Red Sox sign Cuban outfielder.

NateGrey · March 31, 2010

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FORT MYERS, Fla. -- According to a source familiar with the situation, the Red Sox have come to terms with Cuban outfielder Jorge Padron to a minor league contract that will include a signing bonus of $350,000. The signing was first reported by the El Nuevo Herald. The 22-year-old Padron, who left Cuba, following Cuba's 2009 season. According to the Web site ScoutingBook.com is "a stocky contact bat who hits from the left side." The left-handed hitting Padron is reportedly a spray hitter who is tough on right-handed pitching. He had been playing left field for Pinar del Rio, manning the team's leadoff spot for the 2007-08 seasons.

OF Jorge Padr?n (photo/foto)
Age: 22
Height: 5'11
Weight: 202 lbs

Jorge Padr?n is a young ex outfielder from Pinar del Rio. Padr?n led the league in hits with 131 in the 46th Cuban season. This last season (48th), Jorge Padr?n finished twenty six in average with 345. He has played mostly LF for Pinar de Rio. He has never made the top Cuban team because Cuba has many good outfielders now. As a matter of fact, the outfield is the deepest position in Cuba.

He hit 104 times to LF, 93 times to CF and 139 to RF. Padr?n batted 375 against right handers with 16 doubles, 4 triples and 9 home runs. Against left handers, he batted 244 with 3 doubles, 1 triple and 2 home runs.