The Shortstop Search is Over
Alex Anthopoulos’ search for a shortstop could finally be over.
The New York post reported that the Blue Jays are close to signing Cuban defector Adeinis Hechavarria to a 4-year $10 million dollar contract.
Anthopoulos let it be known a few weeks ago that a shortstop was one of the coveted pieces he was searching for in rebuilding this team, and they would definitely have it by signing Hechavarria.
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Just from watching the video above, it’s evident that Hechavarria not only has great range as a shortstop, but incredible speed as well. Once again, the New York post suggests that Hechavarria’s speed could translate as an outfielder.
The only stumbling block with that idea is Vernon Wells still has five years left on his contract, and certainly isn’t planning on opting out of his contract after the 2011 season. Hechavarria skills would definitely bode well for him as a centre fielder, but at this point Alex Anthopoulos probably sees him much more valuable as a middle infielder.
Prior to the news of this possible signing, the Blue Jays 2007 first round pick in Justin Jackson was their next best bet when it came to a shortstop of the future. Jackson is still in Single A ball and has a long journey ahead before he makes it to the majors.
One could only imagine where Adeinis Hechavarria would begin the 2010 season, my guess is in Double A with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.
What makes this news even sweeter is the fact that the New York Yankees and the Blue Jays were the final two teams bidding on Hechavarria. Any time a player chooses the Jays over the Yankees is a fantastic day.
One can’t blame him for choosing the Jays though, because it seems like the Yankees are so reluctant to move on from Derek Jeter. The next shortstop in the Yankees organization waiting in the wings for Jeter to move on or retire could be waiting for a long time to supersede Jeter in the Yankees middle infield.
Ian, what's up bro? Hope all's well back in the homeland. That video was fun to watch, to say the least. Obviously I'm excited about Hechavarria. Who wouldn't be? Been a good spring so far, what with Marcum and Romero pitching well, and McGowan actually pitching.
We've got Marisnick coming through the pipe in CF, so Hechs is definitely the SS of the future. And, as your post title suggest, we've been looking for one for a long time.
Playoffs!!!1
Viva Cuba!!!1
Good to hear from you, brother! All is well and things are looking up in Blue Jay land (especially if this signing actually happens).
I love how we've already started abbreviating his name, because frankly I can't even spell Rzep correctly yet.
Also, worth noting, if Hec pans out…it might mean that Perrie moves in the future too. Dunno if he's CF material (which would be nice) but maybe 3B?
Just to see Toronto spend that much on a prospect is very encouraging. Great continued work by AA.
Southpaw, that would be promising as it looks like there isn't a third baseman coming up the ranks any time soon.
Mattt, I guess since the Jays were willing to commit $25 million to Chapman, $10 million doesn't seem like so much to get Hech. Great signing (if it happens).
The beauty of this kid is that it allows us to consider Jackson, Pastornicky and Pierre at 2nd – which could free up Hill to move to 3rd as he enters his 30's in the next two years.
I get the feeling that Hech wouldn't be a shortstop his entire career. His speed could land him in the middle infield, or even the outfield. I like your idea of moving Hill to the hot corner in the next few years, too.