Adeiny Hechavarria, a Cuban shortstop prospect, had been stopped by the Federal Government from signing with any MLB teams, but now they have lifted the blockage and he has hit the open market.
His agent says that a few big-time teams are interested, but since we have already seen the Reds get Aroldis Chapman I think they should go for it and try to sign this kid. Now, I’m not saying this just because my wife is a lifelong Reds fan–although it does make the house happier–but I think it would be cool for Cincinnati to continue this “renaissance” of Cuban talent and totally revamp their franchise based on their win in getting Chapman.
The only problem with signing Latin players is their age, but if you don’t mind looking the other way when this Hechavarria kid tells you he’s 20 then you’re all good.
There’s also a right-handed pitcher from Cuba named Reinier Roibal who has been unblocked by the Government and I’m sure that the exact same teams will be interested in this Roibal kid too. I’m not sure what this influx of Cuban talent means, but I HOPE that it means we can get some fresh prospects in the system for the not-so-distant-future.
I know some guys spend years and years in the Minors waiting for their chance, but we do want to see people sooner rather than later. If we can get all these prospects in the league soon then perhaps we’ll see a renaissance–not just in the Reds–but in the whole league.
Personally, I don’t care if all the talent comes from Cuba, Detroit, or East-Picking-Your-Nose, Kansas…as long as it makes the game better and forces the league to work out the product in a way that makes it more watchable.
Just imagine. If the league gets smart they find a way to get the games shorter so they can get more on TV. Can we say smart? Perhaps the Cuban “renaissance” can start a “Major League Renaissance” too.
