Two Cuban Prospects Defect During Caribbean Series

Everyone is leaving Cuba these days by any means necessary aren’t they? Two players competing for the Cuban national team in the Caribbean Series have defected according to a tournament official. The two players were reportedly shortstop Dainer Moreira and pitcher Vladimir Gutierrez. These two are just the latest in a big blow to the Serie Nacional after players like Jose Abreu, Yasiel Puig, Aroldish Chapman, Yoenis Cespedes, Yoan Lopez, Yoan Moncada and Rusney Castillo left for the states in recent years. If you’re in Cuba and looking for a bright side neither Moreira nor Gutierrez are on the same level of skill as Moncada, Lopez, Cespedes and the others.

Moreira is 30 years old and is already considered to be a longshot to make the major leagues because of his advanced age and limited international level playing experience. Gutierrez is 19 years old with a smallish frame, 6’1”, and does not throw especially hard. Gutierrez has recently been throwing out of the bullpen but has starting experience in his 2013-2014 rookie of the year season in the Serie Nacional.