Didn't see this mentioned anywhere, but 22 yr old Cuban OFer Leon'ys Martin is a free agent and negotiating with teams now. Seeing how the Sox may have to replace Pierre in 2012, Leon'ys Martin sounds like a possible replacement for him. In the 08-09 season, Martin had a .498 OBP, with 78 BB's in a 90 game season. The Sox don't have anyone with that skillset [speed, OBP, lead off type hitter] close to the bigs. We all know the connection with Alexei and Dayan. Not sure what other teams would be in the bidding, that would help a young Cuabn defector like him feel comfortable.

 

http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/?p=10253

 

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/03/leon...-mlb-teams.html

isnt the (hopeful) plan to have Mitchell replace Pierre?

isnt the (hopeful) plan to have Mitchell replace Pierre?

 

Why not look at every option?

isnt the (hopeful) plan to have Mitchell replace Pierre?

If the price is right, there should be room for both. And with Mitchell's injury, that set his development back. Mitchell was raw to begin with and hasn't had any time in the minors. Best case, might be mid 2012.

Do it.

For Bill Melton's sake in announcing these ST games, we must pass.

Does he have the same agent as Alexei and Dayan?

While I'd love to add a guy like this, I don't think the outfield is a major need spot for us. Sure, we'll need to replace Pierre after this season and most likely Quentin after 2012. However, Viciedo looks like he's ready for an everyday role right now and even Milledge looks like he could be more than just a backup (although it's way too early say that with any level of certainty). By 2013, Mitchell should be ready if he's ever going to be. If not, we can easily fill a corner OF spot in free agency for a year or two while we wait for another minor leaguer to take the spot (perhaps Thompson).

 

If we have money to spend, put it towards pitching. We could really use a minor league arm that can push for a spot in our rotation in a year or two.

Does he have the same agent as Alexei and Dayan?

I believe Viciedo swapped agents to the destroyer of worlds payrolls a year or two ago.

Why not look at every option?

 

 

Agreed.

 

And we can still utilize more lefties in the lineup moving forward, as we're likely to replace AJP in two years with a righty. Mitchell is going to have a fair amount of power, which should make his lineup position more flexible.

I believe Viciedo swapped agents to the destroyer of worlds payrolls a year or two ago.

 

The point being if it is the guy who we worked with before, that might help in signing a player from Cuba.

I believe Viciedo swapped agents to the destroyer of worlds payrolls a year or two ago.

 

It should not matter if he is under our control for 6 more years after his initial 4 year contract is up, should it? Think Kalapse explained that somewhere.

It should not matter if he is under our control for 6 more years after his initial 4 year contract is up, should it? Think Kalapse explained that somewhere.

 

He is just under our control for six major league seasons of experience.

Where's Cubano when you need him, maybe he has some info on this guy. Sounds like a very interesting prospect to me.

A few things:

 

*Bart Hernandez is his agent. Not sure who he's represented.

 

*Jose Arangure considers him an elite prospect, and should get more than 4 yrs, $10 mill. that Cuban shortstop Adeinis Hechevarria signed w/ the Blue Jays last year, and the 4 yr, $8.2 mill Jose Iglesias signed with the Red Sox in '09.

 

http://twitter.com/jorgearangure/status/42680797672640513

 

I'm not sure if the Sox have the money. But this is the kind of investment they should make for the top of the order hitter they need.

 

Whenever I hear of a Cuban defector, I'm surprised that the owners never fixed this loophole (for lack of a better word) in the CBA, and forced the foreign nationals to enter through the draft. Still, I hope they get this kid, especially since the Sox gave up their Number One pick in the Dunn signing.