Cleveland Sports Forum

Let me guess, JOE: This is a guy you want the Indians to sign

Abreu and Balentine would be nice!

Actually Wladimir Balentien might not be a bad pickup. He's only 29, and he played in the majors before going to Japan. Hit a homer off Cliff Lee when we had him, and hit a 500 foot homer for the Reds.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wladimir_Balentien

I'm thinking an Alex Ramirez!

This guy is on my Christmas wish list also

The Cuban baseball season is set to commence November 3rd.

Speaking of Cuban baseball.......If he decides to defect sometime between now and the start of our next season, my wish list will expand by one. Alfredo Despaigne would be a nice addition.

So would Babe Ruth !

At last observation, the Babe was put to rest, the players mentioned above are still alive and playing very well.

Unless management is comatose, they should be in the thick of negotiations for any or all of the players mentioned above.

CARACAS. -

The Caribbean Anzoategui imported players who will play the 2013-2014 season and already have been insured are Jon Hunton, Paolo Espino and Chris Smith. It now appears that pitcher Jim Hoey and outfielder Andrew Lambo are also assured.

Practice for the 2013-2014 season is underway in Venezuela.

ATTRIBUTED THE LAW

Cuba explains reasons why they will be excluded from the Caribbean Baseball Series

If the governing body of Major League Baseball League admitted Cuba as a Member of the Caribbean Baseball Series, then they violate the Helms-Burton Act, which prohibits any U.S. company to maintain commercial ties with the island, and could be fined severely.

Havana, Aug 28 (Prensa Latina)

The insertion of Cuba in the Caribbean Series of Baseball is becoming more uncertain because it would violate the blockade imposed by the United States on the island for over 50 years, reported Granma newspaper.

According to the newspaper, citing U.S. news agency Associated Press, Major League Baseball, the main guarantor of the Caribbean Series, "is restricted to reach any agreement that integrates Cuba into the league as a member without authorization from the government of the United States. "

Joel Araujo, international talent developer MLB, confirmed that provision, says Granma.

In connection with the possible addition of Cuban into the Caribbean League Confederation, under the laws of the United States, we are prohibited from entering into any agreement to ensure the incorporation of a Cuban member without authorization from the U.S. government, said the manager.

MLB renewed their annual agreement with the Confederation of Professional Baseball Caribbean (CBPC) and the Winter League Agreement, which allows players from major league affiliates to play in leagues from Venezuela, Mexico, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

If the governing body of Major League Baseball League admitted Cuba as Member then they violate the Helms-Burton Act, which prohibits any U.S. company to maintain commercial ties with the island, and could be fined severely.

CBPC President, Dominican Juan Francisco Puello, defends the inclusion of Cuba in the tournament.

However, the entity that runs it is unable to stand without the support of MLB, so that "there is no doubt that the United States vetoes the Cuban participation in a professional event as the Caribbean Series," adds Granma.

The policies of U.S. hostility against Cuba spanning more than 50 years, and this is just "the extension to all areas of the restrictions imposed by the blockade that prevents the same Cuban players play in the big Leagues maintaining the bond and commitment to their country of origin, "said the newspaper.

The Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Treasury Department prohibits Cuban players to play in the majors, unless they renounce any kind of relationship with their country of origin, an exclusive regulation for those players.

Cuba, a founder member of the Caribbean Series in 1949, reigned in that tournament by winning seven of the 12 years in which they participated, to be abolished in 1961.

Cuban infielder Guerrero said to sign with Boras

Agent fielding offers for prospect from all 30 Major League teams

By Jesse Sanchez / MLB.com | 9/16/2013 5:45 P.M. ET

Cuban infield prospect Alexander Guerrero has signed with Scott Boras Corp., and the agency is now leading negotiations, according to an industry source.

Guerrero, who was formerly represented by Rudy Santin and Manny Paula at MVP Sports Management and Consulting Agency, was closing in on a multiyear deal worth $32 million with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Boras is now entertaining offers from all 30 teams.

The 5-foot-11, 205-pound Guerrero is a veteran of Serie Nacional, the island's top league, and he was an All-Star in 2010 and '11 with Las Tunas. He defected from Cuba earlier this year, established residency in Haiti and had been training in the Dominican Republic. Guerrero was granted free agency by Major League Baseball in July, but not until Sept. 6 did he secure an unblocking license from the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which would allow him to sign with a Major League team.

Guerrero participated in a series of showcases in July in front of scouts at the Dodgers' complex in the Dominican Republic, where Los Angeles eventually emerged as the favorite. Known for his powerful bat and speed on the bases, Guerrero felt slighted when he was left off the Cuban team roster for the 2013 World Baseball Classic, and he eventually left the island.