Yasmany Tomas was above Cuban baseball level. He never shone entirely in the National Series, but you just had to look at him hitting or playing in the outfield or in third base for Industriales to realize that his skills-I’m not just talking about his physical-perfectly belong to those of an MLB player.
And although due to a temporary matter I cannot yet say that the player from Havana is a MLB member-we all know that in the coming weeks he will, his skills, he is a five tools player, have led him to be ready to break into the majors. When it was announced his first showcase at the San Francisco Giants Academy, in the Dominican Republic last Sunday, more than 200 MLB scouts moved to the remote community of Boca Chica to see Tomas in action.
The scouts were satisfied. They were forewarned. They knew their jump to Santo Domingo would not be in vain, that they would see a player who dazzled during the 2nd World Baseball Classic, that his appearance is that of a big leaguer but he is only 23, that he amazes when hitting but he is even more intimidating when using his strong and precise right arm from the outfield.
Without exaggeration, each scout could appreciate Tomas´ all skills. There was even one who could not hide his amazement, like the New York Yankees scout Victor Mata, who once the showcase was completed stated, “He’s a beast.”
Beyond the approval of those seasoned men who gathered to watch the Cuban, there is a widespread consensus about Yasmany Tomas that he will break the peak that has been paid in MLB for a Cuban player and the alarming $ 72, 5 million put on the table by the Boston Red Sox for Rusney Castillo will be history.
We may infer that the amount to be paid for Tomas will undoubtedly be higher than that paid by Castillo. It is thought that it will even break the barrier of $ 100 million for those born in Cuba. Something that might help will be the struggle that already began between MLB organizations for signing Tomas, which will eventually add some extra digits to the operation, in addition to the contribution provided by the performances of José Dariel Abreu and Yasiel Puig for the good of other Cubans seeking to win the stamp of the Majors on his sleeve.
Hector Olivera in search of MLB
It has already been reported that the stellar second baseman Héctor Olivera has left Cuba to begin a career as a professional player. Olivera, 29, has played several times with Cuban national team and is one of the best hitters in national series, but unfortunately his performance has been castrated in recent seasons by an injury to his right arm .
According to some media releases, Olivera left Cuba by sea to a destination in the Caribbean yet to specify. The player shared in the national team with much of the generation of Cubans currently shinning in the majors.
In 8 national series he had an average of .322 with 81 homers and 414 RBIs. He was Beijing 2008 Olympic champion and participated in the Second World Baseball Classic.
Both, Tomás and Castillo, are overrated. They are talented players, and yes, either Tomás or Castillo were above Cuban league media. But wheter they will be stars in the majors or not, only time will tell. It seems to me that Castillo is a more complete athlete, because of his clutch, his power, speed on bases and strong arm as well as his ability to play more than one defensive position. Tomás is also capable of playing in the entire outfield and the third base but, mention apart to his strong arm, he is no great outfielder. He is not a slow player despite his big body but he is not a fast player either. We are talking about a talented slugger but he has to work a lot, he is no Kendrys or Puig, looks more like Viciedo (enhanced). My very best wishes for both of them. MLB contracts depend on several factors, but players like Alexei Ramírez (currently) and El Duque Hernández (in the past) have proved to be much more worthy than their figures on the contracts meanwhile some others have a reputation to earn and have made lots of money. If Olivera is healthy, that is real talent. Eventually will see.