Thanks to deferred payments, Max Scherzer will get $80,000 per day for the next 14 years

GUILLERMO HEREDIA

Baseball America ranked Heredia the No. 11 prospect still in Cuba.

Baseball America subscribers can read an in-depth scouting report on Heredia.

Guillermo Heredia, the center fielder on Cuba’s 2013 World Baseball Classic team known for his defense, has left the island to pursue a contract with a major league team, Baseball America has learned.

Scouts have followed Heredia for years since he was teammates with Cubs outfielder Jorge Soler on the Cuban junior national team at 18U World Championships in 2009. As a 21-year-old in the 2011-12 season, Heredia broke through by hitting .343/.439/.527 in 443 plate appearances and winning a Gold Glove award. Once Yoenis Cespedes had left the country and Red Sox outfielder Rusney Castillo was still there but suspended, Heredia emerged as the national team center fielder, with scouts evaluating him in person at the 2013 WBC.

[He only played three innings this year, had one at bat with a base hit. In the article I posted in the Winter ball Folder, apparently he was suspended for 4 years. Didn't say why. I'm guessing he was caught trying to defect.]

CIV

Guillermo Heredia is one of two favorites still playing in Cuba. The second being Alfredo Despaigne. Heredia caught my eye when a saw him in the skills competition at the all-star break three years ago. From the track in dead center, he hit the bulls eye at home plate on a line drive. He was first going from home to first, and second in going from home to home. I'm going from memory on the speed factor. I've been waiting for three years for this guy to defect. Never thought it would happen.

BIG FAVOR

Can you cut and past that scouting report from Baseball America in the Winter ball Folder if you get a chance? Be much appreciated!!!!

Rankings, Scouting Reports On Top Players Still In Cuba, Part II

August 26, 2014 by Ben Badler

Click here to log in and read full article

RIP Ernie Banks

http://wgntv.com/2015/01/23/cubs-legend ... -has-died/

CHICAGO -- The White Sox announced a significant addition to their organization Saturday morning at SoxFest without making any sort of change to their 40-man or active roster. Vince Coleman will join the team as a baserunning coach, advisor and consultant, working this season at the big league and the Minor League level, per general manager Rick Hahn. Coleman, who had 752 career stolen bases in 929 attempts, begins his new job in Spring Training.

Would have been nice to pair Geovanny Soto with Giovanny Soto.

I know everybody is longing for some ARoid news:


Yankees reject Alex Rodriguez's mea culpa meeting request after Biogenesis scandal

The disgraced superstar offered to meet face-to-face with team executives to apologize for his role in the Biogenesis scandal and clear the air before players report to Tampa next month, the Daily News has learned, but the Yankee brass declined the invitation, telling Rodriguez, 'We’ll see you in spring training.'
BY Teri Thompson , Bill Madden , Michael O'keeffe
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Published: Saturday, January 24, 2015, 5:24 PM
Updated: Sunday, January 25, 2015, 2:01 AM

The Yankees have answered Alex Rodriguez’s attempts to apologize for his season-long steroid suspension and the scorched-earth tactics he used to fight the ban with a Bronx cheer.

The disgraced superstar offered to meet face-to-face with team executives to apologize for his role in the Biogenesis scandal and clear the air before players report to Tampa next month, the Daily News has learned, but the Yankee brass declined the invitation, telling Rodriguez, “We’ll see you in spring training.”

Rodriguez, described by one source as now looking noticeably thinner and “massless” than in previous years, has also attempted to cushion his re-entry into baseball with at least two meetings with MLB that began late last summer with new commissioner Rob Manfred.

The Daily News first reported last February, following A-Rod’s admission to DEA agents that he had paid Biogenesis founder Anthony Bosch $12,000 a month for steroids and the subsequent abandonment of his lawsuits against MLB, that Rodriguez had reached out to Manfred to attempt a rapprochement. Rodriguez acknowledged then to government agents that he had purchased the drugs from Bosch after signing a proffer agreement with federal prosecutors that shielded him from prosecution for his admissions.

The first face-to-face meeting, however, occurred about six months later when Rodriguez and Manfred met in late summer last year at MLB’s Park Avenue offices. About a week after his DEA confession, which was spurred by his agreement to cooperate with the U.S. Attorneys prosecuting Bosch and other Biogenesis defendants, Rodriguez also abandoned lawsuits against MLB, then-commissioner Bud Selig and the Players Association.

Rodriguez met Manfred again on Wednesday of last week. The meetings were at MLB’s offices and were attended by Manfred and other MLB executives.

According to a source, Manfred told Rodriguez in the final meeting that he will now have to deal with the Yankees. “You’re done here,” A-Rod was told regarding their meetings, according to the source. “You’re a Yankee and you have to work things out now with them.”
The News has leard that Rob Manfred is not the only one A-Rod tried to have a sitdown apology with. The News has leard that Rob Manfred is not the only one A-Rod tried to have a sitdown apology with.

But the Yankees, according to the source, told Rodriguez that they will deal with him “like every other player” when the steroid-stained star reports to their Tampa spring training facility on Feb. 25, rather than offering him the superstar treatment they have provided him in the past. There have been reports that A-Rod plans to make a public apology to the Yankees and their fans, but it is unclear whether the team will provide a forum for a press conference.

It is unclear if Rodriguez and Manfred discussed the tactics Rodriguez and his lawyers and advisers employed against MLB, the Yankees and even some members of the media as MLB investigated his role in the Biogenesis scandal and as he fought his suspension. Perhaps the lowest point came when A-Rod stood up during one session of his arbitration hearing in November 2013, cursed at Manfred and stormed out of the hearing.

According to sources, however, that was hardly the most egregious of the tactics Rodriguez and his associates used during his suspension battle.

“There’s a lot of fence-mending to be done above and beyond his storming out of the arbitration hearing,” one MLB source said of the meetings, all initiated by Rodriguez and his most recent lawyer, the highly respected defense lawyer Jim Sharp.

Relations between Rodriguez, MLB and the Yankees became so heated in late 2013 and early 2014 that baseball executives and team officials hired extra security for protection, going so far as to have their homes and offices swept for bugging devices and employing bodyguards to accompany them, according to sources.

“He put everyone through a lot of undue grief and unnecessary expense,” said one baseball source.

White Sox reunite with Beckham on one-year deal

Outfielder Viciedo designated for assignment

By Scott Merkin / MLB.com | @scottmerkin | 1:27 PM ET + 41 COMMENTS

CHICAGO --

Gordon Beckham has returned to the White Sox … after a very brief absence.

The White Sox announced on Wednesday that they have agreed to terms on a one-year, $2 million contract with the right-handed-hitting infielder, with outfielder Dayan Viciedo designated for assignment. The 40-man roster remains at 40.

Beckham batted .226 with 27 doubles, nine home runs, 44 RBIs and 53 runs scored in 127 games last season with the White Sox and Los Angeles Angels. He was traded to the Angels on Aug. 21, where he hit .268 while appearing in 13 games at third base, six at shortstop and five at second. The 28-year-old could become a right-handed platoon with Conor Gillaspie at third base.
"Adding Gordon improves the depth and flexibility of our roster," said White Sox general manager Rick Hahn in the press release announcing the Beckham move. "We are thrilled to have him back.

"Like Emilio Bonifacio, Gordon brings the ability to play solid defense at multiple positions or play on an everyday basis should the need arise. This also gives [White Sox manager] Robin [Ventura] the ability to play matchups more effectively when setting the lineup."

Originally selected in the first round (eighth overall) of the 2008 First-Year Player Draft, Beckham is a career .245 hitter with 63 home runs, 284 RBIs and 337 runs scored over six Major League seasons. He owns the second highest (.9899 in 2012) and third highest (.9889 in '11) fielding percentages by a second baseman in White Sox history, trailing only Nellie Fox's .9901 mark in 1962.

Viciedo, 25, batted .231 with 21 home runs and 58 RBIs in 145 games with the White Sox in 2014. He is a career .254 hitter with 66 homers and 211 RBIs in 483 games over five Major League seasons (2010-14), all with the White Sox. Viciedo originally signed with the White Sox as a free agent on Dec. 12, 2008.

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Scouting report

Viciedo is an excellent power hitting prospect that has been on the international radar since winning the MVP at the World Junior Championships (U-18) as a 15 year-old in 2004. Since then, he slugged over .500 three years in a row as a teenager in the Cuban top level, Serie Nacional. Scouts raved about his hitting ability, especially his bat speed and power. He has shown he can hit for power to all fields. Viciedo has incredible bat speed so it is hard to imagine he won't succeed as a hitter, but defense is a question mark. He split time between first base and third in 2010 and transitioned to corner outfield in 2011. His range remains in question, but he does have the arm strength for third or the outfield. Viciedo possesses good athleticism for someone with his frame. He showed good hands at first, making quality scoops. Regardless, his bat should be good enough to play at first or DH. He is not a very patient hitter, but a lot of that comes from his ability to crush balls out of the strike zone. Viciedo will hit for a good average and has 30+ home run caliber power. Any walks should be seen as a bonus. Each year of his pro career Viciedo has started slow and rebounded with a strong summer. Viciedo is a Major League ready bat and gave Sox fans a taste of that in 2010 when he hit .308/.321/.519 in 106 PA.

Panda hits a half-court shot sitting down

Pablo Sandoval is an accomplished professional baseball player. He is a two-time MLB All-Star, three-time World Series champion and, this past offseason, a highly coveted free agent who ended up signing a five-year deal with the Red Sox. But that isn't enough. He wants to conquer the world of trick-shot basketball, too.

According to the Instagram caption, which Sandoval reposted from his brother and agent Michael, he hit that shot for the second time in two days.

http://m.mlb.com/cutfour/2015/01/27/107604376

White Sox acquire Almonte, release Viciedo

Young righty is the player to be named in deal that sent Beckham to Angels

By Andrew Simon / MLB.com | 2:19 PM ET + 5 COMMENTS

The White Sox acquired right-hander Yency Almonte from the Angels on Wednesday, picking up the player to be named from the trade that sent infielder Gordon Beckham to the Angels last Aug. 21. Chicago also requested waivers on outfielder Dayan Viciedo for the purpose of granting him his unconditional release.

Almonte split last season between the Arizona Rookie League and Class A Burlington, making 11 starts and posting a 5.91 ERA over 45 2/3 innings, with 15 walks and 37 strikeouts. The 20-year-old Miami native was the Angels' 17th-round pick in the 2012 First-Year Player Draft and produced a 6.44 ERA over 102 innings in his three seasons in the organization.

His acquisition completes the deal for Beckham, who played 26 games for the Angels down the stretch but then re-signed with the White Sox as a free agent on Jan. 28.

That addition led Chicago to designate Viciedo for assignment in order to open a spot on the 40-man roster. Viciedo signed with the White Sox as a free agent from Cuba in December 2008 and played 483 games for the club over five seasons. He hit .231/.281/.405 with 21 home runs and 58 RBIs in 145 games in '14.

Victor Martinez has torn meniscus
Updated: February 5, 2015, 4:06 PM ET
ESPN.com news services

Another Knee Injury For Victor Martinez


Detroit Tigers slugger Victor Martinez tore the medial meniscus in his left knee during workouts, the team announced Thursday.

Martinez Was Efficient In 2014

In 2014, Victor Martinez did something only two players in American League history had done before -- hit 30 homers while striking out fewer than 50 times.
30 HR, fewer than 50 K in season,
AL history


Dr. James Andrews is scheduled to perform surgery Tuesday to repair the injury. Detroit has not announced a timetable for Martinez's return.

General manager Dave Dombrowski said the injury hasn't altered Detroit's approach to the offseason -- not yet, at least.

"There are no changes in our plans at this time,'' Dombrowski said in an email. "We will evaluate that after his surgery.''

Martinez will make $14 million this season after signing a new four-year, $68 million contract this offseason with the Tigers.

The 36-year-old, switch-hitting designated hitter batted .335 with 32 home runs and 103 RBIs in 2014 in helping Detroit to its fourth straight AL Central title. He finished second to Los Angeles Angels phenom Mike Trout in the AL MVP voting.

This is the second time Martinez has suffered a serious offseason knee injury as a Tiger. In 2012, he tore his left ACL in offseason conditioning and missed that entire season. Besides having surgery to repair that injury, he also underwent a microfracture procedure on the same knee earlier that year.

[+] EnlargeVictor Martinez
Rick Osentoski/USA TODAY SportsVictor Martinez, the runner-up for the AL MVP, will undergo surgery to repair a torn left meniscus.

When Martinez was injured in 2012, the Tigers responded by signing Prince Fielder to a $214 million, nine-year contract that Jan. 26. This injury occurred even later in the offseason, and there aren't any major power-hitting options left on the free-agent market.

Even if this injury turns out to be less severe, it's a jolt to a team whose spot atop the division is looking increasingly precarious. Max Scherzer, the 2013 AL Cy Young Award winner, left as a free agent to sign with Washington, and slugger Miguel Cabrera is coming off right ankle surgery.

Detroit made one big trade this offseason in an attempt to add power, dealing right-hander Rick Porcello to Boston for Yoenis Cespedes. The Tigers also are hoping for another strong season from outfielder J.D. Martinez, who hit 23 homers in 123 games last year.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

....................Few teams have been as busy this offseason as the White Sox, who upgraded their outfield with the addition of Melky Cabrera and can use a platoon of Jose Abreu and Adam LaRoche at designated hitter, leaving Viciedo without a spot.

Jon Morosi of Fox Sports speculated about a possible landing spot for Viciedo after he was designated for assignment:

Nothing ever came from the Athletics in a trade, though now there is nothing standing in Billy Beane's way if he wants to make Viciedo a contract offer. It's doubtful Oakland will be the only team trying to speak with the Cuban star.

The 5 outfielders on A's 40-man roster combined for 25 HR in #MLB last year. Dayan Viciedo hit 21 by himself. He'd be a nice addition.
As Hahn said, there's going to be a team that takes a chance on Viciedo since he is only 25 years old and hit 21 home runs last season. The problem is he doesn't get on base, owning a .298 career on-base percentage, per Baseball-Reference.com.

Because Viciedo has huge power from the right side and isn't going to cost much money at this stage of the offseason, it shouldn't take long for him to find a new home. His new team will have to get creative when he plays, as it's been proven he's not a starter on a good team.

Power can carry a player a long way. Viciedo had three consecutive years with over 120 games played for the White Sox because of the potential in his bat. That potential never materialized, but youth and the hope to strike gold are going to keep him on an MLB roster for at least one more year.

[I've got a feeling that Viciedo is due for a big year. I think that his release should provide some added incentive. If there ever was a "low risk, high reward on the cheap" this one is right up the Indians alley. Got to say I have The same feeling for Viciedo that I had for Nelson Cruz last year. I would like to see the Indians make a serious offer for him.]

Might be gas..... Take some Beano !

Inbox: Will White Sox miss having Viciedo on team?

Beat reporter Scott Merkin answers fans' questions

By Scott Merkin / MLB.com | @scottmerkin | 42 minutes ago

CHICAGO --

White Sox pitchers and catchers report to Camelback Ranch exactly two weeks from today. I'll be there a few days prior to begin full coverage for MLB.com, although I'm flying to Arizona, unlike Paul Konerko's clubhouse locker, which is traveling by truck. That's a great gesture from the White Sox to their retired captain.

Between Moises Sierra and Dayan Viciedo, the White Sox have lost two of the best outfield arms in baseball. How do you think this will affect them? Do they have anyone with similar talent on the roster?

-- Stan, Elmhurst, Ill.

As general manager Rick Hahn said when the White Sox designated Viciedo for assignment, it would not surprise the team if Viciedo went on to have a successful career elsewhere. There just wasn't a fit for Viciedo, with or without his power bat and strong arm. The chances dwindled when Adam LaRoche joined the team and all but evaporated when Melky Cabrera and Emilio Bonifacio came aboard. One thing that was pointed out to me by a couple of well-respected veterans on the White Sox is that Viciedo didn't come to the Majors with as much previous experience as fellow Cuban players Alexei Ramirez or Jose Abreu. Granted, Viciedo had three full years in the Minors and has compiled 1,798 career big league plate appearances, but success still could be there for him at just 25 years old. The White Sox have an extremely balanced roster entering Spring Training, even without these strong arms.

[ I gotta pimp this guy. We got absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain ]

MLB: Eliminate licensing requirement for Cuban players

POSTED BY AP ON MAR, 02/03/2015 - 8:08 PM

Cuban players will no longer have official permission to ask the US government to sign contracts with teams from Major League Baseball (MLB).

From now on, Cubans only have to sign a declaration confirming that they have taken up permanent residence outside of the island.

The change would facilitate negotiations by Yoan Moncada, a promising infielder 19 years. Moncada went to Cuba last year, but with permission from the authorities.

In a memorandum sent on Tuesday 30 teams, MLB executive vice president Dan Halem said the new rules due to amendments to the Rules of Cuban Assets Control (CACR), announced last month by the Office of Foreign Assets Control Abroad (OFAC, for its acronym in English), attached to the Treasury Department. The changes were following the announcement made by President Barack Obama on the restoration of relations between the US and Cuba.

Halem said the clubs that the new legislation provides that "all Cuban prospect must submit an affidavit".

MLB clubs provided a copy of the so-called "declaration of permanent residence outside of Cuba".

The Spanish text reads: "I hereby declare that I have taken up permanent residence outside of Cuba addition, hereby declare that I do not intend to return to Cuba, nor allow me to return I hereby declare that I am not prohibited official.. Government of Cuba ... and I am not a member of the banned Communist Party of Cuba ".

Previously, Cuban players who defected from Cuba had to obtain the license from OFAC before signing with Major League team. Also lay in a third country to negotiate as free agents and not subject to the draft.

Aroldis Chapman, Yoenis Céspedes, Yasiel Puig and José Abreu highlighted in a recent wave of Cuban players who fled the island and, after signing lucrative contracts, have shone in the majors.

Moncada is designated as the next great Cuban star, and policy change allows you to negotiate a free transfer.

It is conjectured that the acquisition could exceed $ 80 million, by including the amount to be disbursed at the time of signing and the extra money the team that hires must pay for exceeding the limit for the signings of international players fans.

Cubans over 23 years and disputed two seasons in the National Series in Cuba are not subject to the requirements of international signings. But Moncada not fit into that category because of their age and lack of experience in the local tournament.

It prohibitive investment, it is believed that the main candidates acquire you are teams with large payroll expenses, such as Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees.

Moncada: Ready to sign

The Cuban prospect quoted Yoan Moncada longer authorized to negotiate and sign with any major league club.

The infielder is available as a free agent after MLB meet with the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Department of the Treasury (OFAC, for its acronym in English).

Moncada, who stands six feet tall and weighs 210 pounds, debuted Cienfuegos Cuba National Series at age 17 and batted .277 in part of two seasons. He became known to dominate the U16 and U18 leagues in Cuba.

Moncada has made private showings for the Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers, Padres, Giants, Rangers, Rays, Tigers and Brewers, according to several sources.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have acquired AAA utility INF/OF Edward Salcedo from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for High-A RHP Bryton Trepagnier.


Salcedo (23) played his first full year in AAA last season posting a .212/.294/.357 slash line and a .651 OPS with 10 home runs, 21 doubles and 44 RBI in 110 games (413 PA) for Gwinnett of the International League.

Salcedo was signed out of the Dominican Republic by the Braves in 2010 and has a .230/.297/.395 minor league career average with 57 home runs, 114 doubles, 17 triples and 269 RBI in 615 games played (2447 PA).

Trepagnier (23) was a Florida State league All-Star in 2014 for High-A Bradenton and posted a 4-1 record in 38 appearances with a 2.53 ERA, 40 strikeouts and 33 walks in 53 1/3 innings.

Trepagnier was drafted by the Pirates in the 41st round of the 2010 draft and posts a 15-12 minor league record in 123 games (4 starts) with a career 4.19 ERA, 161 strikeouts and 101 walks in 204 innings.

The trade doesn’t effect the Pirates 40-man roster.