Yulieski Gourriel and his younger brother, Lourdes, were said to have defected from Cuba in several reports. Before exiting, Yulieski generally was viewed as the best player left in Cuba — a middle-of-the-order mainstay for years for the national team.
It could be months until either signs, but Yulieski could affect a pennant race this year for a club that needs a second baseman or third baseman, perhaps even the Yankees. Brian Cashman would not speak about either brother. But an official from an opposing team said the Yankees’ international scouting director, Donny Rowland, has long liked Yulieski.
The Yankees are living with Chase Headley at third, but he had a difficult 2015 and the organization does not have much minor league depth at the position. However, because Yulieski is over 23 (he is 31), he can be bid on without restrictions by all 30 teams, and because he has drawn comps to players such as Adrian Beltre and Bobby Grich, he likely will have many suitors.
Lourdes does not turn 23 until mid-October. If he waits until then to sign, he can be bid upon without restriction by all 30 clubs. Before then, many big-market clubs such as the Yankees, Angels and Red Sox cannot bid on him because they are in a penalty phase after exceeding their international bonus pool spending.
Lourdes, who plays left field, is viewed as a top athlete who also may be able to play the infield. But he is considered inferior to Yulieski and a project who will need minor league seasoning.
Freddy, adieu
Freddy Garcia had not pitched in the majors since 2013, but he kept trying — until finally announcing his retirement in conjunction with the Caribbean Series on Sunday.
We often think of the lefties who recreate themselves during their careers, transitioning from hard-throwing to crafty. Garcia did that as a righty. He was a mid-90s monster who led the AL in innings and ERA in 2001 and helped the White Sox to the 2005 World Series. He also helped the 2011 Yankees make the playoffs with an 87-mph fastball, guile and fearlessness. He was 6-3 with a 3.26 ERA in 11 career postseason starts.
The record won’t last long with Seattle’s Felix Hernandez at 143 wins, but Garcia does get to retire with the most wins (156) ever by a Venezuela-born player.