Cubs Bring In Cuban Talent

The Chicago Cubs signed two former Cuban prospects today, according to a report from MLB Trade Rumors. Outfielder Ruby Silva signed for $1.2 million, and catcher Yaniel Cabeza signed for $500K.

Here is the summary of the two from the MLBTR Report:

"Silva, 21, is a versatile left-handed hitter who played center field for the champion Havana Vaqueros in the 48th Cuban National series.  He can play all three outfield positions and perhaps even the middle infield.  He’s a good athlete who draws praise as a plus runner with a plus arm.  He could begin his pro career in low A ball with the Peoria Chiefs.Cabeza is a catch-and-throw backstop who reminds some of a young Yadier Molina, though his bat has improved in the last year. MLB Trade Rumors"

There really is not much about either of the two players on the web, so we would just have to go off of what the report had to say.  From the sounds  of it, it would seem that Silva is more of a top of the order hitter with his being credited as a good runner.  Obviously, the thing that sticks out to me for Yaniel Cabeza is his comparison to Yadier Molina. I know it is too early to tell if those comparisons are warranted because of the lack of information on him, but hopefully he lives up to them.

I have always been a fan of adding players from the Cuban market. Because for the most part, every player that comes to the Major Leagues from Cuba has found some type of success and is an exceptional talent. Case in point are the Chicago White Sox, who have had recent success with Alexei Ramirez, and Dayan Viciedo.