Leslie Anderson, a first baseman/outfielder for Cuba's national team has defected and is looking to negotiate with big league teams according to Jorge Ebro of El Nuevo Herald (as translated by Nick Collias). Jaime Torres, the agent for the 26-year-old, says there is "much interest" in his client.
Anderson can play all three outfield positions and his agent compared him to another versatile Cuban, Alexei Ramirez. Anderson hit .381 with 13 homers in Cuba last season and escaped to Mexico in September.
Is he going straight to the Minors? He’s 26. A Cuban defector…It’s the best thing since sliced bread!
Also, someone needs to take him to NY and get him a Pastrami Sandwich. It’s really American thing Leslie.
Chapman? Anderson? What happened to all the cubans with Latin names?
those with english names are from jamaican descent, chapam is cuban-jamaican.
get on the horn Mr. Williams
Would be a decent pickup for the Mets, no? Seems like the sort of guy they would be wise to take a chance on, not that I really know a lot about him.
But the Mets have the great Daniel Murphy? Or is it David? Dale?…
its Daniel. The David Murphy is either on the Dodgers or Rangers, not sure which one.
Joking..sorry that wasn’t clear.
a first baseman/centre fielder ??? hes probably acutally around 30 these defectors never really pan out
but what about superstar Yuniesky Betancourt? In all seriousness though… some do pan out. Just look at Kendry Morales and the Hernandez brothers.
Alexi aint bad.
And don’t forget Yunel Escobar.
The first thing I thought was along the same lines as coachofall: “Leslie Anderson — yeah, THAT’s a Cuban name if I ever heard one…”
The Angels should be interested with their need of a backup firstbaseman and a backup outfielder. Just based ont he RAmierez camparison, he seems like he would be a good fit.
He would be good company with Kendry Morales in Anaheim. And would fill out last rsoter spot and give us some more versatility.
Man…381 avg.. Sounds like he might be skipping minor leagues ( especially being 26 yrs old )
But in how many games was that is what I wonder.
It was in 90 games. Those are the games that cuban teams play before play offs.
Sounds like he would be a good fit for the White Sox. Cuban pipeline, can play all three outfield positions and spell Konerko at first…seems to have the versatility that Ozzie loves. Not sure what his asking price will be but if it’s reasonable enough, here’s hoping Reinsdorf loosens the purse strings for Kenny Williams to at least look into him. I think it’s pretty unanimous amongst Sox fans that this whole Vizquel/Kotsay/Jones DH committee thing is a bad idea.
I am not in love with our DH situation, I do think Andruw will have a good year, Kotsay is a good contact hitter. It may not be good but I don’t think it will be terrible. At the same time I am not sure this guy is the answer to it. The thirteen home runs does not translate to much power. The batting average is a good sign though maybe a .280 hitter, that the Sox could use.
“…escaped” to Mexico. Hmm…interesting choice of words.
What are you trying to say?
I should be clear. Does the choice of the word “escaped” indicate a fondness for Mexico or a dislike of Cuba?
Not sure I follow either.
i think its more of a dislike for Cuba, because i can’t really see a reason for an american sports journalist to have some overpowering love for mexico.
It’s niether… Mexico is an easier “landing spot” for defecting Cubans. Basically its the Miami route or Mexico (via Cancun). Either way its literally an escape because its all done under the “radar”.
If you leave by choice and you’re not allowed to leave by choice, I think it’s fair to call that an escape without being accused of editorializing.
Dear Mr. MacPhail,
Please. Like seriously… PLEASE!!!!
Love,
Jeff
the Jays are a fit if he is decently controllable.
Get her done Kenny.
Numerous sources show his birthdate as 3-30-1982, which would make him 27 going on 28. If true, he’s not a prospect.
My birthdate is 5/31/1982. It makes me 27 going on 28. I consider myself a prospect! Wait, I’m married…scratch that.
In the Sox’ barren farm system, you would be a prospect!
Yay!
This is exactly what the mets need to have any chance of salvaging this offseason. Fill the 1b hole (tatis can’t start, not consistent enough, while Murphy doesnt have sufficient power), and just pray that you can find a pitcher to step up from the minors. otherwise they are pretty screwed this year 🙁
Braves?
Damn you Leslie! Why you didn’t “escape” before Omar inked Tatis again?
Lmao. Better yet why didnt he escape before they traded for Gary Matthews Jr.
This player should have Mets written all over him. Do it Omar!
cubs should pick him up to replace d-lee when he’s gone
I dont see the Mets or Braves… they both have players they think are the 1b of the future in their system…
This guy’s numbers will not translate entirely in the majors. He can play for a yr for either team, and he would become a trading chip next yr.
I dont think anyone expects him to hit 380 with 16 bombs in the majors. However, the Mets and Braves both have their 1B of the future, as I said above, in their minors. It makes no sense, IMO, to spend millions on a kid that you will trade in a year because you have no place for him.
The only way, IMO, that he signs with the Braves or Mets is if they plan on using him in the OF long term.
If the Dodgers had more money, Id say they would make a good fit, but because McCourt has spent next to nothing on IFAs recently, I doubt it happens.
I can see him in a National League uniform.
I wouldn’t mind Wren at least inquiring on his asking price…