There's buzz around the game regarding a new Cuban prospect. Scouts from around MLB are flocking to Miami to watch free agent outfielder Rusney Castillo, who has been said to be like "Brett Gardner with power."
Castillo is said to be multi-talented, but his stock is likely up due to his birthplace because Jose Abreu, Yasiel Puig, Yoenis Cespedes and most recently Odrisamer Despaigne, all Cubans, have outstripped mostly high expectations.
A vast majority of MLB teams are expected to have a scout or executive at the University of Miami for Castillo's workout Saturday. One advantage here is that the U.S. workout will limit surprises, as teams will see firsthand the type of talent he has in a workout scheduled by his representative CAA.
The Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, Rangers, Astros, Cubs, Braves, Giants, White Sox, Orioles and Marlins are just a small sampling of teams expected to be on hand, with Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, Juan Rodriguez of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and Bob Dutton of the Tacoma New-Tribune reporting on many of the teams (with Boston, Texas and Houston added).
Castillo, 27, is said to have big-time speed (like Gardner) but a little more pop. Sanchez used Kenny Lofton and Jacoby Ellsbury comparisons. In any case, there is a fair amount of excitement over the showcase.
Castillo is said to be multi-talented, but his stock is likely up due to his birthplace because Jose Abreu, Yasiel Puig, Yoenis Cespedes and most recently Odrisamer Despaigne, all Cubans, have outstripped mostly high expectations.
A vast majority of MLB teams are expected to have a scout or executive at the University of Miami for Castillo's workout Saturday. One advantage here is that the U.S. workout will limit surprises, as teams will see firsthand the type of talent he has in a workout scheduled by his representative CAA.
The Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, Rangers, Astros, Cubs, Braves, Giants, White Sox, Orioles and Marlins are just a small sampling of teams expected to be on hand, with Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, Juan Rodriguez of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and Bob Dutton of the Tacoma New-Tribune reporting on many of the teams (with Boston, Texas and Houston added).
Castillo, 27, is said to have big-time speed (like Gardner) but a little more pop. Sanchez used Kenny Lofton and Jacoby Ellsbury comparisons. In any case, there is a fair amount of excitement over the showcase.
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