinar del Rio Green Sox (Pirates)
He dominated A ball. He was promoted to advanced A ball where he met some bumps. He has pitched well in his last 2 starts. He was also in the D.R. for a while.
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Serguey%20Linares&pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=506827

Francisley Bueno Industriales Lions (Braves)
He debuted last year in AA and did very well. He is laying in AA ball again this year. He has done well again. He may be good as a long reliever in the big leagues.
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Francisley%20Bueno&pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=499107

Johan Limonta Industriales Lions (Mariners)
He is putting good number in Advanced A ball.
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Johan%20Limonta&pos=1B&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=501910

Joel Galarraga Industriales Lions (no USA team)
He was suspended in Cuba a few years back for trying to leave the country. He walked out of his boat in Mexico and has hit well there.
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Joel%20Galarraga&pos=C&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=517810

Hassan Pena Industriales Lions (Nationals)
Number one starter for Nationals team in the New York Penn league. Hassan was a reliever for Industriales. This is another reason why the Baseball Prospectus guys are wrong considering the Cuban League to be equivalent of this league.
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Hassan%20Pena&pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=502142

Brayan Pena Cuban Junior team and former Industriales Lions Prospect (Braves)
He began the season with the Braves but suffered an injury.
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Brayan%20Pena&pos=C&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=430910

Yohennis Perez Matanzas Crocodiles (Brewers)
He was very bad in AA. He has batted for average since being demoted to Advanced A. He was also away from baseball for a while. He needs to pick it up.
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Yohannis%20Perez&pos=SS&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=506448

Amaury Casanas Matanzas Crocodiles (Cardinals)
He is killing the pitchers in the Mexican AAA.
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Amaury%20Cazana%20Marti&pos=&sid=t1210&t=p_pbp&pid=502973

Roberto Alvarez Matanzas Crocodiles (Braves)
He came late last year from the Dominican R. He has picked the paced lately in Advanced A ball.
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Roberto%20Alvarez&pos=OF&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=504385

Yusdel Tuero Havana Cowboys (Cubs)
He defected a month ago.
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Yusdel%20
Tuero&pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=521651

Cubano100%

07-25-2007, 05:44 AM

OF/1B Barbaro CaÑizares got his visa problems resolved. Hopefully, Michel Abreu is next.

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2007_07_24_indrok_brarok_1

Cubano100%

07-28-2007, 10:20 PM

I just found out that former Camaguey Ceramists outfielder Laidel Chapelli is playing in Italy. He is the current HR and RBI leader. His brother is the 1B for Camaguey. 1b Loidel Chapelli is a veteran now and played last season for Camaguey. Somehow, Laidel went to Italy. I remember before I left Cuba seing them braking into the Cuban League.

http://www.baseball.it/dati_squadra.asp?ID=106&anno=2007

Cubano100%

07-29-2007, 08:55 PM

"PHOENIX -- When Braves manager Bobby Cox was heaping daily praise in Yunel Escobar's direction during the early days of Spring Training, there was reason to wonder if he was staging a marketing campaign that would only heighten Escobar's trade value.
But during his first two months in the Majors, Escobar has proven the hype was well-deserved and that he's a talent far too valuable to trade. Along with a potent bat that has produced a .313 batting average and a rocket arm, the Cuban infielder possesses an advanced awareness that certainly opened some eyes at Chase Field in Friday night's 11-inning loss to the Diamondbacks.

After drawing a two-out, pinch-hit walk off All-Star closer Jose Valverde in the ninth inning, Escobar saw Valverde on the side of the mound, bending over, with his back to first base. Immediately, the Braves infielder raced toward an unguarded second base and completed a successful stolen base that put him in position to score the game's tying run on Willie Harris' RBI single.

Escobar, who says he converted similar stolen-base attempts in his native Cuba and during his Minor League days, has batted .327 with a .382 on-base percentage and a .397 slugging percentage in July. Among the National League rookies with at least 125 plate appearances, his .313 batting average ranks fifth and his .756 OPS (on-base percentage plus slugging percentage) ranks eighth."

http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070728&content_id=2114748&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl

J.P

07-30-2007, 12:07 PM

TheBraves just picked up Mark Teixeira for Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Elvis Andrus (and other prospects), they didnt give up Yunel Escobar. Saltalamacchia's exit should also mean that Bryan Peña will get called up.

Agente Libre

07-31-2007, 07:02 PM

Amaury Casanas is reporting to the Double-A Springfield Cardinals now that the Mexican League season is over.

J.P

08-01-2007, 11:09 AM

Any news on teams interested in signing Galarraga?

Agente Libre

08-01-2007, 11:25 AM

Galarraga is most likely under contract to the Mexican League. It's also unclear if he has the residency papers he needs to get MLB free agency. He might have several hurdles to clear before an MLB contract is available to him. (More likely, his Mexican team will keep him or sell him to an ML team.)

J.P

08-01-2007, 01:36 PM

Agente Libre

08-01-2007, 03:33 PM

That doesn't mean his Mexican contract has expired. That's why most good Mexican players get stuck down there for years.

It wouldn't surprise me if he shows up in the U.S. (or is here already), which would mean he has to wait until the June 2008 draft before signing an MLB contract.

J.P

08-02-2007, 09:14 AM

Can you enter the draft after playing professionally in Mexico? And, wouldn't he be really dumb to sign more than a one year contract in Mexico?

Agente Libre

08-02-2007, 09:23 AM

Yes and yes, but he might not have had much of a choice about the length of contract.

CameronCrazies

08-04-2007, 01:07 PM

Barbaro Canizares went 5-5 last night in AAA Richmond, VA. Did we ever decide what his actual age is? 27 or 32?

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070804&content_id=284398&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp

Agente Libre

08-04-2007, 02:11 PM

He's in his 30s for sure. He played in 10 National Series and defected about 4 years ago. The only way he's 27, as he claims, is if he debuted in the National Series when he was 13 years old.

Cubano100%

08-04-2007, 04:08 PM

After tatooing Mexican League AAA pitching, Amaury is back in the USA.
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Cazana%20Marti%20%20RF&pos=&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=502973

Cubano100%

08-04-2007, 04:14 PM

But the regular season is already over and his team didnt make the playoffs.......

The only thing I know is that Galarraga probably came in a boat. Shortly after getting out of the boat, he began tatooing Mexican league AAA pitching. He last season in Cuba was in 2004. Good start for him in foreing soil!

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Joel%20Galarraga&pos=C&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=517810

He is the little cat Galarraga because we all know that the big cat is Andres Galarraga from Venezuela.

Cubano100%

08-04-2007, 08:31 PM

Amaury Casanas homered again today.
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2007_08_04_spraax_tulaax_1

Kendry Morales is hitting 311 in AAA. I was hoping he would be dealt to another team this year.

Brayan Pena is hitting 311 in AAA. He has nothing else to prove in the minors.

Juan Miranda may be injured. He has not played in a while. He was hitting 305 in AA.

Barbaro Canizares is hitting 343 in AAA.

Johan Limonta is hitting 296 in advanced A.

Yohennis Perez is hitting 321 in advanced A.

Roberto Alvarez is hitting 288 in Advanced A. I read the below about Roberto Alvarez. I do not know whether or not he tie or broke this record.

"DH Roberto Alvarez extends hitting streak to 18 games by going 3-for-5, ties Martin Prado for 2nd longest streak in franchise history, just two shy of tying J.C. Holt's club record of 20. "

Raul Valdes looks like is settling in the short relieve role.

Yoslan Herrera and Serguey Linares are doing so so.

Hassan Pena has a 2.41 ERA in A ball.

Osbeck Castillo walks the entire stadium. Other than that, he has been good. No to many hits allowed or HR.

Francisley Bueno is doing Ok in AA.

Yunesky Sanchez is hitting 264 in A ball.

Yusdel Tuero is dominating A ball.

Roberto Sabates is doing OK in Rookie ball.

Ex big leaguer Michael Tejera is doing very good in AAA.

Ex Big leaguer Vladimir Nunez is out of gas.

Michel Abreu is still missing in action due to visa troubles. He is a lost big leaguer.

Cubano100%

08-04-2007, 08:48 PM

There are two Cuban regular SS in the big leagues at this moment. Braves Yunel Escobar and Mariners Yuniesky Betancourt. Both are from the same generation. Another SS from their generation is Yohennis Perez (Advanced A). How many more SS are there in Cuba who could reach the big leagues in 2 years?

Ciego de Avila Tigers Yorbis Borroto: He is young and he can field it.

Industriales Lions Rudy Reyes: maybe getting too old for the big leagues.

Villa Clara Orange Eduardo Paret: he is closer to retirement than the big leagues. Team Cuba A SS.

Isla de la Juventud Juan Carlos Moreno: he can field it too. He backed up Paret in the WBC.

Camaguey Ceramists Alexander Ayala. He is the back up in the Cuban team in Holland now.

Young sensations from Santiago de Cuba Wasps Adeiny Echevarria and from Habana Cowboys Juan Iglesias.

Matanzas Crocodiles Yadiel Mujica. He is young and very tall.

Come on Agente with all the restrictions we have from the Cuban government and MLB policies, we have put 2 regular SS in MLB teams out of 4 possible candidates in Escobar, Perez, Betancourt and Yunesky Sanchez.

What do you think?

We have four 1B's with the tools to be 1b, DH or bench players in MLB teams in Kendry Morales, Michel Abreu, Juan Miranda and Barbaro Canizares. At leats, they have hit AA and AAA ball very well.

J.P

08-06-2007, 09:24 AM

Cubano100% has just added Yunel Escobar to his team in our fantasy league. I dont know, I just thought it was worth reporting....;)

CameronCrazies

08-06-2007, 02:04 PM

http://talkingchop.com/

Here's something from a Braves fan website about Escobar. Do you guys think he will have a better series than the Mets Jose Reyes?

Agente Libre

08-06-2007, 03:17 PM

Escobar's Cinderella story seems to be lasting longer than expected, but I still think most of it is just the Braves' famous hype machine in action.

In modern MLB, it's hard to win with a middle infielder who has neither speed nor power with only so-so defense. (I know Bobby Cox keeps raving about his defense, but last time I checked, Escobar was on pace for something like 30-40 errors over a 162-game season.)

Bottom line, Escobar's career average is .275 in almost 8 years of pro-level baseball. Not many .275 hitters suddenly turn into, and remain, .330 hitters.

Cubano100%

08-06-2007, 06:50 PM

Cubano100% has just added Yunel Escobar to his team in our fantasy league. I dont know, I just thought it was worth reporting....;)

If players that have failed to impress in the Cuban league come to the USA and have this success in the Majors, what can we expect from other players with much better numbers than Escobar and about the same age.

You are picking on me, but I shall remind you that you were not very optimistic during the WBC # 1. God forgive J.P. please! :silent:

CameronCrazies

08-09-2007, 02:53 PM

Agente Libre

08-09-2007, 03:45 PM

I know, but again, you're ignoring history. Escobar is unlikely to have suddenly become a great defender just as he's unlikely to suddenly remain a .330 hitter after averaging .275 for the last seven years.

J.P

08-10-2007, 10:07 AM

And you , Agente, keep ignoring the fact that he was hardly a part time player in 4 yrs out of those 7. I mean, I'm just taking it for what it is, the kid had a great AFL, was tearing the ball up at AAA, and now is doing pretty good w/ the Braves. My point is already proven, he didnt deserve to get discarded, like you and Cubano wanted to do, after 4 seasons as a partimer trying to break in with the greates team in Cuban baseball, and one subpar season in AA(his first full season in professional baseball).

CameronCrazies

08-10-2007, 10:09 AM

why you feel this way about Yunel. The guy is playing the best baseball of his life and has been since the Arizona Fall League began. That's basically one year ago in baseball terms (AFL, Spring Training, AAA and now Majors). You are stuck on this 06 season in AA (which I saw 68 of his 70 games in person) where he had like 22 errors. You learn how to play the game in the minors. Errors happen. Chipper had 45 errors in Macon. You are supposed to struggle at some point and become a better player in the process. In my opinion he did!

He is hitting better now and making more plays at shortstop in the MAJOR leagues than he did in the minors. He's hitting .330 in the major leagues right now. Rafeal Furcal has 5 homeruns in LA and he hits at the top of their order. Yunel's at-bats, again, that I have seen personally this season in ATL and on tv, usually result in clutch hits and doubles. That's what a leadoff guy does. He is fearless at the plate.

Yunel Escobar is a Major Leaguer and will begin next season as the incumbent shortstop because I believe the Braves can deal Renteria in the offseason for starting pitching. In this Braves lineup Yunel does not have to hit homeruns to be considered a success. With Chipper, Teixeira, Francoeur, McCann, and Johnson there are plenty of guys that will hit homeruns and Yunel's job will be to get on base in front of them.

Don't make me, Cubano100%, and JP explain that you have to play baseball everyday to get better at it. In Cuba he did not play everyday. We established this fact a long time ago. I did not say he is a GREAT infielder, but he is a solid major-league-quality shortstop.

CameronCrazies

08-10-2007, 11:58 AM

is riding an incredible hotstreak as he returned from Orlando! He went 3-for-4 with a HR and 4 RBIs last night. He has had one 5-5 game and several multi-hit games so far.

Canizares .414 avg, 28 games, 87 ab's, 15 runs, 36 hits, 8 2b's, 1 3b, 2 Hr's, 24 Rbis, 52, 9 bb's, and 17 k's.

They say he has muscled-up too. ¡En una raya caliente de hecho!

Agente Libre

08-10-2007, 11:59 AM

Re: Escobar, that's all great, but history is history.

First, Escobar was not some part-time player in Cuba. He played full-time for the provincial teams while breaking in with Industriales, so it's not like he was only getting 4 at-bats per week.

Second, Escobar became an Industriales starter and then lost his job due to bad defense, not much offense, and some attitude problems. The last two months aside, the exact same things could be said about his Braves career.

Third, MLB history is littered with guys who did a hell of a lot better than Escobar has done and then fell off the face of the Earth. If you guys really think a hot 2 months -- and it really hasn't been that hot -- somehow proves that Escobar is not only a major leaguer but a starting shortstop on a first-division team, then you're all crazy.

Again, even if Escobar has suddenly turned into a .300 hitter, I just don't see a first-division team like Atlanta being happy, long-term, with a guy who hits .300 with no power and no speed. In modern MLB, you just can't win with a guy like that. Is he a nice stopgap during injuries and a roster makeover? Sure. But a 10-year starting shortstop? That's just silly.

CameronCrazies

08-10-2007, 12:27 PM

You always come off as a jerk by what you type and I guess that's why I keep responding to your comments. Your opinion is fine, but if you call me crazy one more time...

Did you see the baserunning play in Arizona two weeks ago? Did you see his gamewinner in Miami early this season? Did you see his game winning hit last week?

He is in the Major leagues now and handling it with ease. I think he will stay hot this year and most likely begin next season as the starting shortstop for the Braves.

He is a better player now and I will bet you anything that he makes a lot of money in MLB as a 3-4 year starter and a valuable bat off the bench for the next 4-5 years after that barring awful injury.

We'll just have to wait and see...now I'm through with you today.

J.P

08-10-2007, 12:54 PM

Re: First, Escobar was not some part-time player in Cuba. He played full-time for the provincial teams while breaking in with Industriales,

Come Agente, I've seen provincial teams play in person, the quality couldnt be worst, I do not think a player can get better by playing in these tournaments, on the contrary, he can pick up bad habits, cuz I'm sure that to a player like Escobar, hitting in these leagues comes with ease, they dont have to put much effort into it.

J.P

08-10-2007, 12:55 PM

Did you see his gamewinner in Miami early this season?

Actually, it wasnt a gamewinner, the fish came back and won that game ;)

Agente Libre

08-10-2007, 04:32 PM

You always come off as a jerk by what you type and I guess that's why I keep responding to your comments. Your opinion is fine, but if you call me crazy one more time...

Oh, please. Don't be one of those thin-skinned internet people. When someone says, "... you have to be crazy," that's a rhetorical device used to emphasize a point. I wasn't impugning your integrity or your mental health.

Did you see the baserunning play in Arizona two weeks ago? Did you see his gamewinner in Miami early this season? Did you see his game winning hit last week?

Yes, and I saw Bob Hamelin and Kevin Maas hit a ton of HRs a few years ago, etc., etc. I'm glad Escobar got a chance and is doing well. I just don't believe he will sustain it. (And neither did many (or any) MLB scouts, given that he didn't even make Baseball America's AFL Top 20 list or their pre-season Top 100 Prospects lists.)

You keep acting like I'm the only person in the world with a negative long-term opinion of Escobar when, in fact, the people around MLB typically share my opinion, not yours.

He is a better player now ...

... but only in a very limited way. Still no power and no speed and average, at best, defense. The Royals might be happy with a guy like that, but the Braves? (Have you seen Mark Lemke or Jeff Blauser lately?)

Agente Libre

08-10-2007, 04:35 PM

Come Agente, I've seen provincial teams play in person, the quality couldnt be worst, I do not think a player can get better by playing in these tournaments, on the contrary, he can pick up bad habits, cuz I'm sure that to a player like Escobar, hitting in these leagues comes with ease, they dont have to put much effort into it.

Sorry, but that's very bizarre logic. The idea that Escobar only hit .275 in Cuba because it was "too easy" is absurd. Further, almost all Cuban players come through the provincial system and many if not most star players still play some provincial league games every summer. It might not be National Series-quality, but it's not horrendous. It can't be any worse than a lot of Class A leagues.

Agente Libre

08-11-2007, 10:40 AM

(I know Bobby Cox keeps raving about his defense, but last time I checked, Escobar was on pace for something like 30-40 errors over a 162-game season.)

Maybe when you checked he did, but as of today he has six errors, 4 at third, two at second, and one at short. That's in 21 games at short, 19 at third, 14 at second. That comes out to 23 errors for the season. not terrible

Looks like you jinxed him:

Atlanta opens Philadelphia series with loss
Saturday, August 11, 2007

Phillies 5, Braves 4

PHILADELPHIA - Whatever confidence and momentum the Braves left New York with on Thursday was immediately quashed by two sobering words: third place.

That's where Atlanta stands in the National League East after losing Friday's series opener to the Philadelphia Phillies, 5-4, at Citizens Bank Park.

A throwing error by shortstop Yunel Escobar in the seventh inning allowed the decisive run to score. And with an announced crowd of 40,844 on hand, the Braves (61-55) fell a half game behind second-place Philadelphia (61-54). ...

Cubano100%

08-12-2007, 01:33 PM

Folks,

I have stayed away from this recent Escobar discussion. Not too many players can say I reach the majors. Specially, not too many Cubans nowdays can say that because all the odds are against Cubans. (cuban government can get you, american government can get you and send you back, once defecting, cubans are stuck in a third country without legal papers, competions in the minors and majors, age, etc).

Having written that, Escobar has my respects because he made it. :clapping

Now, Escobar is tall and big for a SS. He can hit to all fields for sure, but he has no power. He won't be the only SS in the majors without power for sure. His defense is not very good. This is where I have a problem. A ML SS has to catch the ball and throw the ball with precision or he will be history soon. He has 8 errors in a few games.

More problematic is Escobar history in Cuba and part of his USA journey. He made it to the Cuban junior team but somehow he did not do well in the Cuban National league. It is true he did not play much. If his Industriales manager thought he was the best candidate to play 3B, SS or 2B, he would have played more. It does not matter he did not get along with his manager. If you are good, you play.

I hope he sticks around for 10 years and win batting tittles and gold gloves.

Agente Libre

08-12-2007, 02:41 PM

I agree with almost 100% of Cubano's post above. (I disagree with the "tall" part; he's listed at 6'2" but he was only about 5'11" when I saw him in Miami a couple years ago.)

J.P

08-13-2007, 07:45 AM

Sorry, but that's very bizarre logic. The idea that Escobar only hit .275 in Cuba because it was "too easy" is absurd. Further, almost all Cuban players come through the provincial system and many if not most star players still play some provincial league games every summer. It might not be National Series-quality, but it's not horrendous. It can't be any worse than a lot of Class A leagues.

Agente, you misunderstand me, I said provincial team play was probably too easy for Escobar, not Serie Nacional play, and yes, it is horrendous.

J.P

08-13-2007, 07:48 AM

More problematic is Escobar history in Cuba and part of his USA journey. He made it to the Cuban junior team but somehow he did not do well in the Cuban National league. It is true he did not play much. If his Industriales manager thought he was the best candidate to play 3B, SS or 2B, he would have played more. It does not matter he did not get along with his manager. If you are good, you play.

He was only given the chance to start one year, how many times have we seen a young player struggle when first called upon??

You guys might be right, he might not be starter on a good team like the Braves, but he sure is a MLB player, a good utility INF, and that's more than what you guys said bout year ago.

J.P

08-13-2007, 09:28 AM

I just found out on www.cubanball.com that a pitcher by the name of Roberto Noriega is playing in Spain. The name sounded familiar, so I did some more research, and I found the news of his signing online from February 2006 (it's in spanish):

"El Llano ficha a un lanzador cubano

Roberto Noriega Argota, lanzador de origen cubano, ha llegado a un acuerdo para incorporarse al club El Llano de béisbol con vistas a esta próxima temporada. Noriega, de 27 años, jugó la pasada campaña con el Sant Boi durante la segunda vuelta de la Liga. En Cuba jugó en los equipos de La Habana, Industriales y Metropolitanos."

Basically, it just says that he was 27, and in Cuba played for Metros and Industriales, so add another defector to the list.

Cubano100%

08-13-2007, 07:00 PM

He was only given the chance to start one year, how many times have we seen a young player struggle when first called upon??

You guys might be right, he might not be starter on a good team like the Braves, but he sure is a MLB player, a good utility INF, and that's more than what you guys said bout year ago.

Was it true or not he could not start over "cuarto de pollo" the SS? I forgot his name.

cuarto de pollo = 1/4 chicken

3 positions for him: 3B, SS and 2B. Maybe 2B was not available because Enriquito Diaz. Vargas was an aging star.

By the way, Escobar committed another error. He has 9 already.

If you take 100 players with Escobar's history, I am sure the odds are that many of them won't make it. I am glad he did.

Juan Uribe was hitting around 200. He swings at everything and he has no idea about what plate discipline is. Certainly, Escobar only has to play some decent defense and he will be fine. I am sure he can hit over 200. He knows how to hit to RF and he can do it at anytime.

Uribe has hit for low average most of his career even though he used to play in Colorado.
http://mlb.mlb.com/stats/player_locator_results.jsp

Cubano100%

08-13-2007, 07:06 PM

I do not know anything about this guy.

Luis Fernandez
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Luis%20Fernandez&pos=SS&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=501898

Cubano100%

08-15-2007, 05:02 AM

A single by Brian McCann and Andruw Jones' walk set up a two-run double by Yunel Escobar, one of the rookie's four hits on the night. Matt Diaz followed with a first-pitch single to right field that scored Escobar and gave the Braves the lead.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070814&content_id=2148581&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl

At least two of those hits were to to RF. He has plate discipline. Maybe if he pulls the ball more, he could hit more HR. He could hit second in the line up because he can hit behind the runner.

J.P

08-15-2007, 08:11 AM

An a case of mistaken identity, Willie Randolph thought he had Livan on the mound instead of Orlando, and left him out there for 130 pitches..........either that or he was too busy watching The Bronx is Burning and forgot to go out there to take El Duke out.....

J.P

08-15-2007, 12:09 PM

I do not know anything about this guy.

Luis Fernandez
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Luis%20Fernandez&pos=SS&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=501898

According to thebaseballcube.com, he was a pitcher at Seton Hall, looks like the Jays turned him into an infielder:

http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/F/Luis-Fernandez-1.shtml

J.P

08-15-2007, 12:11 PM

And here's another cuban youngster in the minors, I first saw him on www.cubanball.com, he was born in Villa Clara, Reidier Gonzalez:

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Reidier%20Gonzalez&pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=460295

J.P

08-15-2007, 02:19 PM

Best SS under 25, as per Sports Illustrated:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/0708/best.shortstops.under25.mlb/content.1.html

Cubano100%

08-23-2007, 08:54 PM

Former Industriales Lions Francisley Bueno was promoted to Richmond. Also Brayan Pena (Cuban Junior team) and former Industriales catcher Barbaro Canizares are on this team. They may join Yunel Escobar next season in Atlanta to form a Lions reunion.
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2007_08_23_ricaaa_dubaaa_1

J.P

08-24-2007, 02:16 PM

The Angels just called up Kendry Morales again....please, just trade him already!

Cubano100%

08-28-2007, 09:46 PM

The Angels just called up Kendry Morales again....please, just trade him already!

He is tatooing the ball.

Cubano100%

08-29-2007, 07:32 AM

I thought this guy was out of baseball.

Rafael Galvizo

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Rafael%20Galbizo&pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=488891

J.P

08-30-2007, 07:58 AM

The fossil Julio Franco has benched Cañizares 2 days in a row :debate: :o :mad:

J.P

09-05-2007, 02:37 PM

Juan Miguel Miranda is playing in the AFL this winter:

http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/documents/2007/08/27/295103/1/Peoria_Javelinas_roster.pdf

cuban_aficionado

09-06-2007, 07:13 AM

go to the mlb website: http://mlb.mlb.com/index.jsp and click on the Braves Phillis highlight and see one of the best walk off boubles of this season

cuban_aficionado

09-06-2007, 07:16 AM

the last guy to slide in home plate is Yunel Escobar, he scored the winning run for the Atlanta Braves:applaud: :applaud: :applaud: :applaud: :applaud:

jalbright

09-06-2007, 08:08 AM

go to the mlb website: http://mlb.mlb.com/index.jsp and click on the Braves Phillis highlight and see one of the best walk off boubles of this season

If you're not a Phillie fan.....:sigh: :( :ughh :grouchy :dismay:

Canadian tourist

09-11-2007, 01:48 PM

Yunel Escobar is ranked # 4 among Braves' best prospect

Yunel Escobar: Individual Stats (Batting)
Team From To G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI TB BB SO SB CS OBP SLG AVG
Rome Braves 06/18 06/18 48 198 30 62 13 3 4 19 93 14 30 0 2 .358 .470 .313Danville Braves 06/21 06/29 8 30 9 12 2 1 2 8 22 5 4 0 0 .472 .733 .400
Rome Braves 06/29 09/05 48 198 30 62 13 3 4 19 93 14 30 0 2 .358 .470 .313

http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/app/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Yunel%20Escobar&pos=SS&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&did=milb&pid=488862

Gary Galvez: Individual Stats (Pitching)
Team From To W L ERA G GS CG SHO SV IP H R ER HR BB SO
Greenville Bombers 04/08 09/05 10 4 3.35 31 18 0 0 0 126.1 118 64 47 12 40 87

http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/app/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=G%20Galvez&pos=P&t=p_pbp&did=milb&pid=465008

Kendry Morales is ranked # 5 among Angels' prospects
Kendry Morales: Individual Stats (Batting)
Team From To G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI TB BB SO SB CS OBP SLG AVG
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes 05/21 06/13 22 90 18 31 3 0 5 17 49 6 11 0 0 .400 .544 .344
Arkansas Travelers 06/13 09/04 74 281 47 86 12 0 17 54 149 17 43 2 0 .349 .530 .306
Surprise Scorpions 10/04 11/10 24 92 19 35 14 0 2 18 55 12 13 0 0 .444 .598 .380

http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/app/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Morales%20%201B&pos=&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&did=milb&pid=434778

Arian Cruz: Individual Stats (Pitching)
Team From To W L ERA G GS CG SHO SV IP H R ER HR BB SO
VSL Reds 05/17 07/07 2 0 0.00 5 2 0 0 0 13.2 4 0 0 0 0 17
Chattanooga Lookouts 07/23 09/05 3 1 3.26 13 0 0 0 0 19.1 23 9 7 1 6 16

http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/app/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Arian%20Cruz&pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&did=milb&pid=485566

Brayan Pena: Individual Stats (Batting)
Team From To G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI TB BB SO SB CS OBP SLG AVG
Richmond Braves 04/08 09/01 81 282 27 92 21 2 0 25 117 28 19 3 1 .383 .415 .326
Atlanta Braves 05/23 10/02 18 39 2 7 2 0 0 4 9 1 7 0 0 .200 .231 .179

http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/app/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Brayan%20Pena&pos=C&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&did=milb&pid=430910

Roberto Sotolongo 3 2 .600 1.88 .187 11 2 43.0 32 15 9 10 37
http://www.dominicansummerleague.com/estadisticas/east/chicagocubs.htm

Alain Soler is ranked #10 among the Met's best prospects

The following players are young enough and have time to develop:
Juan Miguel Miranda
Ayalan Ortiz
Osbeck Castillo
Francisley Bueno

The following are running out of time:
Barbaro Canizares
Michel Abreu

Note: Does anyone remember pitcher Jose Ibar?
He started one of the two games for Cuba against the Orioles. The rumor in Cuba is that he was caught trying to defect 2 years ago and was in jail. Because the Cuban government does not comment about these issues, I am unable to corroborate the story. If this is true, I hope he can get out of it soon. He has not been in the roster for the Havana Cowboys for the last couple of years. He has run out of time!
Jose Ibar is a family friend. We spoke in person in Havana after his attempt to defect. As far as I know he is still living in his home town out side of Havana. He is no longer permitted to play professional baseball in Cuba due to his attempt to defect, very sad!

Cubano100%

09-11-2007, 08:04 PM

Many cuban players got no vision about the future. They waste their careers in Cuba and some try to defect when they have little left in the tank instead of saying bye bye to the cuban Mummy during their first trip outside Cuba wich I refer to San Quentin State Prison Cuba. I am glad I left behind all that nonsense.

CameronCrazies

09-13-2007, 06:19 PM

watching what Francisley is doing in Richmond right now...through 6 innings he's faced 19 hitters. I don't want to jinx anything so I'll write more later!!:clapping

CameronCrazies

09-13-2007, 06:56 PM

They took him out with a no-hitter going and 2-0 lead. Now it's 3-2 in the 7th...should have left him in. I'm glad he was promoted to AAA at the end of the season. He had three great starts for Richmond and hopefully that will keep him going into the winter.

This is from the Braves beat writer: http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/ajc/braves/entries/2007/09/12/no_doubt_escoba.html?cxntnid=brv091307e

Here are a few of my favorite parts: Which brings me to my real point: Yunel Escobar is good. Really, really good. An extraordinary talent who is clearly ready to play every day, not just play but perhaps star, and whose best position is clearly shortstop

Now, back to Escobar. Folks, I really believe we’re watching the emergence of a future star, from the confident way he carries himself to the undeniable physical gifts. It’s much the same feeling I got watching Renteria emerge as a Marlins rookie, the same feeling I got when I covered that team and he hit the extra-innings game-winning single for them in Game 7 of the 1997 World Series.

Here’s what I was talking about when I mentioned Escobar is only getting better as the season has progressed. Agente - you are the only person that believes Yesco has reached his potential! He is finally playing everyday and getting better EVERYDAY! Just as I said when I saw Yunel play 70 games in AA...he is getting better everyday. He will be a solid Major Leaguer for the next couple of years and probably have a 6-7 year career in MLB. :clapping

J.P

09-14-2007, 09:20 AM

By the way, during the Wednesday night ESPN's Braves-Mets telecast, they had the highlight of the night before when Yunel hit a homer off El Duke, and of the announcers was saying that it was one of Yunel's best moments in his professional career, because El Duke is an idol, and that they both played for the same team in Cuba but at different times (which is true), and then he said that all of his contrymen in Cuba had a chance to see it, since the game was being telecast live to Cuba.........goes to show you how ignorant some of these people are about how things are in our island, and the worst part is, they are in a national stage, passing along this ignorance :thumbsdown:

Cubano100%

09-14-2007, 11:28 AM

watching what Francisley is doing in Richmond right now...through 6 innings he's faced 19 hitters. I don't want to jinx anything so I'll write more later!!:clapping

Too bad milb.com did not broadcast this game. You ca still watch Bueno vs the Yankees AAA team in the archive games.

J.P

09-17-2007, 08:52 AM

Someone in the Spanish forum said he heard Yamel Guevara and Ryde Rodriguez in a Miami Spanish radio show over the weekend; Yamel is going to pitch in front of scouts in December hoping to get signed, and Ryde suppossedly already has a contract in place with the Cardinals.

Agente Libre

09-17-2007, 06:19 PM

Agente - you are the only person that believes Yesco has reached his potential! He is finally playing everyday and getting better EVERYDAY! Just as I said when I saw Yunel play 70 games in AA...he is getting better everyday. He will be a solid Major Leaguer for the next couple of years and probably have a 6-7 year career in MLB. :clapping

Uh, no, I'm not the only one. I'm glad Escobar has gotten a chance and has done well, but that doesn't change history, either. A 70-game sample simply does not negate a 7-year history of mediocrity. It also does not mean he will repeat this type of success long-term. (Remember Bob Hamelin? Kevin Maas?)

Escobar has been a bright spot in an otherwise down year for Atlanta, but I'm STILL not aware of many (any?) championship-caliber teams that would be happy with a guy like him -- .300 average, little power and average defense -- running out to short every night.

By the way, during the Wednesday night ESPN's Braves-Mets telecast, they had the highlight of the night before when Yunel hit a homer off El Duke, and of the announcers was saying that it was one of Yunel's best moments in his professional career, because El Duke is an idol, and that they both played for the same team in Cuba but at different times (which is true), and then he said that all of his contrymen in Cuba had a chance to see it, since the game was being telecast live to Cuba.........goes to show you how ignorant some of these people are about how things are in our island, and the worst part is, they are in a national stage, passing along this ignorance :thumbsdown:

The whole island obviously wasn't watching the game but I bet huge numbers of people saw it on their pirated satellite TV and/or at the hotels and other places that show U.S. channels.

Someone in the Spanish forum said he heard Yamel Guevara and Ryde Rodriguez in a Miami Spanish radio show over the weekend; Yamel is going to pitch in front of scouts in December hoping to get signed, and Ryde suppossedly already has a contract in place with the Cardinals.

Ryde Rodriguez reportedly signed with St. Louis for over $600,000 in July or August; very strange signing for a guy who had almost no career, junior or otherwise, in Cuba. Most of the scouts who saw him think he's a non-prospect but the Cardinals must have liked him. It's odd they'd give $600,000 to an unknown Cuban but bury Amaury Casanas in Mexico and then Double-A.

As for Yamel Guevara, he hasn't pitched competitively in over 3 years and, if he's in the U.S., he has to go through the draft. He was probably one of the top ten Cuban prospects at the time he defected in '04 but he got hurt and then got stuck in foreign countries trying to get papers. (His half-brother, Yunel Escobar, apparently didn't help him very much after getting $500,000 from the Braves.)

J.P

09-18-2007, 07:33 AM

As for Yamel Guevara, he hasn't pitched competitively in over 3 years and, if he's in the U.S., he has to go through the draft. He was probably one of the top ten Cuban prospects at the time he defected in '04 but he got hurt and then got stuck in foreign countries trying to get papers. (His half-brother, Yunel Escobar, apparently didn't help him very much after getting $500,000 from the Braves.)

He did pitch a little in the Nicaraguan Winter League last year, he abruptly left in the middle of the season to come to the US to take care of a "family matter" and didnt surface again until now, if you ask me, he probably got injured and wanted to lay low until he was completely healed.

Agente Libre

09-18-2007, 01:51 PM

That's possible, but my understanding is that Guevara basically used the Nicaraguan team as a way to get to Central America (after being stuck in the D.R.) so he could make his way north to the U.S.

cuban_aficionado

09-19-2007, 07:47 AM

CameronCrazies

09-19-2007, 07:50 AM

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3026151&campaign=rss&source=MLBHeadlines

J.P

09-19-2007, 09:25 AM

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3026151&campaign=rss&source=MLBHeadlines

Someone opened a thread to discuss this instead of putting it here:

http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=67897

emanuelsaavedra

09-20-2007, 10:49 PM

I just finished reading the book "The Duke of Havana" and realized two things from it. One, i feel sorry for German Mesa. The guy had his life destroyed for something that he never did. At least el duke was able to come to the US and become a millionaire. Mesa had to stay in Cuba and starve while pleading for forgiveness. Second, Joe Cubas and everyone like him are JERKS. They are seen as the freedom fighters that have made a dream come true for people. When in reality all he is a money thirsty ******** that has ruined the lives of many people. Yes he may have helped Orlando hernandez, but what about the 17 year old kid that he practically forced to desert, and to whose father he promised he would take care of, the same kid doing odd jobs in Costa Rica to make ends meet separated from his family and those he loves, all alone in a foreign nation. I for freedom, a political refugee myslef, but what they do to this players is nothing short of human slavery. They fill a guy's head with dreams and then, if they cant make it the players just get tossed somewhere. thats wrong

emanuelsaavedra

09-20-2007, 11:01 PM

On Alexei Ramirez, I am from pinar del rio, the place where he is from. The guy has the potential to be good, i mean real good. To a point he is kind of like el duke, he doesnt have the greatest gifts overall, but somehow, he still manages to be a great player. Still, the guy is one of the best players in team Cuba. He was a pivotal part of that young offensive backbone of the team. Personally i think that he could easily be a 300-25-90 guy and with good, not great but good speed. Hel he is much better than Yunel, that should be a good indicator.

Cubano100%

09-22-2007, 06:18 AM

1B/OF Barbaro Canizares and RHP Hansel Izquierdo will play for the Navojoa Mayos in the Mexican Winter league.

LHP Francisley Bueno, C Brayan Pena and 1B Kendry Morales are going to play for the Cibao Giants in the Dominican Winter league.

RHP Alain or Alay Soler will pitch for the CibaeÑas Eagles in the Dominican Winter league.

INF/OF Alexei Ramirez is going to play for the Escogido Lions in the Dominican Winter league according to some reports.

OF Alex Sanchez is going to play in the Venezuelan Winter league.

Where is Michel Abreu?

Agente Libre

09-25-2007, 12:45 PM

If Abreu is still having immigration problems, which is reportedly why he couldn't play this year, then he probably can't leave the country for winter ball.

Cubano100%

09-26-2007, 04:20 AM

Raul Valdez is going to play for the Cibao Giants in the Dominican R. This team has the following cuban players:

Kendry Morales
Brayan Peña
Francisley Bueno
Raul Valdes

http://www.gigantesdelcibao.com/noticias/templates/noticia.asp?articleid=1196&zoneid=3

Mischa

10-09-2007, 03:42 PM

I'm trying to find out about Alberto Hernandez, the national team catcher who defected with Orlando Hernandez and played in Cuba later. In the copy of the Cuban baseball guide I have, there are a few Alberto Hernandezes, but all had very short careers or had pitiful batting lines. There was a Luis Alberto Hernandez Cueto and a Carlos Alberto Hernandez Acosta, both of whom had careers of some length and quality, but I don't know if these are the right guys. In his book, Bjarkman lists Hernandez as not playing in the league (clearly wrong) on pg. 418 and as hitting .141 in 71 AB in the Cuban leagues on pg. 471 (also clearly wrong, one would think). Can someone point me to Alberto's correct full name and Cuban stats?

Cubano100%

10-11-2007, 05:29 PM

Misha:

I have been trying to get you the info with no avail.

Mischa

10-14-2007, 07:02 AM

Misha:

I have been trying to get you the info with no avail.

I emailed Peter Bjarkman, who sent me the information. He is listed as Jose Alberto Hernandez in the Guides.

Cubano100%

10-14-2007, 08:35 AM

I emailed Peter Bjarkman, who sent me the information. He is listed as Jose Alberto Hernandez in the Guides.

He has to be the Alberto Hernandez with the most series. I do not recall another Alberto Hernandez that played for a long time.

Cubano100%

10-14-2007, 03:44 PM

Miranda, Schafer lift Javs to victory

http://www.mlb.com/images/2007/10/11/zMnNG3yR.jpg

http://www.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071011&content_id=2261369&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

Cubano100%

10-14-2007, 03:46 PM

LHP Raul Valdez, Cibao Giants no hit no run the Cibao Eagles in the Dominican R. pre-season.

CameronCrazies

10-19-2007, 12:29 PM

Cubano100%

10-19-2007, 05:01 PM

What's the story on this guy? He has great stats for a centerfielder. Is he really just 22 years old? Very impressive...according to wiki he almost made the WBC roster as a 20-year-old. .351 average, 23 HR's, 78 RBIs, .649 slug

Yoandry Urgelles sounds like a solid player too...Billy Beane would like him lots of walks and a high average.

Two of the best cuban players nowadays. Cespedes can field and has a cannon for an arm. He is probably going to make the team to China Taipei. He is from Granma and he is 22 years old. I also like his teammate Alfredo Despaigne. He is also around 22 years old and play LF. Check his numbers.

Lefty Urgelles (Industriales) can hit to LF anytime he wants. He is very selective. Right now, he has been used in the second spot on the Cuba A team due to his high OBP.

Cuba right now has a lot of good young outfielders. We have an excess of good outfielders. The infield does not have the same depth.

Cubano100%

10-19-2007, 05:06 PM

I read there is a RHP in his junior years in Nicaragua. His name is Daniel Sarria. Looks like he is going to play for Boer Indians under former Santi Spiritus Roosters manager Lourdes Gourriel. Gourriel is the father of Cuba team 3B Yuliesky Gourriel.

cuban_aficionado

10-20-2007, 08:09 AM

NEW YORK -- Orlando Hernandez, who pitched merely 9 2/3 innings in the final seven weeks of the season because of foot problems, underwent surgery to remove a bunion on the second toe on his right foot on Friday.

Hernandez made two starts, each lasting three innings, after Aug. 25. He was bothered by a sprain of the right foot as well as the bunion which, the Mets said, became an issue after the sprain prompted the veteran to favor the foot and change his mechanics.

Dr. William Hamilton performed the surgery on Hernandez, who is expected to be ready for Spring Training.

El Duque had a 9-5 record and 3.72 ERA in 27 games -- 24 starts and 147 2/3 innings. He allowed 109 hits and 64 struck out 28. His ERA increased by 65 points after his victory against the Dodgers on Aug. 25. The Mets won 16 of his 24 starts.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071019&content_id=2272760&vkey=ps2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

The reason the New York Mets did not won more of the 24 starts by EL Duke is the same reasons they did not qualified for the playoffs: Lack of Run Support for Quality Starting Pitching.......:debate:

J.P

10-26-2007, 08:36 AM

Amaury Cazana Marti in the AFL again??? Isnt he a little too old to be here for a second year in a row??

Cubano100%

10-26-2007, 05:58 PM

Barbaro Canizares

http://www.mlb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Barbaro%20Canizares&pos=1B&sid=l132&t=p_pbp&pid=498568

Cubano100%

10-27-2007, 03:56 PM

What's the story on this guy? He has great stats for a centerfielder. Is he really just 22 years old? Very impressive...according to wiki he almost made the WBC roster as a 20-year-old. .351 average, 23 HR's, 78 RBIs, .649 slug

Yoandry Urgelles sounds like a solid player too...Billy Beane would like him lots of walks and a high average.

This is your boy Cespedes.

http://www.radiococo.cu/cocobeisbol/serie%20nacional/fotos-2/cespedesy7.JPG

http://www.radiococo.cu/cocobeisbol/serie%20nacional/granma.htm

This is Despaigne.
http://www.radiococo.cu/cocobeisbol/equipo%20cuba/rosters/imagenes/do7-1.jpg
http://www.radiococo.cu/cocobeisbol/equipo%20cuba/rosters/despaignealfredo.htm

CameronCrazies

10-29-2007, 11:03 AM

http://gigantesdelcibao.com/noticias/templates/noticia.asp?articleid=1306&zoneid=3

Bueno makes his season debut tomorrow night in the Dominican Winter League...sorry the link is in Spanish. He did well for them last year and he earned his promotion to AAA Richmond this year.

Here's to hoping that he does well this fall and shows the Braves something in Spring Training!

J.P

10-30-2007, 08:00 AM

As the summer months elapsed and Yunel Escobar continued to impress, Edgar Renteria could see the handwriting on the wall. Occasionally, he would smile and ask if it looked like he was spending his final season in Atlanta.

"We wouldn't have done this deal if not for what Escobar did," Braves general manager Frank Wren said. "We feel very comfortable with how Yunel has developed as a player and with what he accomplished this year."

Confident that Escobar will continue to develop as the Braves' starting shortstop next year, Wren was willing to provide the Tigers with a five-time All-Star to fill their need for a shortstop. In exchange for Renteria, Wren gained two highly touted prospects and the payroll flexibility that will enhance his ability to achieve his primary goal of improving the club's pitching staff.

While it will be difficult to replace Renteria's production and positive influence in the clubhouse, the Braves are confident Escobar will continue to build upon his successful rookie season. After coming up at the beginning of June, the Cuban infielder appeared in 94 games and hit .326 with five homers and a .385 on-base percentage.

CameronCrazies

10-30-2007, 11:14 AM

What are you going to say now?

The Braves don't know what they're what they're doing do they!!

For Heaven's sake, don't the Braves remember he hit .260 in AA in his first full season as a professional...he's doomed to a life of bench player! Oh crap! Don't the Braves know that a player cannot get better once he reaches 24 years old!!

The Braves traded the best shortstop on the roster and they're handing it over to a player that didn't post good numbers as a youth/teen/young adult in Cuba! He has attitude issues too! Oh Crap!

Those Braves front office guys can't possibly believe in him enough to hand him the starting job next season!!

Oh, that's right. They just did. He did hit .326 and had a .385 OBP. "We wouldn't have done this deal if not for what Escobar did," Braves general manager Frank Wren said. "We feel very comfortable with how Yunel has developed as a player and with what he accomplished this year."

Get ready to eat crow my friend. And hey, if he fails miserably, I'll admit I was wrong about him, but right now the Braves believe in him and he will get his chance to show us what he can do.

Granted, he could have a sophomore slump, but he is so intense that I heard he will starve himself if he has a bad game(s) as part of a ritual to refocus his energy.

jalbright

10-30-2007, 02:17 PM

There's no need for this personalization of a disagreement over the quality of one player. Please stop it. Thank you.

Jim Albright

CameronCrazies

10-31-2007, 08:58 PM

Sorry about that...pretty lame on my part I know. I enjoy this forum. It won't happen again.

Cubano100%

11-03-2007, 09:49 AM

Yankees first base prospect Juan Miranda smacked a pair of solo homers, giving him four in 17 games this fall. The 24-year-old Cuban had 16 homers and 96 RBIs in 122 games between Class A Advanced Tampa and Double-A Trenton in 2007. He is tied with six others for the league lead in homers and ranks second with 14 RBIs.

http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=l_sco&sid=l119&lid=119&ymd=20071102

Cubano100%

11-06-2007, 10:23 PM

Posted Sep. 25, 2007 3:06 pm by Matt Eddy
Filed under: Transactions

New York Mets
Recalled: RHP Brian Lawrence, RHP Joe Smith, SS Anderson Hernandez, OF David Newhan
Selected to 40-man roster: LHP Dave Williams
Reinstated from disabled list: RHP Ambiorix Burgos, RHP Kyle Catto, RHP Blake Eager, RHP Emary Frederick, RHP Joe Leaper, RHP Clint Nageotte, RHP Jake Ruckle, RHP Yury Santana, RHP Steve Schmoll, RHP Mike Swindell, LHP Edgar Alfonzo, LHP Shane Hawk, LHP Ricardo Morales, LHP Duane Privett, LHP Raul Valdes, C Jordan Abruzzo, C Jean Blaquiere, C Robinson Cancel, C Aaron Garcia, C Jose Reyes, 1B Daniel Hernandez, 2B Jake Gautreau, 3B Shawn Bowman, 3B Zach Lutz, SS Wilson Batista, SS Jose Coronado, SS Juan Lagares, OF Brahiam Maldonado, OF Chris Fournier, OF Corey Coles, OF Fernando Martinez, OF Jesus Gamero, OF Luis Matos, OF Rafael Fernandez
Reinstated from inactive list: 1B Michel Abreu

Michel Abreu lost the entire season due to visa problems.

Agente Libre

11-07-2007, 04:07 PM

The Michel Abreu move might not mean he's been cleared to play. I believe it's just an off-season procedural move. (I'm not 100% sure, but I don't believe players can be on the Inactive List during the off-season.)

Cubano100%

11-11-2007, 11:30 AM

The Toronto Blue Jays drafted Reidier Gonzalez in the 19th Round of the 2005 Draft out of St. Petersburg Junior College in Florida. Gonzalez was originally drafted in the 38th round of the 2004 draft by the Colorado Rockies, but decided to return to school for the 2005 season. Gonzalez had a spectacular start to his professional career before an ankle injury sidelined him for the season.

http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/41/417334.jpg

After breaking onto the scene in 2005, Ray Gonzalez suffered a setback in his progress with an arm injury. The past two years were tough for the talented right-hander and he worked his way back this year and stapled his name back on the prospect map pitching effectively and remaining healthy for the entire season with Lansing.

scout.com

Cubano100%

11-11-2007, 11:54 AM

Alexei Ramirez debuted with the Escogido Lions in the Dominican Winter league. According to some reports, he it the ball well. Aybar robbed him once and he almost hit a Grand Slam. He played CF and batted fifth.

http://mlb.mlb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Alexei%20Ramirez&pos=OF&sid=l131&t=p_pbp&pid=493351

He has sent his documentation to the Commissioner's Office to gain free agency.

Cubano100%

11-11-2007, 12:14 PM

Mexican Winter League

Barbaro Canizares
http://www.mlb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Barbaro%20Canizares&pos=1B&sid=l132&t=p_pbp&pid=498568

Hansel Izquierdo.
http://www.mlb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Hansel%20Izquierdo&pos=P&sid=l132&t=p_pbp&pid=407875

Agente Libre

11-11-2007, 05:08 PM

MLB interest in Alexei Ramirez must be kind of light if he's playing winter ball already. MLB teams just saw him at the Pan Am Games, etc., so it's not like he's coming off an injury or a suspension like some other defectors and teams need a chance to scout him. I don't think Ramirez would be risking injury or a bad D.R. performance if he already had some big offers, but I guess time will tell.

Anyway, I don't know why he's trying to sign as a centerfielder in this free agent market. Teams already have Torii Hunter, Andruw Jones, Aaron Rowand, Mike Cameron and Corey Patterson to choose from.

CameronCrazies

11-14-2007, 08:40 AM

Cubano100%

11-14-2007, 08:55 AM

Canizares singles, doubles, and triples. Still hitting in mid .270's though

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/winterleagues/?league=car

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071114&content_id=2300022&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

I was watching the game on ESPN Deportes. His double got to LF in a hurry.

Have you heard anything about wether or not the Braves have shown interest in Alexei Ramirez?

Cubano100%

11-16-2007, 09:37 AM

Miranda On The Rise

The Yankees’ future at first base is somewhat clouded, but it appears Cuban defector Juan Miranda has emerged as the frontrunner from within the organization.

Miranda started the year with Tampa and finished with Trenton; overall, he batted .265/.350/.471 with 16 homers and 96 RBIs. The Yankees assigned him to the AFL, and he has drawn praise from not only Franklin but from scouts as well.

“This guy’s got huge power,” a scout from a National League club said. “He’s a legitimate threat regardless what his ceiling is age-wise.”

Age is a question with Miranda. His official birthdate provided by the club after he signed for $2 million in 2006 is April 23, 1983; but several Cuban sources have the former Pinar Del Rio player with a 1981 birthday (some have a March birthdate, some April), which would make him 26.

“I don’t really care if he’s 26 or 30,” said another scout from an American League club. “The bat has a higher ceiling than a lot of people thought, and he will hit for average too.”

Miranda has been pushing the envelope at first base since he signed, and it appears he’s worked his way past 2003 first-rounder Eric Duncan on the depth chart despite not playing for two years after leaving Cuba.

“I would think that after this season we’ll really be able to get a handle on where he stacks up,” Franklin said. “What I like about Juan and what I think the organization’s tried to do with him is to have him to be as aggressive as he can while being selective as he can be. He’s going to strike out some–that’s inevitable–but we don’t want him to give up anything where the power is concerned.

“He’s got the capability to take a ball that’s away from him and (drive) it out of the yard. He can hit a ball that’s up out of the yard and has the ability to hit balls down low in the strike zone and somehow make solid contact. He has enough power to hit balls out of any park no matter where it’s pitched.”

http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/?p=626

NewEnglandAmazins

11-16-2007, 12:11 PM

Alexei Ramirez has signed with the Leones del Escogido

This article is in Spanish:
http://espndeportes.espn.go.com/news...bei&type=story

His stats so far:
http://mlb.mlb.com/milb/stats/stats....pbp&pid=493351

Cubano100%

11-16-2007, 06:06 PM

Barbaro Canizares approaching 300 average in Mexico.

http://www.mlb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=l132&t=g_box&gid=2007_11_15_culwin_navwin_1

Seattle Fan

11-18-2007, 09:25 PM

I will ask him if he reported to MLB, where can I find the rules for Cuban players?

thank you

Seattle Fan

11-19-2007, 11:12 PM

Agente Libre

11-20-2007, 02:57 PM

Seattle Fan -- Cardoso is an interesting guy but the fact he didn't get drafted and apparently still hasn't signed a contract either means MLB teams aren't interested or Cardoso has just fallen through the cracks. If I recall, he was kind of an average pitcher in the Cuban National Series, so he will need to be proactive to get his pro/MLB career started.

(Also, check your private messages. Thanks.)

Cubano100%

11-20-2007, 05:50 PM

1B Omar Yapur has signed with the Leones del León in Nicaragua.

Cubano100%

11-20-2007, 07:14 PM

Former Holguin Hounds outfielder Maikel Pena Rodriguez is in the Dominican Republic.

Agente Libre

11-20-2007, 07:56 PM

1B Omar Yapur has signed with the Leones del León in Nicaragua.

Who is Omar Yapur? I've never heard of him.

A cuban forumer in the Dominican Republic wrote that former Holguin Hounds outfielder Maikel Pena Rodriguez is in the Dominican Republic.

I don't have an age for Pena but he doesn't look like much of a prospect based on his stats. I hope he didn't move from the U.S. to the D.R. just to try to be a free agent. It might take him years to get back.

J.P

11-21-2007, 12:02 PM

According to cubanball.com, Omar Llapur was an OF for Industriales who defected in February 2005. As per Maikel Pena Rodriguez, I've never heard of him, can you enlighten me?

J.P

11-21-2007, 12:12 PM

Llapur left Cuba in the same group with Juan Miranda.

ozziethesaint

11-21-2007, 05:47 PM

does anyone know if there's a website that can be found that has approximate ages, height, weight and other personal information on current Cuban baseball players? I'd love to be able to add the Cuban national league to the roster set i am making for the baseball game OOTP

Cubano100%

11-21-2007, 08:11 PM

According to cubanball.com, Omar Llapur was an OF for Industriales who defected in February 2005. As per Maikel Pena Rodriguez, I've never heard of him, can you enlighten me?

Maikel Pena Rodriguez

SN 42

NOMBRE JJ CB VB C H AVE 2B 3B HR TB SLU BR CR CI SH SF DB BB BI SO BD IO EE EBF
PEÑA RODRIGUEZ, MAIKEL 75 290 251 34 85 .339 13 1 10 130 .518 2 0 36 1 0 13 25 4 54 7 0 2 15

SN 44

NOMBRE JJ CB VB C H AVE 2B 3B HR TB SLU BR CR CI SH SF DB BB BI SO BD IO EE EBF
PEÑA RODRIGUEZ, MAIKEL 24 92 78 6 21 .269 7 0 2 34 .436 0 0 10 1 1 1 11 0 18 2 0 0 3

He did not play in SN 43 and SN 46. I do not know whether or not he played before SN 42. His SN 42 numbers are not bad. If he is young, he may do something. I translated the stats from Spanish to English at the beginning of the Cuban Baseball Structure Thread.

Cubano100%

11-21-2007, 08:16 PM

Amaury Cazanas has signed with the Indios del Boer in Nicaragua. He will play for Lourdes Gourriel, Yuliesky Gourriel's father. Maybe he convinces him about his son coming to USA.

Cubano100%

11-27-2007, 05:17 AM

Juan Miranda
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/media/player/mp_tpl.jsp?w_id=607471&w=mms%3A//a1503.v108692.c10869.g.vm.akamaistream.net/7/1503/10869/v0001/mlb.download.akamai.com/10869/2007/open/winterbaseball/afl/110907_surpej_miranda_hr_tp_400.wmv&pid=gen_video&mid=200711092297508&cid=mlb&fid=gen_video400&v=2&mType=w&urlstr=&mUrl=&type=v_free&_mp=1

Cubano100%

11-28-2007, 08:08 AM

Former Industriales catcher Joel Galarraga was selected to the All-Star Game in the Veracrúz League, México. He is hitting 314 with 6 HR.
The Veracrúz League is another winter league in México where players from the LMB AAA that do not make to the LMP (winter league 8 teams) play.

LMB 16 teams
LMP 8 teams
LMV 10 teams

Cubano100%

11-28-2007, 08:16 PM

Alexei Ramirez was released by his Dominican team. He was not recieving much playing time and asked to be released. The Escogido Lions is fighting for a playoff spot and did not have time to evaluate Ramirez. According to his agent, Ramirez will continue his tryouts for MLB teams. He already held tryouts for Boston, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Cubs, White Sox, Mets, Yankees, Minnesota and Oakland.

http://espndeportes.espn.go.com/news/story?id=623850&s=bei&type=story

Agente Libre

11-28-2007, 09:53 PM

Interest in Ramirez must be very low. Otherwise, he wouldn't have even started playing in the D.R. winter league, let alone ask for his release so he can conduct tryouts.

pegasus22

11-28-2007, 10:49 PM

Can anyone give me a website that gives a profile for Jose Dariel Abreu?

Agente Libre

11-29-2007, 11:31 AM

Can anyone give me a website that gives a profile for Jose Dariel Abreu?

Did Abreu defect from Cuba and I missed it, or did this guy just post in the wrong thread?

Anyway, this year's bios for Cienfuegos aren't online yet, although I did notice Abreu is now listed primarily as a third baseman as opposed to an outfielder.

Cubano100%

11-30-2007, 05:23 PM

Alexei Ramírez finally got the OK from OFAC and now he can sign with any team. First, he managed to get out of Cuba. Then, he was able to gain Dominican legal papers. Then, Bud Selig gave his OK. Now, he got the OK from OFAC. Hopefully, somebody is going to give him a real chance.

His agent said that he probably is going to sign with a team during the winter meetings.

http://espndeportes.espn.go.com/news/story?id=624274&s=bei&type=story

Indians: The Tribe has been earnestly scouting Alexei Ramirez, the Cuban defector who last season led that country's Serie Nacional with 20 homers. Ramirez, who went 6-for-16 in the 2006 World Baseball Classic, plays both center and short.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071130&content_id=2314351&vkey=hotstove2007&fext=.jsp

Notes: Cuba's Ramirez draws attention

http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071130&content_id=2314660&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle

Cosme

12-06-2007, 09:29 AM

Cosme

12-06-2007, 09:35 AM

I was watching the game on ESPN Deportes. His double got to LF in a hurry.

Have you heard anything about wether or not the Braves have shown interest in Alexei Ramirez?

Alexei Ramirez esta jugando con el Escogido aqui pero esta pidiendo mucho dinero demaciado el debe firmar y olvidarse del dinero ahora y firmar un contrato que le de la oportunidad de jugar en estados unidos.

Cubano100%

12-06-2007, 10:39 AM

If anyone sees/hears any more info. on Kenny, please be sure to post it.

Hi guys Keny Rodriguez is now in Dominican Republic my country of course and he belong now for Toronto Blue Jays and the Tigres del Licey are looking for sing him , i was yesterday at the quisqueya stadium and he made a try out and impress the manager and the pitching coach he pitch againts three baters and strike out three was nasty.

I like to thank you for the news. Kenny needs playing time. I am concerned that probably Licey is going to play for the championship and does not have the time to wait for Kenny to gain his shape.

Cubano100%

12-06-2007, 10:40 AM

Alexei Ramirez esta jugando con el Escogido aqui pero esta pidiendo mucho dinero demaciado el debe firmar y olvidarse del dinero ahora y firmar un contrato que le de la oportunidad de jugar en estados unidos.

Alexei was playing for the Escogido Lions, but he was released. Hopefully, he will sign with a team soon.

jalbright

12-06-2007, 02:54 PM

Alexei Ramirez esta jugando con el Escogido aqui pero esta pidiendo mucho dinero demaciado el debe firmar y olvidarse del dinero ahora y firmar un contrato que le de la oportunidad de jugar en estados unidos.

Ingles, por favor! I don't read Spanish well enough to moderate it, and I don't have anyone I trust willing to do so, either. That being so, I have to restrict the discussion to English only. Sorry.

Jim Albright

CameronCrazies

12-06-2007, 03:35 PM

about Alexei Ramirez. This was posted today on ESPN's coverage of the Winter Meetings. Doesn't seem like he is gaining much interest. I bet he signs with a team for about $1 million closer to spring training and spends some time in the minors first. I'd like to see the Braves take him and put him Richmond with Canizares and Bueno.

2:15 p.m., from Enrique Rojas
• Jaime Torres, the agent for Cuban slugger Alexei Ramirez, left Nashville after meeting with five teams interested in the player. Torres said that he expects to meet with two other clubs in the next couple of days. Ramirez, the home run leader in the Cuban national tournament in 2006, can play second base or the outfield. He left Cuba and settled in Dominican Republic two months ago.

Cubano100%

12-07-2007, 01:38 PM

Agente Libre

12-07-2007, 05:09 PM

Agente Libre and CameronCrazies:

You guys think that Alexei Ramirez is not gaining much interest. It may be true, but if his agent is telling the truth, there about 7 teams talking to him. Do you guys pretend that 30 teams express interest in him? Unlike other MLB free agents and Japanese players, Alexei does not have experience for MLB purposes. Cuban players are tagged "amateurs" by MLB even though we all know they have a lot of experience just like any other player.

Cubano -- I root for Cuban defectors as much as anyone, but the facts seem to indicate that interest in Ramirez is very low. Unlike with guys like Contreras or Kendry when teams were openly saying that they really wanted those players, I haven't heard Ramirez's name associated with any particular team except the Indians, and I'm not even sure how he fits on that team.

As I've said here and elsewhere, Alexei Ramirez is, without question, a very good baseball player. Unfortunately, his skills do not easily translate into an everyday job in MLB -- i.e., he doesn't have enough power to play a corner outfield position, and he doesn't appear to have the skills to play middle infield everyday (or else he would have been doing so in Cuba for Pinar).

I'm sure he'll sign an MLB contract and I hope he proves me wrong. But when a player like Ramirez is a free agent for over a month and there's not a single major news story about him, that means interest is low. (Even the best Dominican kids were getting U.S. media coverage this year.)