Wow, I thought the consensus was that there was no way he would defect because of his parents? I don't remember what the story was exactly was. Somebody enlighten me.

In any case, get him to play second base next year, Mr. Shapiro.

Sure, the equipment of the Yankees, New York would listen if Gourriel called.

Quickie translation, from your resident Latin American (who amongst other things is a certified public translator in Panama):

Two Ballplayers may have asked for asylum in Colombia (TR. Note - I'm translating "Desertar" as asking for asylum).

Cuban ballplayers Yulieski Gurriel and Eduardo Parret may have asked for asylum in the Colombian Port of Cartagena, where the XXth Central American and Caribbean games are being held, according to local press reports this friday.

"One of the members of the Cuban squad which deserted would be the star second baseman Yulieski Gurriel, considered to be one of the best in the world at his position. Apparently, his next destination will be the New York Yankees", as per El Tiempo de Bogotá.

According to the newspaper, "the other deserter of the Cuban team will be shortstop Eduardo Paret".

On tuesday, Cuban athletes Damaris Nay, Julio Acosta y Carlos Castillo asked for asylum in the Dominican Republic, subhost for handball of the XXth Central American and Caribbean games.

maybe he can have ruben rivera pick up some yankee equipment for him.

Mr. Lerner, Mr. Kasten: make an offer to Mr. Gurriel that blows Steinbrenner out of the water. After all, Washington has a tradition of bringing in Cuban ballplayers. And if it means keeping Livan, do that, too.

OMAR PICK UP THE PHONE!

So what's the story on Gurriel again? He was playing 2B in the WBC, but isn't his natural position 3B or even SS? I seem to remember him conceding that position to another more established hitter in the WBC.

I looked it up. Apparently he's more comfortable at 3B, but he conceded that position to Eriquez, who might have been Cuba's best hitter at the advanced age of 25.

7. (The Cheat) ENJOYS THE TASTES OF COBBED CORN Posted: July 28, 2006 at 05:26 PM (#2115872)

So what's the story on Gurriel again? He was playing 2B in the WBC, but isn't his natural position 3B or even SS? I seem to remember him conceding that position to another more established hitter in the WBC.

Correct; I don't have the final 2005-2006 stats on hand, but I looked him up at the time of WBC, and he had exclusively played 3B for his Cuban club team during the 2004-2005, and 2005-2006 (up to that point) seasons.

Arte Moreno's bilingualism will serve him well in this matter...

He was playing 2B in the WBC, but isn't his natural position 3B or even SS?

Well, that's a good fit, then; the Yankees don't have anyone significant playing those positions.

The only team I could see not being interested, on a pure talent basis, would be Arizona because they have Callaspo.

I think he'll get a $40 million per year contract.

Maybe the Marlins would be willing to actually spend some money in this case since having a Cuban star or two might be a good boost to their sagging attendence and local interest

This article has Gourriel in Cuba on Thursday.

http://www.plenglish.com/article.asp?ID={4642681D-0A3A-41EF-80DF-6D783F667500}&language=EN

I think he'll get a $40 million per year contract.

Only if the Dodgers get involved.

The Dodgers are always looking for middle infielders. They just added one guy with a lot of strikeouts, why not another?

Only if the Dodgers get involved.

He'd then probably lose much of his ability and become nothing better than a backup MI prospect.

He'd then probably lose much of his ability and become nothing better than a backup MI prospect.

Wait a second, Gourriel can both hit and field; don't the Dodgers only acquire players who con only do one or the other?

I think he'll get a $40 million per year contract.

Only if the Dodgers get involved.

And Toronto.

Really, he should be a D-back, but I'm sure it'll be fine in the end.

Wouldnt he be blocking Callaspo then?

(/sarcasm)

If the Dodgers had $40M a year to burn, I think it'd be a perfectly reasonable investment, even if he ended up becoming a backup MI prospect.