Good luck to the Houston Astros on acquiring Cuban star player Yulieski Gurriel. The American League club signed the 32-year-old infielder earlier this month and, after obtaining a U.S. work visa and playing some tune-up games for a team in the Astros' minor league system, he was expected to suit up for Houston and boost the team's chances for post-season play in October.
There is no question Gurriel has shown he has the talent to succeed at the game's highest levels, and it has been his dream to play in the majors since establishing himself as one of the best — if not the best — Cuban player over the past decade.
Gurriel can play a variety of positions, including the outfield, but his best defense would appear to be at second or third base. He has a batting stance and a fluid swing that reminds me of Cuban-born Tony Perez, the heavy-hitting first baseman on the Cincinnati Reds championship teams of the 1970s.