I located a solid video find that I wanted to post. Somebody put the entire final game between USA-Cuba at the 2010 World University Baseball Championships on YouTube. Even though USA doesn’t win, from a prospect standpoint, this game is an absolute must-watch. The game is interesting on multiple levels. Most importantly, for anybody who wants to see an early-preview of Leonys Martin, here he is. The first seven innings is a pitcher’s duel between Gerrit Cole and Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez. Cole is dominant but check out Gonzalez, who is impressive in his own right. For people who just want the abbreviated version, I posted links to allowing you to fast-forward to some interesting parts.
First video (video misses the very start of the game)….
FF to 4:46: Leonys Martin working a long at bat against Gerrit Cole (single).
FF to 6:45: Another Leonys Martin AB against Gerrit Cole (flyout).
FF to 3:40: Alfredo Despaigne hits HR to tie the game at 1-1.
FF to 10:30: defensive play of the game. Check out this game-saving catch by Jackie Bradley, Jr. With the game on the line in the final inning, Bradley goes all the way back to the warning track for an over-the-shoulder catch. Maybe I’m missing something, but I don’t get the doubts about this guy’s ability to stay in CF.
FF to 1:15: Despaigne hits a walk-off homer…exciting game that unfortunately ends like a bad version of Rocky IV.
What’s up Jed,
The video of Soler online is really limited, but I managed to find something. Fast-forward to about 0:50 to see Soler hitting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpFsTKU7X1M&feature=related
Even though the video is limited, it’s telling that—when Soler was 16—he was the #3 hitter on Cuba’s 18U team. He made Havana’s roster last season, but since he is really young, he received limited playing time. Back in December, I saw Soler playing in a webcast of a National Series game. It was cool to see, but it was just a few AB’s against much older players (interesting he played 3B). Then, in January, he was caught trying to escape the island, which ended his season. I think he’ll make it here, because if a player wants to leave, he usually manages to defect.
I try to learn some about the younger Cuban players, but it’s difficult. Besides Soler, one interesting name is Omar Luis. He is a left-handed pitcher, and looking at the stats, he has posted terrific numbers against both Canada and a USA lineup filled w/ multiple first round draft picks.
Hey Brad.. do you happen to have any video or know where I could find any video of Jorge Soler? All Im hearing is that he is the next big thing to come from Cuba and hes only 18 years old..
Jed
FYI, a video of Martin hitting a HR in the Cuban League playoffs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bQ8EObkrPc
another great video of Despaigne hitting two HR’s in the Cuban League…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsa_6av46mc