Yoan Moncada’s defection was . . . weird

32 Comments

Jorge Arangure of Vice Sports tells us the story — at least as much of the story as can be known at the moment — about Cuban infielder Yoan Moncada’s defection and the interim period he has spent in Guatemala in order to establish himself as a free agent. It involves an agent who isn’t really an agent, a baby registry, possible violations of the U.S. embargo, Scott Boras spies and armed guards patrolling the third base line. It’s must-read stuff.

It’s also the fact that a good portion of all of the weirdness involved here would be unnecessary if it weren’t for Major League Baseball’s rules which prevent Cuban players from establishing themselves as free agents from the safety of the United States as opposed to having them cool their heels in a way station like Guatemala.

 

Phils’ Hoskins tears knee, expected to miss significant time

hoskins injury
Dave Nelson/USA TODAY Sports
0 Comments

CLEARWATER, Fla. — Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins needs surgery for a torn ACL after injuring his left knee Thursday fielding a grounder in a spring training game and is expected to miss a significant amount of time.

The Phillies did not say when Hoskins would have the surgery or exactly how long the slugging first baseman might be sidelined.

Hoskins hit 30 homers with 79 RBIs last season for the reigning National League champions.

He was backing up to play a chopper on Thursday when the ball popped out of his glove. Sooner after, he fell to the ground and began clutching his left knee. Teammates gathered around him before he was taken off of the field.

Hoskins, a free agent at the end of the season who turned 30 last week, hit six homers in Philadelphia’s playoff run last season. The Phillies lost to the Houston Astros in the World Series.

The injury was another blow for the Phillies, who will be without top pitching prospect Andrew Painter for another few weeks because of a sprained ligament in his right elbow. And slugger Bryce Harper isn’t expected back until around the All-Star break after undergoing Tommy John surgery in November.