Baseball America (in the form of Ben Badler) is in the process of recapping all of the under-23 International Free Agency signings to date. Today he takes a look at the Cubs and the rest of the NL Central, covering everyone who received a signing bonus of at least $100k. The article looks to be ungated, though it can be difficult to tell …
Raicel Iglesias Stats, Video, and a Comparison with Armando Rivero
Raicel Iglesias is a right-handed Cuban pitcher who defected in October of last year. His first attempt failed, after which he hid out until running out of food and water. Iglesias is sometimes known as Raisel (which I actually believe is correct), and commonly misspelled as Raciel. He pitched for Isla de la Juventud in Cuba’s National Series for three seasons, will …
The first annual OV MLB Team Auction
At the Obstructed View headquarters last night in Damascus (office space is pretty cheap right now), GW, Myles, Berselius, Aisle424 and myself got together to take part in an auction. The auction was Myles's and GW's idea so we have to them thank for it. We each had $126 and went through all 30 teams in auction format. We had …
Kris Bryant: Good at Baseball
There was very little about today's Cubs game versus the Angels that was worth talking about, but there was a seedling of hope burrowed in the manure of this game. After the "starters" were mostly pulled in the 5th inning or so, we got to see Albert Almora, Jorge Soler, Arismendy Alcantara, Javier Baez, and Kris Bryant all on the field …
Dayron Varona Stats
Today's daily defector is Dayron Varona. Varona is a centerfielder from Camaguey. His departure from Cuba was originally reported in November, but that appears to have been inaccurate. Dayron did indeed attempt defection in mid-November, but failed and was suspended. Regardless, he left the country sometime between then and January, and is currently training in Miami. I can't find an accurate …
More Jeff Samardzija trade rumors
I thought the Jeff Samardzija trade rumors were put to sleep for at least a few months, but Gordo is back with more of them. Last we knew was that he had two years left on his contract, the two sides remained at a standstill with regards to a contract extension and that he probably wouldn't be traded before the …
Rusney Castillo Stats, Scouting Report, and Video
Rusney Castillo is a centerfielder who defected from Cuba last December. He was suspended from international travel and National Series play in August, meaning that this was at least his second attempt at defection. Castillo is 5’9″, 185 pounds, and his game is more speed than power. The Dodgers and Orioles seem to be interested, though he has yet to …
Erisbel Arruebarruena Stats; Aledmys Diaz and Alexander Guerrero Comps
Cuban shortstop Erisbel Arruebarruena has reportedly agreed to terms with the Dodgers for five years and $25 million. Arruebarruena, who is in desperate need of a nickname (Babar? Belarus?), was reported to have defected in November, but may have escaped in late October. He has yet to be approved by the government. This could be an issue, as he established residency in Haiti, …
Yankees, Blue Jays Interested in Cuban Defector Daniel Carbonell
Last October, center fielder Daniel Carbonell Arredondo and infielder Orlando Perez Darias defected from Cuba. As far as I can tell, their defection has yet to be reported in the American press. Carbonell played for Camaguey in the Cuban National Series from the 2009-10 season through ’12-13. He was suspended last August prior to his successful defection. Carbonell is currently residing in …
30 Teams, 30 Haikus
AL Central Detroit Tigers Miguel Cabrera Is extremely good at first but not MVP. Kansas City Royals Aoki fan here Can't help thinking Wil Myers Is a lot better. Cleveland Indians If they retained Choo Last year could have been better. Swisher not as good. Chicago White Sox I think Abreu Could garner MVP votes But this team is bad. …