WILL THE YANKEES SNAG CUBAN, YOAN MONCADA?

Baseball America says the Yankees are a "favorite". I call that a "guess."  That's because it is.

The Yankees track record with Cuban players is terrible and I say that with who has been out there, who Yankee fans have gotten their hopes up about and then... nothing.

Do we need to go down the list?

Aledmys Diaz- He went to the Cardinals
Rusney Castillo- He went to the Red Sox
Daniel Carbonell- He went to the San Francisco Giants

Yoenis Cespedes- Signed with the A's

Those are just a few. In fairness, they did sign Adonis Garcia, read YANKEES SIGN CUBAN ADONIS GARCIA from May 2012.

Now, Brendan Kuty of NJ.com writes this, of another Cuban sensation, Yoan Moncada:

"...the Yankees will be the team to beat, according to a report from Baseball America’s Ben Badler.

Badler listed the eight teams most likely to fight for the 19-year-old, who brings impressive power and speed for an infielder. He’ll be attractive to just about every team, but to the Yankees for several reasons, the report said.

One, since the Yankees have already blown past their MLB-imposed spending limit for this international signing period, which ends July 2, they have nothing to lose, the report said...

Two, the Yankees’ biggest holes near the top at their farm system are at shortstop and third base — both places where they’re looking for major-league starters for 2015, as well.

And the third: Their wallets."

Now, based on that, I would love to have Moncada in New York.  But, here's the reality. If the Yankees like Yoan Moncada, I have no serious indication that it's going to happen.  That could only mean 2 things:

• The Yankees are planning a sneak attack and sign him in the dead of night... something Brian Cashman does brilliantly.

• They are interested, but aren't going to break the bank for him.

And to be honest, it's as simple as that.  You don't need to analyze Sabermetrtics or read the top Baseball publications or talk to baseball insiders on this rumor.  That's because it's a rumor with no clear cut answer... yet.

It's 50-50. Moncada could end up in pinstripes. He also may not.

Carry on...

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THE YANKEES HAVE THAT CUBAN FLAVOR

The Yankees have been attached to Cuban players for a while... the that Cuban flavor keeps coming...

You remember when the Yankees liked Daniel Carbonell, right? It was a big deal back in May. He was a big strapping outfielder and they actually scouted him in February.  Only to not go further. Read (THE YANKEES REALLY LIKE THIS CUBAN OUTFIELDER)

There was also Cuban shortstop Aledmys Diaz, and the Yankees were "hot and heavy" on him, only to not really be. It was weird, but Diaz eventually signed with the Cardinals.

They did sign Adonis Garcia back in 2012. He was a 26 year old outfielder. Read YANKEES SIGN CUBAN ADONIS GARCIA. He's currently in Scranton.

Now apparently the like this new kid, Rusney Castillo and as George King III of the New York Post says, something could be brewing:

 "The Yankees held a private workout for Rusney Castillo on Friday at the minor league complex in Tampa and are interested in talking dollars with the free agent Cuban defector... the Yankees sent four scouts, the Yankees like the 27-year-old right-handed hitter as a second baseman. Other clubs believe the 5-foot-9, 205-pound Castillo’s future is in the outfield...According to a person on the grounds in Tampa, the Yankees had several talent evaluators from the professional and international side watching Castillo, who travels with a guy who hits fungoes, another who throws batting practice and a third man who towels him off in between sessions.  Castillo is represented by Roc Nation, which is headed by Jay Z."

Now all of that is well and good, but are the Yankees really serious? And think about this? They lost Robinson Cano. They are about to lose Derek Jeter to retirement. How strange is the Yankees infield going to look in the future?  My God. I just had to think about that for a second.  Brian Roberts couldn't hack it at second this season and he was eventually gonzo.  Now they have Stephen Drew and others filling in when needed... they Yankees seem pretty determined to get something done.  Maybe Castillo is the answer for the future infield. Or maybe he becomes another outfielder they will eventually need.

We will have to see. I trust the Yankee scouts.  If they see something in this kid, let's get'er done.

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YANKS LOST OUT ON THIS CUBAN KID

Do you remember when the Yankees were looking at that Cuban outfielder Daniel Carbonell? We wrote about it here on BYB.  Read THE YANKEES REALLY LIKE THIS CUBAN OUTFIELDER.

In a nutshell, that report went out in May and it was clear then by many pundits and "insiders" that the Yankees were definitely interest in Carbonell. We wrote then:

"Brendan Kuty of The Star Ledger writes the following: "...The Yankees scouted Carbonell in a February workout, and Carbonell is expected to show off his skills at more showcases..." In other words, the Yanks will check him out and if an offer needs to be made, they will make it."

That was then, but this is now.

The San Francisco Giants appear to be the team that won out on Daniel Carbonell.  It's being reported by the Giants themselves that Carbonell is in:

"The San Francisco Giants have signed Cuban outfielder Daniel Carbonell to a major league contract, club Senior Vice President and General Manager Brian Sabean announced today."

According to Aaron Gleeman of Hardball Talk, Carbonell, "has agreed to a four-year, $3.5 million contract."

Before this deal, many Yankee fans felt as though we didn't need Carbonell.  Many complained that we were gluttonous to even want this kid knowing good and well that we had 5 outfielders already and plenty more on the farm.  Well, do we need him now, or was it smart to not push too hard to sign this guy?

You tell me.

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THE YANKEES REALLY LIKE THIS CUBAN OUTFIELDER

The Yankees have a strong interest in a Cuban outfielder named Daniel Carbonell. He's 6'3". He's 220 pounds and as Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports writes:

Carbonell is 6-foot-3, 220 pounds, 23 years old. Speedy and athletic with power and a strong arm. Represented by Culture 39.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) April 22, 2014

But there is more. Brendan Kuty of The Star Ledger writes the following: "...The Yankees scouted Carbonell in a February workout, and Carbonell is expected to show off his skills at more showcases..." In other words, the Yanks will check him out and if an offer needs to be made, they will make it.


You also can't forget that if they are truly hot and heavy for Cabonell, this is no immediate thing. We have Carlos Beltran, Ichiro Suzuki, Brett Gardner and Jacoby Ellsbury in our outfield right now. Oh and did I mention that stud Aaron Judge is down on the farm with other great young options? Carbonell will have to get in line.

It is interesting though and wanted to bring him to your attention.

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