Cuban catcher signed
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- Sports
- 04 / 28 / 2010
The team has agreed to terms with the 23-year-old on a five-year deal worth $3 million with $1.3 million in incentives.
Ibarra is waiting on a visa to travel to Boston for a physical to complete the contract.
News of the agreement was first reported by the Cuban Ball Players website and confirmed by Ibarra’s agent, Boston native Edwin Mejia.
The 5-foot-10-inch, 200-pound Ibarra, a lefthanded hitter, does not have vast international experience but was an exceptional player in the Cuban League, hitting .363 with a .464 on-base percentage and 25 doubles for Camaguey in 2008.
Red Sox officials described Ibarra as an advanced hitter with power to drive the ball into the gaps. He is inexperienced as a catcher but has the physical tools to play the position well.
Once Ibarra signs, the Sox plan to have him work out at their complex in Fort Myers, Fla., for several weeks before assigning him to a minor league affiliate. Ibarra could start at Single A Salem or Double A Portland.
The Red Sox started the season with a solid group of catching prospects, including Luis Exposito, Mark Wagner, and Tim Federowicz. But Ibarra could rise quickly to the top of that pack because of his offensive skills.
The question will be how quickly he takes to catching. Ibarra played first, second, and third for Camaguey and only in recent months has dedicated himself to catching.
By Peter Abraham
Source: www.boston.com
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