Cuban star Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez should sign by next week, agent says
Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez, seen here pitching in the 2011 Pan American Games, could sign with a major-league team by next week. (Dennis Grombkowski/Getty Images)
Jaime Torres, the agent for Cuban star Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez, thinks he will sign with a team by next week and could pitch in the majors in due time.
"I do not think it will happen this weekend," Torres told ESPNdeportes.com's Enrique Rojas of a deal. "But, fortunately, I hope to have an agreement for next week. While the more interested clubs are making their last internal consultations, we are working on the visa process that [Gonzalez] will need to come to the United States."
Gonzalez, 26, left Cuba earlier this year. He has stayed in Mexico, where he has worked out for major-league teams. Earlier this week, Gonzalez received final clearance from the U.S. government, the final major hurdle he had to clear before signing with a major-league club.
Indications are that a bidding war could develop for Gonzalez. Rojas reported that at least nine teams are interested in the right-hander: the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies, Toronto Blue Jays, Minnesota Twins and Miami Marlins.
Acquiring Gonzalez is viewed in the same light as adding a premier pitcher before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. Scouts believe he'll be able to contribute this year after a few minor-league tune up outings.
