|
Post by psuhistory on Jan 28, 2015 22:14:12 GMT -5
That's one unblocked Cuban...
|
|
|
Post by psuhistory on Jan 28, 2015 22:33:56 GMT -5
The only holdup in the process is that MLB has its own policy that prevents Cuban players from signing until they obtain a “specific license” from OFAC. The specific license is a written document that players apply for after obtaining their residency, and in some cases has added six months to the timetable for Cuban players to sign. On Sunday, MLB issued this statement to Baseball America when asked why the league requires the specific license instead of the general license: “MLB is confident with the current plan we have in place regarding signing foreign born players and will abide by the guidelines of the OFAC requirements.” But after our report, MLB issued new statements, with an MLB official telling Yahoo Sports, “If OFAC confirms that the process for unblocking Cuban players is no longer to apply for a specific license,” the official said, “MLB will conform to the law.” There are multiple problems with that. For one, the general license is not new. Yasiel Puig signed with the Dodgers in 2012 using the general license. In fact, it’s possible that his case was the impetus for MLB to require the specific license, although MLB has not said that. It seems like the MLB requirement of the "specific license" may reflect some case-by-case uncertainty about the documents related to "permanent residency" status outside of Cuba. Presumably, the league just wants assurances from all government agencies that it's not going to be in trouble if the player's "permanent residency" turns out to be a fraud... Good article...
|
|
|
Post by psuhistory on Jan 29, 2015 8:37:29 GMT -5
It's also interesting that after decades of embodying the interests of ownership, MLB at this point doesn't even want to appear to be impeding the earning power of a group of players. These players are not members of the Union, and it's questionable whether the Union would take up this issue on their behalf. To the extent that MLB is concerned about the legal standing of documents related to residency, it's also not clear that the Cuban players have any particularly strong legal case against MLB...
Given that nothing is likely to force MLB to change its policy, it's encouraging that these announcements suggest a willingness to streamline the league's process in the interests of the Cuban players...
|
|
|
Post by kinsm on Jan 29, 2015 8:52:36 GMT -5
It's also interesting that after decades of embodying the interests of ownership, MLB at this point doesn't even want to appear to be impeding the earning power of a group of players. These players are not members of the Union, and it's questionable whether the Union would take up this issue on their behalf. To the extent that MLB is concerned about the legal standing of documents related to residency, it's also not clear that the Cuban players have any particularly strong legal case against MLB... Given that nothing is likely to force MLB to change its policy, it's encouraging that these announcements suggest a willingness to streamline the league's process in the interests of the Cuban players... Commissioner's office is still looking out for owners, they don't want them paying guys who may be lying about their age. These big signings will only do more to bring about an international draft (with Cuba likely added if the two nations are ever on "friendly" terms).
|
|
|
Post by psuhistory on Jan 29, 2015 9:09:53 GMT -5
It's also interesting that after decades of embodying the interests of ownership, MLB at this point doesn't even want to appear to be impeding the earning power of a group of players. These players are not members of the Union, and it's questionable whether the Union would take up this issue on their behalf. To the extent that MLB is concerned about the legal standing of documents related to residency, it's also not clear that the Cuban players have any particularly strong legal case against MLB... Given that nothing is likely to force MLB to change its policy, it's encouraging that these announcements suggest a willingness to streamline the league's process in the interests of the Cuban players... Commissioner's office is still looking out for owners, they don't want them paying guys who may be lying about their age. In this case, I think the league is more worried about its liability if the residency status is fraudulent, especially in cases of Haitian residency. This could lead to fines under the terms of the embargo as well as declarations of player ineligibility, it's a fair concern. But documenting age is also an ongoing project...
|
|
|
Post by kinsm on Jan 31, 2015 5:14:46 GMT -5
www.baseballamerica.com/international/ofac-sends-letters-cuban-players/OFAC Sends Letters To Cuban PlayersJanuary 30, 2015 by Ben Badler Several Cuban players who requested a “specific license” from the Office of Foreign Assets Control received an e-mail tonight from OFAC explaining that the United States government already considers them to be unblocked. In the letter, OFAC writes that Section 515.505(a)(2) of the Cuban Assets Control Regulations “unblocks any individual national of Cuba who has taken up permanent residence outside of Cuba, provided certain required documentation is obtained and the individual is not a prohibited Cuban Government official or prohibited member of the Cuban Communist Party.” Major League Baseball’s policy has been for Cuban players to apply for the specific license, which is a written document that has taken some players up to six months to receive. However, under the “general license,” which is not a written document and is not something players need to apply for, those players are automatically considered unblocked. While the general license has existed for years, MLB’s policy requiring the specific license surpassed what OFAC required to consider a Cuban player unblocked. Now, however, it appears from the letter that OFAC is no longer going to process specific license applications for Cuban baseball players, as it had done in the past. Kiley McDaniel of FanGraphs first reported the news of the OFAC letter earlier tonight. If OFAC is no longer giving specific licenses to Cuban baseball players who meet the general license, MLB will likely be forced to change its policy. If the commissioner’s office does change its policy, that means Yoan Moncada should become free to sign with a team. Moncada is a permanent resident of Guatemala and has already been declared a free agent by MLB, though the league has informed teams not to enter into any agreement with him to sign. Other Cuban players should be in a similar situation, including second basemen Andy Ibanez, who is also a free agent. Cuban second baseman Hector Olivera has not been declared a free agent yet, though presumably that would happen soon since he has already obtained his foreign residence.
|
|
|
Post by psuhistory on Feb 2, 2015 21:34:28 GMT -5
Well-Reinforced Cuban Team Loses Caribbean Series Opener by Jorge L. Ortiz, USA Today, 2/2/2015
SAN JUAN, P.R. – The prestige of Cuban baseball, earned through decades of dominating international amateur tournaments, has received a boost from the stellar major league performances of defectors such as Jose Abreu, Aroldis Chapman, Yasiel Puig and Yoenis Cespedes.
However, those defections and many others have diminished the quality of play in the island's top league and taken some of the luster off the national team.
A disappointing performance in the 2013 World Baseball Classic, where Cuba failed to make it out of the first round, and last year's embarrassing 1-3 record in a long-awaited return to the Caribbean Series have further brought the Cubans' reputation into question.
Chagrined by seeing league champion Villa Clara bounced out early in last year's Caribbean Series – a tournament pitting the winners of winter leagues in the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Puerto Rico and Mexico – Cuban officials redoubled their efforts to bolster the team.
The club representing the Communist country at this year's competition resembles the national squad that swept through the Central American and Caribbean Games last November, with longtime stars Yulieski Gourriel, Frederich Cepeda and Alfredo Despaigne among the 16 "reinforcements" – twice as many as last year – that have fortified Serie Nacional reigning champ Pinar del Rio.
The improvement was not evident right away, as Cuba took a 2-1 loss Monday in the tournament opener against Mexico, the two-time defending champion.
Anthony Vasquez, a 28-year-old left-hander who spent most of last season with Class AA Bowie (Md.) in the Baltimore Orioles organization, combined with three relievers to limit the Cubans to six singles. Gourriel, Cepeda and Despaigne went a combined 1-for-10.
"Baseball is unpredictable," manager Alfonso Urquiola said. "When you look at our roster, we're an offensive team. But things don't always go the way you want them to. Obviously we expect more from our team."
So do the folks back home, where the decision to field a team that resembles Pinar del Rio in uniform only – a mere three of its players started Monday – has generated considerable debate. By comparison, the Venezuelan representative – Caribes de Anzoategui – has just three reinforcements, or players borrowed from another team to strengthen the league winner.
Baseball success on the international stage is a major source of pride in Cuba, where fans follow the exploits of defectors in the big leagues even when the government brands them as traitors. Their achievements – five natives of Cuba played in last July's All-Star Game – has emboldened more of their former teammates and opponents to leave the island in pursuit of riches and a new life.
Nonetheless, a scout for a major league team who has long followed Cuban baseball believes there is still plenty of talent left. He points to Gourriel as a player who would make an impact in the majors right now, and accomplished hitters like Cepeda and Despaigne as possible big-league DHs. Gourriel's brother, infielder Lourdes Gourriel, is among a group of youngsters who would be high-level major-league prospects, among them pitchers Hector Mendoza and Norge Luis Ruiz.
But this is not the Central American Games.
"Here they're playing against some guys who have been in the major leagues," said the scout, who spoke on condition of anonymity for competitive reasons. "It's not that easy. But the talent is there."
The Cubans pride themselves on playing fundamental baseball, and yet a lapse in judgment helped turn Monday's game in favor of Mexico's entry, the Tomateros de Culiacan, which only managed three hits.
Cuba led 1-0 in the sixth when, with one out and a runner on second, starting pitcher Freddy Asiel Alvarez fielded a grounder and threw late to third rather than taking the sure out at first. Joey Meneses drove in the tying run on a fielder's choice, and Mexico scratched out the go-ahead score on pinch-hitter Walter Ibarra's single in the seventh.
The loss put Cuba in the position of having to recover the next two days when facing the Dominican Republic, a traditional power, and host country Puerto Rico.
Then again, Mexico manager Benji Gil pointed out that Cuba was not the only country with a stacked team.
"All the teams that are here are the champions of our respective leagues, so we're all loaded," Gil said. "They have players who are stars at the international level. We have stars who are fighting to get to the major leagues, and some who are already there. Nobody's here on vacation. We're all here trying to win the tournament."
|
|
|
Post by psuhistory on Feb 3, 2015 8:55:29 GMT -5
Venezuela, Mexico Win First Games Associated Press, 2/3/2015
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- San Diego Padres utilityman Alexi Amarista hit a two-run triple to lead Venezuela to a 5-2 victory over host Puerto Rico and Mexico beat Cuba 2-1 on Monday in the opening games of the Caribbean Series.
Cincinnati Reds prospect Daryl Thompson gave up a run in six innings and struck out five for the Venezuelan team, Los Caribes de Anzoategui.
Cleveland Indians minor leaguer Giovanni Soto got the loss for the Puerto Rican team, Los Cangrejeros de Santurce.
San Francisco Giants infielder Ehire Adrianza had an RBI single for Venezuela a batter before Amarista got his hit off Soto in the third inning.
Earlier Monday, Los Angeles Dodgers minor leaguer Walter Ibarra hit a tiebreaking single in the seventh inning for Mexico's Los Tomateros de Culiacan in a win over the Cuban national champion Vegueros de Pinar del Rio.
Cuban starter Freddy Asiel Alvarez allowed only two hits in the first five innings but Mexico scored in the sixth and seventh for the win.
On Tuesday, Cuba plays the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico faces Mexico in the night game.
|
|
|
Post by redsfanman on Feb 3, 2015 9:05:31 GMT -5
Venezuela, Mexico Win First GamesAssociated Press, 2/3/2015 SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- San Diego Padres utilityman Alexi Amarista hit a two-run triple to lead Venezuela to a 5-2 victory over host Puerto Rico and Mexico beat Cuba 2-1 on Monday in the opening games of the Caribbean Series. Cincinnati Reds prospect Daryl Thompson gave up a run in six innings and struck out five for the Venezuelan team, Los Caribes de Anzoategui.
Cleveland Indians minor leaguer Giovanni Soto got the loss for the Puerto Rican team, Los Cangrejeros de Santurce. San Francisco Giants infielder Ehire Adrianza had an RBI single for Venezuela a batter before Amarista got his hit off Soto in the third inning. Earlier Monday, Los Angeles Dodgers minor leaguer Walter Ibarra hit a tiebreaking single in the seventh inning for Mexico's Los Tomateros de Culiacan in a win over the Cuban national champion Vegueros de Pinar del Rio. Cuban starter Freddy Asiel Alvarez allowed only two hits in the first five innings but Mexico scored in the sixth and seventh for the win. On Tuesday, Cuba plays the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico faces Mexico in the night game. Uhhhh, not to be negative or anything, but random trivia note - as far as I can tell Daryl Thompson left the Reds organization after 2011. He's pitched in the Twins and Mets organizations since then.
|
|
|
Post by psuhistory on Feb 3, 2015 10:23:15 GMT -5
Cincinnati Reds prospect Daryl Thompson gave up a run in six innings and struck out five for the Venezuelan team, Los Caribes de Anzoategui. Not to be negative or anything, but random trivia note - as far as I can tell Daryl Thompson left the Reds organization after 2011. He's pitched in the Twins and Mets organizations since then. Why would this be negative? Good eye, I figured I missed something in the transactions...
|
|
|
Post by redsfanman on Feb 3, 2015 11:43:33 GMT -5
Not to be negative or anything, but random trivia note - as far as I can tell Daryl Thompson left the Reds organization after 2011. He's pitched in the Twins and Mets organizations since then. Why would this be negative? Good eye, I figured I missed something in the transactions... Just a minor note that the article's author got wrong, which I didn't want perceived as criticism of the person who shared it. I looked up Thompson because my first impression was that it was referring to the Reds' 20 year old shortstop prospect Thompson... and I didn't understand why a shortstop prospect was pitching in Venezuela. Then I determined that Daryl and Cory Thompson are different people. Learn something new every day!
|
|
|
Post by Lark11 on Feb 3, 2015 12:41:54 GMT -5
Why would this be negative? Good eye, I figured I missed something in the transactions... Just a minor note that the article's author got wrong, which I didn't want perceived as criticism of the person who shared it. I looked up Thompson because my first impression was that it was referring to the Reds' 20 year old shortstop prospect Thompson... and I didn't understand why a shortstop prospect was pitching in Venezuela. Then I determined that Daryl and Cory Thompson are different people. Learn something new every day! He had a bit of success in the Reds system, but was a max effort pitcher with fairly ugly mechanics. As mentioned above, he moved on quite a while ago.
|
|
|
Post by kinsm on Feb 3, 2015 19:51:41 GMT -5
MLB Changes Cuban Policy, Yoan Moncada Free To SignFebruary 3, 2015 by Ben Badler Major League Baseball has changed course and is now allowing teams to sign Cuban players under the “general license” from the Office of Foreign Assets Control, paving the way for Cuban infielder Yoan Moncada and others to be able to sign. Given the interest level throughout the game in Moncada, it seems likely that he will sign this month to be ready to go when the minor league season begins. MLB had previously declared Moncada and Cuban infielder Andy Ibanez free agents, which means they should be eligible to sign immediately. While MLB has yet to declare Cuban second baseman Hector Olivera a free agent, he meets the requirements for the general license, so he should be able to sign shortly as well. Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports first reported the news of MLB’s policy change this afternoon. Due to the United States’ embargo against Cuba, OFAC requires Cuban nationals to be considered “unblocked” to be able to work for a U.S. company. There is a “general license,” which is not a written document, that Cubans qualify for if they can prove permanent residency outside of Cuba. While the “general license” has been available to Cuban players for years and OFAC has said that alone is sufficient for MLB teams to sign players, the policy of the commissioner’s office has been for players to apply for a “specific license.” The “specific license” is a written document from OFAC, and the process of acquiring that document has added up to six months of waiting for some players. However, on Friday OFAC sent a letter to several Cuban players who meet the requirements of the general license, explaining that it would not be issuing a specific license. The next day, MLB sent teams a memo instructing them not to enter into an any agreements with Cuban players until they received further notice from the commissioner’s office. With that notice coming today, it appears the bidding can begin for Moncada. Under MLB’s new policy, instead of requiring the specific license, all Cuban players will have to do is sign affidavits stating that they conform to MLB rules, which is likely to ensure that the residency papers being used were not obtained fraudulently. www.baseballamerica.com/international/mb-changes-cuban-policy-yoan-moncada-free-sign/
|
|
|
Post by psuhistory on Feb 3, 2015 21:40:42 GMT -5
Sooner rather than later, Cuban Baseball has to negotiate an arrangement with MLB. In the Japanese case, cultural factors allowed NPB to keep a lot of its best talent for years, but that won't happen here with the streamlined recruiting process. They aren't going to survive as a closed system. If they want to see any of their top talent in the Serie Nacional after the next five to ten years, they need to reestablish some variant of the traditional relationship to MLB...
Under the circumstances, they could do much worse than setting up as a AAA league...
|
|
|
Post by kinsm on Feb 4, 2015 3:22:06 GMT -5
Moncada is expected to sign soon, reports MLB.com’s Jesse Sanchez, although he does have workouts scheduled with individual teams through the middle of this month. Moncada has worked out privately for the Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers, Padres, Giants, Rangers, Rays, Tigers, and Brewers, according to sources.
Moncada is the most celebrated young prospect to leave Cuba since Yasiel Puig and Jorge Soler signed lucrative contracts with the Dodgers and Cubs in 2012. The 6-foot, 210-pound Moncada debuted for Cienfuegos in Cuba's Serie Nacional at age 17 and hit .277 during parts of two seasons. He made a name for himself by dominating the 16-and-under and 18-and-under leagues in Cuba.
"He's really, really good," said Jim Callis. "He's not on the Top 100 Prospects list because he's not signed yet. But were he to sign, I think he'd be in the top 10 somewhere -- he's that good. "You're talking about a 19-year-old, switch-hitting middle infielder who hits for average, has power, above-average runner, good arm. I think the only question on him is he's not really a shortstop, maybe more of a second baseman or third baseman."
Moncada established residency in Guatemala in October and has the documentation to meet the new general license requirements.
Because he is not yet 23 years old and did not play in a Cuban professional league for at least five seasons, Moncada is subject to MLB's international signing guidelines, under which each team is allotted a $700,000 base and a bonus pool based on the team's record the previous year to be used during the international signing period, which started on July 2 and ends on June 15.
Clubs are penalized if they exceed their bonus pools by certain amounts, and the Yankees, Rays, Red Sox, D-backs and Angels have already exceeded their allotted money by more than 15 percent and are in the maximum penalty range for the upcoming 2015-16 signing period. The penalty includes a 100-percent tax on their pool overages and prohibits them from signing any pool-eligible player for more than $300,000 during the next two signing periods.
With Moncada now eligible to sign, and a long stretch remaining before the July 2 market flips over, the Cubs and Rangers are probably out of the mix. Those two clubs are under penalty from the previous international signing period and are not allowed to sign any international free agent for more than 250,000$. Moncada could still theoretically wait to sign with one of those two teams, but he'd have to wait until July 2nd — but that seems rather unlikely.
|
|