The Cuban baseball continues to expand its range in the majors. In recent weeks the MLB market has opened its gates and in various moves some Cubans with strong presence in the big leagues as in the case of Yoenis Céspedes or Kendrys Morales have been involved. Other players were signed as free international agents and must spend time in the minors before testing their value and reach the highest level of baseball.
We analyze some of the most recent moves of Cubans:
Yoenis Cespedes: He was traded to the Detroit Tigers, as reported by MLB Network. In return, Boston received the pitcher Rick Porcello. Cespedes will join the powerful Tigers line-up and try to improve his percentage of OBP, which has not been higher than 310. In Detroit, Céspedes must ensure comfort zone to hit more than 20 HR again and over 100 RBI for the second consecutive year.
Yasmani Tomas: Signed for 68.5 million with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Although many believe the contract was overrated, operations chief Tony La Russa believes otherwise. La Russa´s experience suggests that as Arizona is in reconstruction stage there is no rush. Tomas will be focused on improving his strikeout rate and discrimination in the area. Another detail is that he will play in paradise homers Chase Field, the seventh park with more home runs (1,194) in the majors in 2014. At 24, Tomas will have time to adapt to pitches he never saw in Cuba.
Kendrys Morales: His signing with Kansas for two years and 17 million has been successful. The switch-hitter,31, will try to change the image of his gray 2014 (218 / .274 / .338) in a franchise full of young blood. Morales will occupy the designated hitter position left by Billy Butler. Kauffman Stadium has not helped much power hitters in recent times; however Kendrys will try again to become that player over 20 homers per season and close to 500 OPS.
Roberto Baldoquin: The 20 years old has just signed a contract for 8 million with the Anaheim Angels. He left Cuba in February and was working in Dominican Republic. It is a shortstop who journeyed by all categories of the national team until young adulthood. –He measures 5.10 and only had 3 Nationals Series of experience. He will begin his career in the minors until he can adapt and correct some flows in his swing.
Dian Toscano: On December 10 Atlanta Braves signed Toscano, from Villa Clara, 25 years of age and 5 National Series. Toscano never joined the National Team nevertheless exhibited a good offensive line in his last campaign in Cuba. Baseballamerica.com reports Toscano as a left fielder with good control of his bat and strike zone. It may not be a strong candidate to reach the majors but surely play in the minors.
Misael Siverio: He signed a contract last month for 3.5 million for six years with the Seattle Mariners. Although with a minor league contract, Siverio had good numbers in the Mexican League (2.45 ERA in 29 innings). His work can take him to the majors with the passage of time.
Other Cubans as Dayan Viciedo are about to change course in the coming hours. In addition, there are talented players like Yoan Moncada, Yoan Lopez and Ariel Miranda waiting for the formalization of documents to sign with any MLB organization.
