The Chicago White Sox and Cuban exile Alexei Ramírez have agreed to a four-year contract, pending a physical exam, according to a source who spoke to ESPNdeportes.com on condition of anonymity.

"Alexei got a good deal and he'll be looking for a starting roster spot during spring training with the White Sox," said the source. "He can play multiple positions, so his chances are good."

The financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Ramírez can play the outfield and some infield positions. He had collective workout sessions for scouts who work in the Dominican Republic. He also had individual sessions for the Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Minnesota Twins, Oakland Athletics and the White Sox, the source said.

Ramírez was the home run leader in the Cuban baseball league last season, but he defected from the island and established residence in the Dominican Republic in November to try and make the jump to Major League Baseball.

Ramírez hit .332 with 87 home runs and 391 RBIs in seven seasons in Cuba with Pinar del Río. In 2006, he hit .335 with 68 RBIs and led the league with 20 homers.

Miami-based agent Jaime Torres, who has represented Cuban defectors such as Jose Contreras and recent signees Yohannis Perez (Brewers) and Yoslan Herrera (Pirates), has a new client available to meet with major league teams.

“I think this is one of the top two players in Cuba. He’s an exciting hitter who led the league in home runs and can play infield or the outfield.”

so this replaces andy gonzalez. yippi.

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MLBTradeRumors said this a while back - If Ramirez is truly capable, his agent should position him as a shortstop.

Rotoworld says - The White Sox and Alexei Ramírez have agreed to a four-year contract, a source told ESPN Deportes.
The source said Ramirez had individual workouts with the White Sox, Red Sox, Indians, Reds, Cubs, Mets, Yankees, Twins and A's before making his choice. Ramirez has experience at second base, shortstop and in center field, giving the White Sox plenty of options in how to use him. He'd make the most sense for the team in center field right now, though it's possible he'll need some time in the minors before he gets his shot. The supposed 26-year-old played only briefly in the Dominican Republic this winter, going 1-for-14.

Indians scout John Mirabelli says: "He's played at a high level, but he hasn't played at this level," "He came up as a shortstop and middle infielder. He got to the national team, and they wanted him to play outfield. He's a pretty athletic guy that presents versatility."

How old is he?

YES! another shortstop!

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It sounds like he'll play CF and some 2B so sort of a 3 man rotation amongst Richard, Ramirez and Owens.

Here's an excerpt from a scouting analysis of Ramirez. The quotes are from four scouts who were asked to review his game.

"Ramirez profiles as an above-average big leaguer in right field. He’s got slightly below-average power from the right side, but a hit tool that is well above-average.

"He played a lot of shortstop in Cuba and I wouldn’t rule that out when he comes to the States because he has the bat to back it up. He’s got a great arm, good hands and very good body control. He can go in the hole and get it and range to his left toward the bag and make the throw on the run with no problem.

"He has the ability to be a top-of-the-order tablesetter, but also can drive in some runs. He showed a good knack to drag bunts and beat them out with no problem. While he has good speed, he’s an average baserunner and that’ll take some time over here (in the States) to really get a grip on.

"He’s very athletic wherever he plays, (one of the) better athletes you’ll see if he plays in a corner. But the corner is right field because of the arm strength. He’s got a 60 arm (on the 20-80 scouting scale) with accuracy. He’s very aggressive with solid-to-plus ability to play the game."
Scouting Grades
Hitting - 60
Power - 40
Arm Strength - 60
Fielding - 50 (OF); 55 (SS)
Speed - 60

Bet he is a patient hitter.

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Think before you speak

From today's Suntimes:


You da man Slick!


Looks like the love child of Sosa and Fernando Venezuela (whiffin with his eyes closed)


He's got a little Pookie from New Jack City in him as well.

Slugger from Cuba agrees to contract
Power hitter may provide help in outfield

December 22, 2007

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic -- Cuban slugger Alexei Ramirez has agreed to a deal with the White Sox, giving the club added punch after it failed to sign two other top offseason targets.

''We have arrived at an agreement with the White Sox for a major-league contract for Alexei's services,'' agent Jaime Torres told the Associated Press.

A source said the deal is for four years and $4.75 million, but Ramirez still must pass a physical. The deal likely will not be announced until January.

Ramirez, who left Cuba in early September to join his wife and children in the Dominican Republic, batted .335 with 20 homers and 68 RBI last season.

Ramirez, 26, helped lead Cuba to a second-place finish in the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006 and a gold medal at the Athens Olympics in 2004.

A second baseman and outfielder in Cuba, Ramirez told the AP shortly after leaving Cuba that he hoped to play shortstop and follow in the footsteps of Ozzie Smith, Rey Ordonez and Omar Vizquel.

That appears unlikely with the White Sox, who acquired Gold Glove shortstop Orlando Cabrera from the Los Angeles Angels in November. They do, however, need help in the outfield.

The White Sox tried to sign free agent Torii Hunter, who ended up with the Angels. And they also were interested in Japanese star Kosuke Fukudome, who signed with the Cubs.

Another Torres client is White Sox pitcher Jose Contreras, who also is from Cuba.

This was a joke of a signing if you expect him to be on the Major League club.

Same thing with Carlos Quentin. He was a AAA player who being highly touted had every shot at starting and never got it.

These 2 guys make Jerry Owens look great

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"Woof Woof"

I'm ok with these moves, but not if you're looking to win anything - especially the Quentin move. He might end up being a good player, but Williams indicted his farm system (Anderson/Sweeney and to some extent Owens) by getting him, and I don't know how you are catch Detroit/Cleveland by counting on unproven players. Again, this kid has a chance to be something, but I don't know that the White Sox can claim they are trying to win the 2008 WS with their starting rotation, OF, and bullpen.