Taking a look at Dayan Viciedo

It's about time for some more international rumors, isn't it? That's what we have with Dayan Viciedo, 19-year-old prodigy from the realm of Cuban baseball. It was first written on MLB.com that the Cardinals were one of six specifically mentioned teams - although the list probably extends to all 30 teams - to have interest in signing the Cuban ballplayer, who is waiting on a ruling as to whether he will be regarded as a free agent or be eligible for the first year player draft. He hired the same agent, Jaime Torres, who represented Cuban players Alexei Ramirez and Jose Contreras. Torres is currently arguing that Dayan was in the U.S. before the 2008 draft and should be regarded as an undrafted free agent, according to Baseball America, but the whole situation seems to be a bit hazy right now. Just know that he will be playing baseball in the U.S. eventually. Per Baseball America:

Viciedo, born in March 1989, is listed at 6-foot-1, 210 pounds, but reports are that he was bigger than that last year at the World Junior Championship in Mexico. Viciedo has excellent power and hitting ability, however, with one scout comparing him to Giants prospect Angel Villalona. He slugged over .500 two of the last three seasons in Cuba’s Serie Nacional, its top-level league, hitting 14 homers in 2005-2006—as a 16-year-old—in his best season.

There are plenty of questions as to whether his body is athletic enough to keep him at third base - or anything other than DH, really - but scouts seem to agree that the hitting ability is there. As to the Cardinals' interest in him, this could be another step in broadening our international reach. There didn't seem to be a whole lot of interest in Alexei Ramirez when he was available in the off-season, but perhaps the Cardinals see the 19-year-old as a higher-upside investment.

The Miami Herald has more information on the defection of Dayan to the United States, along with a synopsis of Dayan's abilities:

Standing 6-2 and weighing 202 pounds, Viciedo is known as a powerful batter and a versatile defender, capable of playing shortstop, third base and outfield, and he even can pitch. His fastball has been clocked at more than 90 mph, but he said his pitching days are over.

We'll see how this one plays out. Alexei Ramirez has actually turned out pretty well for the White Sox, who have used him mainly at second base, and the other big name international signing, Kosuke Fukodome, is also having a great year with the Cubs. Maybe it's about time to start exploiting market inefficiencies through international players. We'll see after the ruling; without additional numbers or information, it's all just speculation.

The Post-Dispatch has a good rundown of the rotation moves forthcoming, including Todd Wellemeyer and Mark Mulder. The double-whammy starts of Mulder and Clement in Double-A this weekend were some good news for an injury-riddled weekend. Mulder's new (that is, old) delivery could be the solution to both his lost velocity and shoulder problems. Hey, it can't get any worse.

I'm glad Yadi seems to be doing OK after a brutal hit.

On a final note, I would like to ask for your prayers for a former classmate of mine, only one year removed from high school, who died in Afghanistan fighting for our country, on Father's Day weekend, no less. His name was Mike Patton, and he was an extremely good-hearted and friendly guy. I went to grade school with him, played CYC basketball with him, and have grown up beside him. I just heard the news today; I can't tell you how strange it is to hear a name you know on that list. Mike made a choice, a choice to serve his country, and his sacrifice will not be forgotten. We'll miss you, Mike.

Story here.