Cuban Pitcher Yoan Lopez Now Free to Sign with Any Team

[moocow007]

http://m.mlb.com/news/article/106008448/united-states-government-clears-cuban-flamethrower-yoan-lopez-to-sign

Cuban right-handed pitching prospect Yoan Lopez has been cleared by the United States government, and he is expected to sign with a Major League team before the start of Spring Training, according to industry an source.

The D-backs, Dodgers, Padres and Yankees are among the teams to express strong interest in the 21-year-old starter, although other clubs could be in the mix now that the pitcher can officially sign a contract.

So let's see what, if anything, Cashman does.

This is also an indication that the more famous Yoan (Yoan Moncada) should also be cleared shortly by USOFAC.

[Dr. Detfink]

Sign 'em all! Cashman can't draft if his life depended on it, so might as well throw money at the equation.

[Pharmcat]

just sign them all Cashman

[thebuzzardman]

My guess, the Dodgers, who have shown they will spend ANYTHING for pitching, while yanks will spend jack most of the time

[thebuzzardman]

And the yanks blow it again on a cuban player.

[moocow007]

And the yanks blow it again on a cuban player.

Yep. Lopez to the D'Backs. Let's hope that Cashman and the Yanks are awake for the other Yoan.

[VirginiaKnickFan]

And the yanks blow it again on a cuban player.

Yep. Lopez to the D'Backs. Let's hope that Cashman and the Yanks are awake for the other Yoan.

We passed on so many recent Cuban stars it's like Cashman is a thing for avoiding them. Moncada is the one I really want! We might as well go all out as we can't sign international stars the next two signing periods for more than 300k.

[moocow007]

But to make up for missing out on Yoan Lopez, the Yankees have traded for Rockies 6'8" reliever Chris Martin. I say that's a fair trade off. Right pharm? I mean who wants a hard throwing 21 year old starting prospect when you can have a 28 year old reliever that had an ERA over 6 last season?

[thebuzzardman]

Cashman must have been a middle reliever in a former life

[moocow007]

Cashman must have been a middle reliever in a former life

Somehow I get the sense that Cashman and Hal Steinbrenner got into an argument and Hal accused Cashman of not being able to win unless he spends all of the Yankees money. Cashman then came back at Hal and said something like, "yeah, ok, I'll show you I can". And voila....that's what's happening now. If true, let's hope Hal apologizes or while the Red Sox are announcing that they've signed Yoan Moncada, Cashman will be announcing signing Rickie Weeks to a minor league deal.

[thebuzzardman]

What scares me is Dodgers and Yoan Mocada. They've shown the willingness both to spend big and spend big on Cuban players.