Blue Jays interested in Cuban pitcher Yadier Alvarez?

[ace3113]

This wouldn't make a ton of sense given our lack of interest in the other Cubans, and our bonus pool commitment to Vladdy Jr so don't kill the messenger. This kid looks like a potential ace though with one scout calling him the best 18 year old (if that's his real age) pitcher he'd ever seen.

 

http://m.mlb.com/news/article/109401778/acclaimed-cuban-free-agents-highly-sought-after

 

Yadier Alvarez, right-handed pitcher, age 18

 

A 6-foot-3, 175-pound right-handed pitcher from Matanzas, Alvarez didn't have any professional experience in Cuba's top league, but he has burst onto the international scouting scene in the last few weeks.

 

Alvarez has a fastball that touches 98 mph with plus-slider and an above-average changeup. He threw in front of 70 local scouts in the Dominican Republic earlier this month and starred in a large showcase with Olivera last week, prompting one high-ranking National League official to say Alvarez was the best 18-year-old pitcher he had ever seen.

 

International scouts also believe Alvarez has the potential to be at least a No. 2 pitcher because of his stuff and ceiling.

 

Alvarez is raw and could use some polish, particularly with his command, but he's young and has time on his side. Given his age, position and potential price tag, one international scouting director said he prefers Alvarez over Moncada. Alvarez will likely start in the lower levels in the Minor Leagues and is a few years away from making his big league debut.

 

Because he is under 23 years old and did not play in a Cuban professional league for at least five seasons, Alvarez is subject to the international signing guidelines. He is in the early stages of establishing residency, the first step in becoming eligible to sign with a Major League team.

 

Teams interested: Dodgers, D-backs, Rockies, Nationals, Blue Jays, Padres, A's, Cardinals, Twins and Brewers

Best fit: D-backs, Dodgers or Padres

Likely destination: D-backs or Nationals

 

[Angrioter]

He 's not 18 lol

I really like him, but.....

[Deadpool]

He is in the early stages of establishing residency

 

Then let's just hope the process lasts 'til July 2nd or later, shall we?

[saskjayfan]

He 's not 18 lol

I really like him, but.....

 

how old is he

[flafson]

how old is he

 

There are many countries in the world where they don't really record age of people so because of it, it's rather easy to cheat and claim to have a different age. He may be 20 for all we know but given his stuff, he would have a higher value if he claimed to be 18.

You see the same thing quite often in Soccer in Europe, where you have players who came from Africa claim to be a certain age and then by the time they are "30-35", they look like they are 50 and can't play.

[Angrioter]

how old is he

 

I saw him closely, and he looks like 20-23 years old.

[LGBJ29]

I saw him closely, and he looks like 20-23 years old.

 

Im not saying he is 18, but to say he's not because you looked at him closely isn't really great evidence. You could make the same mistake about thousands of North Americans who are 18 and have matured quicker than their peers

[Mikeleelop]

lets hope that the jays do plan on blowing up the international budget next session and nab Guerrero jr and a couple of other studs

 

As far as the Cubans go, Oliveria seems like such a good fit for Toronto at 2B, but that is wishful thinking. Also his defence may not fit at 2b with Reyes limited range at short. You can't have two poor fielders up the middle.....

 

here's to hoping

[Brenner]

Im not saying he is 18, but to say he's not because you looked at him closely isn't really great evidence. You could make the same mistake about thousands of North Americans who are 18 and have matured quicker than their peers

 

Agreed, just look at the kids for the local CHL team. Yes some are still baby faced, but at least half a dozen can buy beer without getting ID'd.

[dineke]

Im not saying he is 18, but to say he's not because you looked at him closely isn't really great evidence. You could make the same mistake about thousands of North Americans who are 18 and have matured quicker than their peers

 

I know his mother he's actually 31.