Reds close to signing OF Felix Perez?

[missionhockey21]

Who knows how old Perez is, but he received some great reviews when working out for a few teams this offseason. Loving how Jocketty is pursuing the international market like this.

CINCINNATI -- The Reds may be in contention to sign another Cuban defector.

A reporter from ESPN Deportes tweeted late on Sunday that outfielder Felix Perez will sign with Cincinnati, though general manager Walt Jocketty did not confirm the report.

"We don't have a deal," Jocketty told MLB.com. "We're one of several clubs still talking to him. We're hoping to get it resolved in the next two or three days. He is a kid we've been pursuing for quite a while."

Perez was set to sign with the Yankees for $3.5 million almost one year ago until he was suspended by Major League Baseball for lying about his age. The Yankees broke off talks upon learning of the age discrepancy.

Perez, who was 24 but claimed to be 20, was reinstated in October and was free to negotiate with any club.

Reds could be closing in on Perez | MLB.com: News

[Kingdom]

I bet he's younger than Jamie Moyer.

[redsfan28]

Enough of the Cubans!!! This would only be good if his name was Pedro Cerrano!

[redsrbetter]

I hope you eat those words one day rf28.

Anyways, I am also loving Jocketty's overseas looks. Its like we have a draft early and late in the year without other MLB teams getting involved in taking guys like this before us. This is awesome!

Now, how good is this guy?

[Kingdom]

When the Yankees ceased discussions with the outfielder, several scouts told Arangure that this was a blessing in disguise as they didn't believe he was worth the money that was being offered.

I guess he's not a foreigner worth over paying for?

[Kingdom]

Enough of the Cubans!!! This would only be good if his name was Pedro Cerrano!

Cubans, DRs, Asians.. they're all hit and miss, but it's still worth expanding your talent search. I know the odds are not good of landing Ichiro or Hideki Matsui, or Hideo Nomo early days, but you honestly never know. And Jocketty is smart enough not to over invest in someone, and it to come back and haunt the reds.

[redsrbetter]

Good point mission;

Begs the question though. Who had more hype coming in? Chapman or Nomo?

[Kingdom]

Nomo kind of marked a movement, I'd say him. Chapman probably has more talent, but Nomo began a trend.

[redsfan28]

The problem with players from the DR, Cuba, and well the Caribbean in general is that you simply don't know how old they really are. I mean, are we sure Chapman is only 22?