Inside the Hechavarria signing
Posted: Fri Apr 16, 2010 5:27 pm
The great Bob Elliot has a read on how the Jays signed the guy. Great read as usual.
http://www.torontosun.com/sports/baseba ... 06156.html
Click on the link for the entire article. Elliot and the Sun deserve some hits for their work. Sorry for posting the entire article. There is a lot more stuff that I did not post.
Edit: Took a Huge chunk of the middle out. Please click the link for the full article.
The rule is normally 3 paragraphs.
Hernandez takes the one-hour, 45-minute flight on American Airlines from Miami to Cancun.
He meets Hechavarria for the first time at a Hooter’s ... you know, the place where all $10-million deals begin.
November: Weston, Fla.
Hernandez and his clientele join the firm of Praver-Shapiro Sports Management on U.S. Thanksgiving week.
December: Boca Chica, Dominican
Hernandez makes arrangements to take Hechavarria to the Detroit Tigers academy in Boca Chica, but not before Paddy visits Cancun meeting Hechavarria for the first time.
“They were gracious enough to allow us to work out there,” Hernandez said. “It was the best course, rather than showcases in Mexico.”
Hernandez hires a trainer for Hechavarria, who works out at gym. Other Hernandez clients — from a group of Yuniesky Maya, Sergio Espinosa, Deynis Suárez, Jorge Padrón, Reinier Casanova, Juan Carlos Linares, Rodolfo Fernández, Reinier Orosco and Roibal — arrive. A support system is in place.
Jan. 10, 2010, Boca Chica
The shortstop works out at the Yankees complex.
Jan. 14, 2010, Boca Chica
Hechavarria shows his stuff in front of scouts, GMs and one ownership group —
14 clubs in all, including Paddy — at an open work out.
Feb. 24, Dunedin
Our Ken Fidlin reports the Jays have looked at both Hechavarria and Ruiz.
March 5, New York
Hechavarria is cleared to sign with a MLB team, “unlocked” by the OFAC. The Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Angels show interest. The New York Post reports that the Yanks are the favourites.
Jays formally announce the signing.
“We see him a future No. 2 whole hitter,” Anthopoulos says. “If it takes two years to get here, great, if it takes three, great. It’s like signing a college junior.”
Hechavarria turns 21 Thursday.
“He’s the complete package.” Hernandez says. “The No. 1 thing about him is he’s a rare athlete. He had almost zero body fat. He’s like Michael Jordan. He could have been a wide receiver, he’s that type of athlete. He has a plus arm, plus power and an electric body.”
http://www.torontosun.com/sports/baseba ... 06156.html
Click on the link for the entire article. Elliot and the Sun deserve some hits for their work. Sorry for posting the entire article. There is a lot more stuff that I did not post.
Edit: Took a Huge chunk of the middle out. Please click the link for the full article.
The rule is normally 3 paragraphs.