New Chicago Cubs’ owner Tom Ricketts appears to be making good on his promise to spend, in other areas, what he doesn’t spend on the Major League roster.
To wit, today the Cubs signed two relatively big-time Cuban players – outfielder Ruby Silva and catcher Yaniel Cabeza – to add to their system depth. Cabeza will get $500,000 and Silva gets a cool $1.2 million.
Silva, 21, is a versatile left-handed hitter who played center field for the champion Havana Vaqueros in the 48th Cuban National series. He can play all three outfield positions and perhaps even the middle infield. He’s a good athlete who draws praise as a plus runner with a plus arm. He could begin his pro career in low A ball with the Peoria Chiefs.
Cabeza is a catch-and-throw backstop who reminds some of a young Yadier Molina, though his bat has improved in the last year. MLBTradeRumors.com.
The signings, in and of themselves, are not huge news. Good news, yes, but not huge news. But what they represent – the Cubs’ continued effort to spend in the right areas – is seriously encouraging.
We’ll have more on the two prospects soon.