Up until a few weeks ago, like everyone else in the world besides those virgins at Baseball America, I had never heard of Cuban outfielder Rusney Castillo. That all changed quickly as the Red Sox' season simultaneously went nowhere while they also got into serious contract discussions with him (along with a host of other teams). That culminated with the great news today that they had signed him to a seven-year deal worth $72.5 million-the most ever for a free agent amateur.
I'll save the scouting report since I know as little about him as you do. Check out YouTube for the bizarre highlights from Cuba. Castillo is said to be 27 but as we know with any guys from Cuba, Domincan Republic, etc., that means nothing. He could be a complete failure but this moves makes me happy for two main reasons: 1) it shows the Red Sox realized how pitiful their outfield options are in terms of prospects and guys in Boston; 2) they are committed to turning things around in 2015 after this steaming pile of elephant shit disguised as a season.
More than anything, Cuban players are really in vogue at the moment in MLB. White Sox rookie Jose Abreu-soon to be AL Rookie of the Year, Dodgers star Yasiel Puig, lights out Reds closer Aroldis Chapman and new Red Sox outfielder Yoenis Cespedes to name a few. Haha ever heard of any of them? While their fundamentals can be questionable at best, who cares since they are light years ahead of most players in terms of raw talent. Plus they play an exciting brand of baseball which the game desperately needs these days.
Boston could be gathering all these assets to make a serious run at Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton this winter. Miami is obviously filled with Cubans so Cespedes and Castillo surely would be fan favorites there from day one. Something to keep in mind before you buy that Cespedes or Castillo jersey.
Tweet
Follow @RichSlate
No comments:
Post a Comment