Essentially traded Zach Grainte for him (the $750K in bonus money they got from the Granite trade), I'll call that a win.

Edited June 14, 20197 yr by redstorm

Yes, great seeing the FO put those International dollars to use.  They just keep making moves.  So far, most make a lot of sense.

Is there a jaw drop emoji that demonstrates unexpected but welcome surprise?

 

"97 mph fastballs and 86 mph slider"!

 

Seems like a bargain for $750,000. How's his control? (and how soon can we get him fitted for a uniform?)

Call em up!!!

 

Essentially traded Zach Grainte for him (the $750K in bonus money they got from the Granite trade), I'll call that a win.

You're not counting the $1.75M that went to the government officials. But who cares!?

From last year's write-up:

 

"He's a big and strong reliever with four pitches, and there are some scouts who believe he has a chance to break camp next Spring Training with the big league team that signs him. The right-hander has shown a fastball that hovers in the 94-96 mph range with some sink. He also features an above average slider, split fastball and changeup, a pitch he did not throw often in Cuba. He also throws an average curve."

On a related note, it doesn't appear that the Twins are the favorites to sign any of the top 30 2019 IFAs. 

 

http://m.mlb.com/prospects/2019?list=int

 

***Check that, number 8 - Emmanuel Rodriguez

Edited June 14, 20197 yr by DutchFarmer

Wow, so the Twins nabbed the #2 and #6 ranked prospects from the 2018 IFA class, simultaneously adding a reliever before the trade deadline in Cano who only cost cash and might be able to contribute at the MLB level this season. Very impressive use of the additional IFA space that they traded for.

I'm a bit puzzled by Cano's bonus, especially considering that it seems like he's old enough not to be subject to signing restrictions. Maybe he's hurt?

 

I'm a bit puzzled by Cano's bonus, especially considering that it seems like he's old enough not to be subject to signing restrictions. Maybe he's hurt?

I was wondering about that too.

This came about under curious and quirky circumstances by all appearances. But hey, I'm sure LaVelle is all over this again.

Definitely seems like there is more to this deal than meets the eye. But, nothing ventured, nothing gained... I'm intrigued.

Yeah doesn't smell quite right.  The number 2 IFA doesn't sign right away and now is signing for under 1M.  Has to be some issues there.  I guess we have the money and have to use it so it makes sense.  I am just not sure how good this guy is though if no one was offering him that much.

The laws are changing for signing Cuban players. The longer he waited the less likely he would be able to play in the US unless he is a very good swimmer.

Edited June 14, 20197 yr by Doomtints

Was he cheap because he's already so old (25 is really old for a international signing, right?)?

 

 

Great signing.  Has not played real competitive baseball for 3 years since he left Cuba for Argentina.  So very rusty.  I'd be extremely surprised if he helped the Twins this season.  ETA 2020 or even 2021 more likely.  70 2-seamer, the rest are close to 50-55, but too many pitches, command and control were 45-50 when he was playing in games, I suspect they are a bit less now (and that's his problem).  Paring down to just 1-2 secondary stuff and working on C&C needs to happen, and that will take time.

 

You're not counting the $1.75M that went to the government officials. But who cares!?

If it doesn't count against the international signing $$, then I sure don't care.

Who was the last Cuban player the Twins have had (outside of Kendrys)?

 

Who was the last Cuban player the Twins have had (outside of Kendrys)?

I think Livan Hernandez

 

I think Livan Hernandez

 

Dammit! How could I have forgotten about him? He was Big Sexy before Big Sexy.

It's nice to see us sign this guy! Go Twins!!!

Great signing.  Has not played real competitive baseball for 3 years since he left Cuba for Argentina.  So very rusty.  I'd be extremely surprised if he helped the Twins this season.  ETA 2020 or even 2021 more likely.  70 2-seamer, the rest are close to 50-55, but too many pitches, command and control were 45-50 when he was playing in games, I suspect they are a bit less now (and that's his problem).  Paring down to just 1-2 secondary stuff and working on C&C needs to happen, and that will take time.

The article I read says he defected in 2018 and has been playing for a team in Argentina, it seems like he's bounced around a lot trying to find a home but I get the idea he's been playing