Cuban defector could land in Boston

The Guru
Contributing Writer

The El Nuevo Herald of Miami has reported that slugging first baseman Jose Dariel Abreu has defected from Cuba. The 6-foot-3, 240 pound, right-handed Abreu was called "the best hitter in the world" by Grantland.com.

That is no exaggeration. In 2011, Abreu hit .453 with 33 home runs, 93 RBI and 79 runs scored in just 212 at-bats.


Here's some evidence of Abreu's power from this years World Baseball Classic.



Wouldn't that look nice in the Red Sox lineup?

The first base situation in Boston will be unsettled once this season ends. The Sox signed free agent Mike Napoli in the offseason for three years, but the contract was reduced to one year when a hip condition was discovered. He'll be free to test the market again. Also, there are no hot first base prospects currently marinating in the Sox system. Abreu might be the solution. General manager Ben Cherington surely has his eye turned towards Haiti, the Dominican Republic, or wherever Abreu is at the moment. Abreu could be Boston's first base answer for years to come.

The Sox have shown their willingness this year to get into a bidding war for Cuban talent. However, Boston lost out to Philadelphia in their pursuit of pitcher Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez. Gonzalez signed for six-years, $48 million. Abreu will likely cost a little more. Six-years, $50 million might get it done though and it won't cost any prospects.

It's expected Abreu will get an agent this week and it won't be long until teams can start bidding on a player projected to be already better than two other Cuban stars, Yoenis Cespedes and Yasiel Puig.

You can bet the Red Sox will be players in this one. Viva la Abreu!


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