Three Cuban defectors now up for grabs

ESPN’s Jorge Arangure reports that Cuban defectors RHP Yadel Marti, OF Yasser Gomez, and RHP Juan Yasser Serrano have been declared free agents and are now eligible to sign. That’s according to their agent, Jaime Torres. The three players all defected at the end of last year. Marti, who is listed as 25, will likely be the most sought after of the three. He pitched 12 2/3 scoreless innings and went 2-0 in the 2006 World Baseball Classic. While he lacks an above average fastball, his arsenal might make him a quality middle-of-the-rotation starter anyway. If he signs quickly and shows that he’s in shape, he could find himself on a major league roster, perhaps as a reliever, in September. Gomez, 28, could also contribute soon, but he’s probably going to prove to be a reserve outfielder. Serrano has a poor track record and likely will have to settle for a minor league contract.