1B José Julio Ruiz may be the next millionare from Cuba

[Cubano]

I translated the main news about these players. I thought Argüelles would hit 94 MPH, but he has fallen short. I think he may have gotten an offer but he has not signed because he wants José Iglesias type money.

 

I have the feeling the White Sox are looking at some of these guys.

 

Former White Sox El Duque will pitch in Venezuela.

 

http://cubanballplayers.blogspot.com/2009/...next-cuban.html

Edited October 26, 2009 by Cubano

[Chisoxfn]

Sox could always use a first baseman. How close to major league ready is this kid?

[Cubano]

I think he has a shot of making out of ST if he signs with the right team. He had some difficulty against left handers. I saw him hit a HR above the roof in Santiago de Cuba. He is young and he seems in a mission every time I read something about him. I wrote about him here:

 

http://cubanballplayers.blogspot.com/2009/...third-best.html

 

[southsider2k5]

I think he has a shot of making out of ST if he signs with the right team. He had some difficulty against left handers. I saw him hit a HR above the roof in Santiago de Cuba. He is young and he seems in a mission every time I read something about him. I wrote about him here:

 

http://cubanballplayers.blogspot.com/2009/...third-best.html

 

You have him rated higher than Viciedo?

[Cubano]

You have him rated higher than Viciedo?

 

 

Well, Viciedo does not count because he is no new to America. I am just rating the newest defectors without an MLB contract. I will include Jose Iglesias despite he is signed because he is kind of new.

 

 

I like Jose Julio better than Viciedo for first base. Vicedo is much younger but Jose Julio has pop too. He has a sweet swing. He is a good glove too.

Edited October 27, 2009 by Cubano

[southsider2k5]

Well, Viciedo does not count because he is no new to America. I am just rating the newest defectors without an MLB contract. I will include Jose Iglesias despite he is signed because he is kind of new.

 

 

I like Jose Julio better than Viciedo for first base. Vicedo is much younger but Jose Julio has pop too. He has a sweet swing. He is a good glove too.

 

Do you think he will be a more valuable offensive force than Viciedo, or just a better first baseman?

[Cubano]

Do you think he will be a more valuable offensive force than Viciedo, or just a better first baseman?

 

That is a tough question.

 

Viciedo debuted in the Cuban league very young. He is still young so his numbers have more merits than Jose Julio. I think the overall package (offense and defense) Jose Julio is better. Jose Julio may benefit from Kendry Morales' performance and may be more costly now. The White Sox need a left handed power hitter too. Maybe Jose Julio could be that guy if KW does not sign or trade for one. Jose Julio's number dropped lately but his mind was outside Cuba. It is tough to concentrate when your mind is somewhere else.