Cubano

QUOTE (KyYlE23 @ Aug 23, 2014 -> 08:26 AM) I know this question probably transcends baseball and is more into politics, but Cubano do you think Cuba will get to the point that the teams will be negotiating with MLB teams in posting system similar to Japan? At some point Cuba is going to want to start getting something for their players instead of watching them walk away and defect I forgot to mention that Castillo won't walk too much. The are trying to do that. They have sent players to Japan (Despaigne Lotte), Gourriel (Yokohama), (Cepeda Yomiuri), Yuniesky Gourriel, Yuliesky Gourriel older brother, (Quebec). They have been force to do it. Even the bat boys are leaving the teams to pursue MLB $$$$. http://canam.bbstats.pointstreak.com/playe...;seasonid=27547 How is it the MLB made a big deal about Despaigne playing in Mexico because the Embargo and Yuniesky can play in the CAM league and play in the States? I think he even played at City Field. What happened to the Embargo here? Did he clear OFAC requirement? Clearly, Cespy, Castillo, Abreu, etc had to apply for OFAC so they could be investigated and to make sure their $ would not go to a Cuban returning to the island. Yuniesky clearly will return to the island. They said they wanted to invite some exile players to the next WBC. I doubt it until I see it. I know many Americans do not like the WBC. The Cuban OF would be awesome. Puig, Cespy, Castillo, Despaigne, Castillo, Soler, Tomas, Martin (Texas). No Viciedo please. He will be team Cuba B. 1B Abreu and Kendry 2B Moncada SS Alexei, Iglesias, Hechavarria C Nieto, Pena RHP Jose Fernandez Closer Chapman. If this Cuban team takes the field, I will strongly consider attending the WBC. Listen, politics is BS.

Castillo has some pop but not for 30 HR. Maybe 15-20 will be his plateau. He will be like the Road Runner making defenders crazy with his speed. He has GREAT MAKE up like Cespy who I nicknamed the Ace Destroyer due to his hitting against opponent aces. I am amazed and thrilled for the turnaround in the Cuban market. We went from being underpaid compared to the Japanese market to being paid equally (maybe) though I think MLB will control this soon. Are Abreu, Cespy and Puig underpaid now? Next in line The Havana Mortar (Mortero de la Habana actual nickname in Cuba) Yasmany Tomas and Johan Moncada. 3B Pavel Quezada from the Cienfuegos Elephants is also in the DR. He played with Abreu, Puig and El Grillo Arruebarruena. The Elephants have been decimated by players leaving. What a team they had looking back now! I hope those fans appreciated what they had.

QUOTE (Chisoxfn @ Jul 23, 2014 -> 11:44 AM) Rusney seems like he's going to be a good pick-up for a team. Not overly hyped. Kind of has the feeling of Alexei and some of the other cubans that didn't get as much hype but might end up turning into a pretty darn good player. Some nice tools and while he won't be a star, there is nothing wrong with a guy that could be a super utility guy who might just surprise you and end up being able to start. He will get 40 or 50 M. Maybe your city rivals will go fishing.

QUOTE (IowaSoxFan @ Jul 21, 2014 -> 09:23 AM) I would prefer Yasmani Tomas as he would fit the corner outfield profile that the Sox need to fill opposite of Garcia. Ton of power. Like to see him against Cespy in the HR Derby. Tomas won the last Derby in Cuba where he put a show.

QUOTE (LDF @ Jul 22, 2014 -> 09:37 PM) their local economy would never be able to support something like that. however, I wonder if US had normal relations cuba could become the next vegas and maybe with the tourist number, it might help out, but still to fully support ...... nope. like you said maybe exhibition games and such. Puerto Rico is broke. Many Puerto Ricans are leaving the island.

QUOTE (IowaSoxFan @ Jul 23, 2014 -> 07:45 AM) From everything I read, it does not seem like Depsaigne has any interest in playing in the US. His family is supposedly very involved in the Cuban government. Despaigne is heading to Japan next I believe as part of the loosening of restrictions to allow Cuban players to play in other countries. Moacada unfortunately will end up with the Yankees as he counts against the international signing bonus limit and they will not likely have much competition. The Cuban gov. sent Cespy's mother to Venezuela. I think that when she opened her eyes and told him it is time to leave. Many children of government are leaving and even live in the USA. Contreras dedicated some of his performances to el Comandante. Therefore, I would not put much into it. The USA $ is a strong reason to change people's mind.

QUOTE (The Ultimate Champion @ Jul 19, 2014 -> 11:51 AM) Cuban rocket? Can't call him the missile, and I'm not sure Cuba has any jets, maybe the Soviets gave them some a long time ago & they've been converted to run for short (>10min) flights from recycled beach garbage. Oh, this hurts. Just kidding! When the Soviet aid stopped flowing to Cuba, the disassembled all the tanks and old MiG-17 and 21. I always thought, is this how we are going to fight the imperialist Yankees? By the time we start putting these weapons back together, we will be annihilated. I always thought I would run like the Italian army in WWII or the Iraqis. in the first Gulf War. I would have taken refuge in the countryside because I am not Hero. As for Rusney, he should be good for MLB. I really like him. Good speed and some pop. Good teammate too.

He is from my hometown team. He has been out for a while, but I guess he does not have the connections to get his paperwork as fast as Chapman and Puig. Why is that? Maybe because he is not as talented as the other two. He is still signable though.

QUOTE (HickoryHuskers @ Apr 26, 2014 -> 08:07 AM) Viciedo has 6 walks already and Alexei has 5. Whether it be Abreu, Steverson, or somebody else, there is clear change in these two. They also have been put on notice especially Viciedo. Alexei has been good for you though. IMO Viciedo has been always overrated in Cuba and here. He is probably not swinging for the fences as much as in the past. I have not seen all of his ABs. I do not have the time. I just go the the video highlights at the end of the game. I have seen lot of Abreu in April in those highlights.

QUOTE (Stan Bahnsen @ Apr 26, 2014 -> 08:10 AM) Buyable? And, good to hear from you, C. I asked here when you signed Abreu and nobody took a swing. It cost me $120-130 from MLB.com during the WBC. I would probably keep it. Last time I went to the Orioles Park, one dude told me that Bobby Abreu was good when he was with the Phillies.

QUOTE (Jose Abreu @ Apr 25, 2014 -> 11:22 PM) Abreu's having a better start than Puig did. But we don't need Abreumania, ESPN. Puig is crazy and Abreu is the total opposite. What a team they had in Cienfuegos with those two and the new Dodgers SS Erisbel Arruebarruena. The Elephants now have another young outfielder who might be MLB talent. They never went to the Cuban finals though. They kind of choke in the Playoffs though Puig was much younger.

Isn't the Serie Nacional labeled as an A ball by many in the US Media, Sabermetrics community, etc? We see examples after examples of AAA and AA players from US going to Japan and putting better numbers there. We also see many Japanese stars struggling in MLB and even AAA. Therefore, the Japanese league as a whole is not as a strong as a AAA in the US. Why a NPB or a Serie Nacional player is any different than a AAA or AA player for the ROY consideration? Isn't AAA a professional league too with better fields, baseball equipment, transportation, incentives than the Serie Nacional players? Who has the better chance to succeed?

I think Abreu's presence have energized the Missile and the Tank.

I got tickets for the O's vs WS on June 23 at Camden Yards. I will show up with my Abreu team Cuba WBC jersey. I hope Ventura does not give him that Monday off.

QUOTE (Chilihead90 @ Nov 2, 2013 -> 11:17 PM) No catch all thread, so I guess I'll ask this here... Why did Avisail Garcia just retweet this??? Any idea what this is reference to Cubano? https://twitter.com/molinagustavo10/status/...828927466815489 A reply to this comment was something about how quickly people forget the past or something. Not sure what that is all about. Avisail is from Venezuela. Bobby Abreu is from there too and he is playing winter ball. Maybe Abreu is getting booed by fans.

QUOTE (JoshPR @ Oct 31, 2013 -> 02:45 PM) These players are good, but I always wondered what the Cuban team I remember could have done in the ML. Lourdes Gourriel, Orestes Kinderlain and El Niño linares were something. They were product of the aluminum bat era and a lesser international quality competition except the USA college teams and San Juan Senators game. The new guys have played with wooden bats only and against better competition. Not saying old guys were bad...

We have a 28 year old catcher with pop and below the league batting average. Our league has been an offensive league. Catchers needs to establish rapport with pitchers and being able to go over the game plan. He does not speak English. He has a good arm. If he had come much younger, I would have said yes. After he signs, I might add another comment on him. Jake is just being nice to me. He did not write anything inappropriate.

QUOTE (KyYlE23 @ Oct 31, 2013 -> 08:45 AM) Im curious if Cuba will ever take the Japan route and try the posting fees and such in order to cash in. Keeping the guys on the island just isnt working out for them Tony Castro, the son of Fidel Castro, said to ESPN that Cubans are allowed to play in other leagues and comeback to play for Serie Nacional or team Cuba. Puig said he will play for Cuba in the next WBC or Mexico if Cuba does not allow him to play. Castro met with Cespy in Toronto and I think named him the Captain. They announced salaries increases for players, but still Cuba pays the least money among organized baseball leagues around the world. In addition, you CANNOT compete against $68 M and the guys from the north. http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=9878993

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Oct 31, 2013 -> 07:59 AM) Very interesting to see what you posted about the guys personality, as it really seemed to jive with his reactions on his press day. I only saw the conference in the White Sox site. He did not use any slang. Abreu was born in the old Sugar Mill Mal Tiempo (Bad Weather) in the town of Cruces, Cienfuegos. He is from a very small town. I am talking SMALL. I think he moved to Cienfuegos city which is the capital of Cienfuegos. Cuban speak fast often mispronouncing words. I forgot he will get hit a lot.

His grandfather used to play a guitar and he took little Abreu with him. Little Abreu used to call him Pito Pin. Everybody started to call little Abreu Pito without the Pin. I think cold will be a factor. We are not used to that kind of weather. I remember my first years, I had a tough time. Now, I am a Gringo and cold weather is a non-issue for me. His athletic ability is underrated. Despite his size, Abreu runs well for a big guy. He won’t be last in a race among big guys. His biggest problem will be good breaking balls toward the outside corner of the strike zone. He will adapt. We do not have the depth in pitching like MLB does. On top of that, many of our good guys have left. Chapman, Maya, Onelkis Garcia (Dodgers), Raicel Iglesias who just left, Raimar Navarro (FA), Yoanis Quiala (FA), Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez (Phillies), Dalier Hinojosa (Red Sox), etc. I never saw Soler play, but his speed is not as great as Puig or Cespy. He was still in the juniors and it is harder to follow these guys. Cespy’s power is surreal. That HR Derby performance was incredible. Puig was a young phenom coming up the ranks so is kind unfair to throw him in this discussion. He is the better talent of all, but the worst makeup. I am afraid he will do something crazy on one of these off-seasons. Puig and Chapman are my best bets to become HOF among all these Cubans. Hitting only: Not including Soler Puig because talent and youth Abreu because power and intelligence. He will use all fields. In fact, 55% of his connections went to either CF or RF. He has competed in many HR Derbies. Cespy is all or nothing swing so he will struggle to hit above .300. I know many Americans do not care about WBC, but I would love to see Cuba hitters vs. USA pitchers. Cuban Line-up reminds me of the first Dominican WBC line-up. 1. RF Puig 2. Jose Fernández 2B (Still in Cuba), Dodgers Guerrero or Hector Olivera. You can see him here making this play in the WBC # 2. 3. DH Cepeda (WBC hitting average leader) Cuba 4. 1B Kendrys/Abreu 5. LF Depaigne Cuba 6. CF Cespy 7. 3B Gourriel (His dad has some health issues and lives in Havana now. Yuliesky Gourriel, Lourdes Gourriel Jr and the older brother who plays CF will play for the Havana Lions after playing many years for the Santi Spíritus Rooters. Lourdes Jr reminds me of Alexei. 8. C Alarcón Cuba or Brayan Pena 9. SS Alexei Bench Viciedo Soler Rusney Castillo Cuba Yasmany Tomas big time power in WBC # 3 Urrutia Orioles Martin Texas Alexei Bell Cuba Did somebody mention fireworks night? The Cubans are enjoying their best contracts ever. A rising tide lifts all boats. These guys are coming younger and they use wooden bats unlike the 90’s guys and these are the two reasons why they are doing well. In addition, the new comers are helped by the ones who came first.

Greetings and Salutations, I have a team Cuba Abreu's jersey (79). I have worn the jersey a couple of times. I went to an AA game to see Orioles Urrutia and they showed me on TV. At a MLB ball park, one guy told me he remembered Abreu when he was playing for the Phillies. Obviously, he was referring to Bobby Abreu. I will be the most popular fan if I show up at U.S. Cellular Field. I am debating whether or not I should sell it. It is in very good condition. As for Abreu's makeup, he is very quiet guy. He is the anti-Puig. Both were teammates for the Cienfuegos Elephants. The Elephants SS was trying to leave too and he is not on this year roster. Abreu's favorite book is the Bible and he loves watching cartoons with his son. Remember, he IS NOT accustomed to play in cold weather and he needs to get accustomed to MLB pitching. I think he will hit for a higher average than Cespy. Cubano

I like to thank you for all the good comments about me. I just do not have the time to post often. This is another guy that should make it. He lost a valuable year due to poor management. http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/draft/...-in-2012-draft/

QUOTE (Cubano @ Jan 18, 2012 -> 10:07 PM) Most players earn a 4 or 5 year degree in Physical Education. Whatever the government pays this profession, that what they get. If you are a plummer, you get a plummer salary. Obviosuly, it is very low and is not enough. I am expanding on this. When I was back home, a primary doctor used to get 500 + pesos. If you were a specialists (Urology, etc), you would get about 600 +. There were other professions where people were getting 100 +. I think it is about the same now. I would say these guys got about 300-400 pesos plus any freebies (car, apartment, etc) they government gave you. You have to be a star like Yuliesky Gourriel. He has home Internet where most peolple do not even have a computer. Cuba has an Intranet for Cubans where they only see the inside network. Gourriel is probably the only one with Internet access. His dad was a great outfielder for team Cuba and has managed his son. I guess the government wants to reward them and prevent them from leaving. Going back to the worthless pesos. In my time, a George Washington was worth 200 and 00 pesos. Now, the government manipulate the exchange rate. You can see it here. http://www.bc.gov.cu/English/home.asp What is that second currency called Convertible" Cuban Peso CUC ? Another great idea from these dummies who want to limit the dollar circulation. Therefore, If I decide to make a trip back home and take my hard earned $5,000 US. The dummies want me to exchange this amount for CUC. I can keep my dollars but if I pay with that, I get a %20 penalty I believe. Enough about this nonsense. I never been back myself so I do not have to deal with the dummies.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Jan 18, 2012 -> 02:56 PM) What does the typical Cuban ballplayer get paid in Cuba? Most players earn a 4 or 5 year degree in Physical Education. Whatever the government pays this profession, that what they get. If you are a plummer, you get a plummer salary. Obviosuly, it is very low and is not enough.

Greetings and Salutations, Cespedes first bomb in Quisquella Stadium which is supposed to be a big stadium. I hope the Tank does well for you.