Cuban players in MLB increasing in numbers

San Juan, Puerto Rico -- maybe it is a sign of what's now possible within Cuba, but more importantly, what can become regarding  the relations between the U.S. its beleaguered neighbor. As a preview, in the world of baseball: there are now 19 Cubans in MLB rosters.

Regarding the first scenario, 'El Duque' Orlando Hernandez's wife and children were allowed by the Cuban government to unite with him while still on the Yankees, and after his illustrious career in the 'Big Show'  ended, El Duque returned to visit his native land. Quite a difference when one considers he was once banned from Cuban baseball in his native land after being detained by Cuban State Security, and interrogated on a relationship to an American Sports agent. Returning to the independent island-nation is now possible for many Cuban players; it does show a change of the times: the once tight governmental control in Cuba has been evolving to something else; only now the ending of the U.S. embargo (because most players would like to return home, yes, with money)  can determine if Cuba continues its path of being the next source of Latino baseball players after the Dominican Republic (83), Venezuela (59)and a distance third from Puerto Rico (17). and the few from other Latin American countries.

Last season had 15 Cubans in MLB rosters and with this year's 19, after the two biggest Latin American countries cited above, Cuba has become a country with the most players born outside the U.S.  Puerto Rico, neither a state nor an independent nation, comes in fourth place.

As of this writing an outstanding Cuban player making headlines has been Chicago White Sox first baseman José Abreu who played for Cienfuegos in the Cuban League and was an integral member of its national team. He has been the American League's homerun and RBI leader. Abreu led both leagues in both departments until Giancarlo Stanton surpassed him in Runs Batted In recently.

In October of 2013 Chicago offered José Abreu a 68 million 5-year contract. Chicago management  must be glad on its investment return; after the first 30 games in 2014 , José Abreu has 11 homers and 33 RBI -- both a record for a rookie in that span of time beginning a season. Yet he struck out 28 times and walked only 9 times, but all things being equal, or is it considered? --  his great start offers a glimpse of what Abreu can accomplish if he stays free of injury for the long haul ahead.

In addition to José Abreu, the White Sox have 3 more Cubans that at times may be in the same lineup: Catcher Adrián Nieto, outfielder Dayán Viciedo and its regular shortstop Alexei Ramirez (batting .328).

From the L.A. Dodgers we have the colorful Yasiel Puig, only 23 years old, (.309 BA) who started lukewarm but began to pick up his game.

The Miami Marlins feature another José, Fernandez (4-1 with a 1.74 ERA) who has become a thorn in the side of the Atlanta 'Braves;' in one game he punched out 14 of these miss-named team batters and has beaten Atlanta twice this season, both times by a score of 1-0 on eight innings each time. Fernandez was named the National League Pitcher of the Month for April.

And on and on. So, reader, if you know something, say something about any of these 19 Cuban players including how they made their way to MLB from the Caribbean island the U.S. would love to ....(Okay, I am for ending the U.S. Embargo, but Latinos Sports is tolerant of other point of views as long as it is civil).

The above article is partially an adaptation from an El Nuevo Día newspaper "Ponen su sazón los cubanos" by Joel Ortiz Rivera;  Sunday, May 4th 20014

Cubans in the Big Leagues

1. Adrián Neto Chicago White Sox

2. Adeiny Hechavarría Miami Marlins

3. Alexander Guerrero LA Dodgers

4. Yosián Herrera LA Angels

5. Dayán Viciedo Chicago White Sox

6. Roenis Elías Seattle Mariners

7. Aroidis Chapman Cincinnati Reds

8. Yasmani Grandal San Diego Padres

9. José Iglesias Detroit Tigers

10. Leonys Martín Texas Rangers

11. Brayan Peña Cincinnati Reds

12. Yonder Alonso San Diego Padres

13. Yunel Escobar Tampa Rays

14. Onelki García LA Dodgers

15. José Abreu Chicago White Sox

16  José Fernández Miami Marlins´

17. Alexei Ramirez Chicago Whiet Sox

18. Yasiel Puig LA Dodgers

19 Yoenis Céspedes  Oakland As

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