San Diego Padres interested in Cuban outfielder Rusney Castillo
By Joel Burdeos
San Diego, CA- According to Padres.com Corey Brock, the San Diego Padres will be among several teams at the showcase for Cuban outfielder Rusney Castillo on Saturday in Miami.
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With the recent success of Cuban defectors Yasiel Puig, Yoenis Cespedes, Aroldis Chapman, Jose Abreu and Padres pitcher Odrisamer Despaigne, Padres ownership has made it a priority to be more active in signing impact players like Rusney Castillo in the international market. As evidenced by the reports of Rangers assistant general manager A.J. Preller being the favorite to become the Padres next GM. Preller has emerged as the favorite due to his expertise in evaluating international talent. Which is an area of talent the Padres have failed to be aggressive in acquiring for the past decade.
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While the Padres have been active in signing teenage prospects in the international free agent class on a yearly basis. Its good to see the Padres finally being active in acquiring impact international talent that can help the major league team right away.
Cuban defector Rusney Castillo is a 27-year-old outfielder who projects as a top-of-the-order hitter with excellent speed and solid power. Scouts compare Castillo to Jacoby Ellsbury and Brett Gardner with a bit more power.
Unfortunately the Padres aren’t the only team interested in Rusney Castillo, as the Yankees, Mets, Braves, Marlins, Giants, Red Sox, White Sox, Orioles, Rangers, Astros and Chicago Cubs will all also be scouting Rusney Castillo at his workout on Saturday, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
Castillo isn’t the only international free-agent the Padres are reportedly targeting, as according to reports the Padres are also interested in signing Korean 3rd baseman Jeong Choi. Scouts compare Choi to David Wright of the Mets and with the opening at third base the Padres could be in the market for a third baseman.