Sox "going hard" after Cuban arm
The Guru
Contributing Writer
With the trading deadline less than a week away, the Red Sox are certain to add an arm to their thin pitching staff.
While there is much speculation around White Sox starter Jake Peavy, the cost could be too high. Chicago reportedly wants third baseman Will Middlebrooks. The Red Sox are reluctant to part with any of their high profile prospects.
However, one scenario may not cost the Sox any prospects at all.
Boston Red Sox president and CEO Larry Lucchino said Thursday on WEEI's Dennis and Callahan Show that the organization is looking “pretty hard” at Cuban pitcher Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez.
“There are a lot of clubs in baseball that have scouted him, to be sure,” Lucchino said. “He’s been on display in Baha California and now is available, after the appropriate approvals and licenses and whatever, so that the auctioning can begin.”
The Red Sox are reportedly one of five clubs that the 26-year-old right-hander is considering. According to a report from ESPN Deportes, Gonzalez is expected to make a decision this week before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.
What makes Gonzalez look so good to the Sox is the fact it won’t cost the team any of its prized prospects. Lucchino said, “The main drawback [of trading for a pitcher] for us would be giving up the prospects. That’s the hard thing. Reaching into your pocket for your wallet is much easier.”
How “easy” will it be to sign Gonzalez? According to the WEEI report, Gonzalez would cost the Sox approximately $60 million over five years. Red Sox owner John Henry said Wednesday that adding salary "won't be an issue."
The Cuban sensations agent, Jaime Torres, said Gonzalez is ready to pitch in the big leagues, "He could help a team this season, at the end of the season and possibly the playoffs...if the team makes it."
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More musings from The Guru.
Contributing Writer
While there is much speculation around White Sox starter Jake Peavy, the cost could be too high. Chicago reportedly wants third baseman Will Middlebrooks. The Red Sox are reluctant to part with any of their high profile prospects.
However, one scenario may not cost the Sox any prospects at all.
Boston Red Sox president and CEO Larry Lucchino said Thursday on WEEI's Dennis and Callahan Show that the organization is looking “pretty hard” at Cuban pitcher Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez.
“There are a lot of clubs in baseball that have scouted him, to be sure,” Lucchino said. “He’s been on display in Baha California and now is available, after the appropriate approvals and licenses and whatever, so that the auctioning can begin.”
The Red Sox are reportedly one of five clubs that the 26-year-old right-hander is considering. According to a report from ESPN Deportes, Gonzalez is expected to make a decision this week before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.
What makes Gonzalez look so good to the Sox is the fact it won’t cost the team any of its prized prospects. Lucchino said, “The main drawback [of trading for a pitcher] for us would be giving up the prospects. That’s the hard thing. Reaching into your pocket for your wallet is much easier.”
How “easy” will it be to sign Gonzalez? According to the WEEI report, Gonzalez would cost the Sox approximately $60 million over five years. Red Sox owner John Henry said Wednesday that adding salary "won't be an issue."
The Cuban sensations agent, Jaime Torres, said Gonzalez is ready to pitch in the big leagues, "He could help a team this season, at the end of the season and possibly the playoffs...if the team makes it."
Follow The Guru on Twitter @TheGuruGS
More musings from The Guru.
