October 7, 200421 yr link Marlins like prized Cuban defector, if they can afford him BY KEVIN BAXTER kbaxter@herald.com The Marlins are among a number of teams interested in signing Cuban defector Kendry Morales, although the 21-year-old switch-hitter might not fit into the team's 2005 budget. Fred Ferreira, a senior vice president and the team's director of international operations, saw Morales perform in a closed workout in the Dominican Republic last week and came away impressed. ''He's a legitimate hitter,'' said Ferreira, a savvy talent evaluator who has signed 39 major-leaguers, including Anaheim's Vladimir Guerrero and the Yankees' Bernie Williams. ``He's not ready [for the majors] immediately, but he's not far. He's a guy that you can look into and say that he will play in the major leagues.'' Less certain is whether the Marlins can afford him. Morales' agent, David Valdes, a former star at Miami Westminster Christian, denied reports that he was seeking nearly $15 million for his client but said he expects nearly a dozen teams to make offers. He hopes to have a contract before the free agent signing period begins early next month. Morales, who defected to Miami by boat in June, could be the best position player to come out of Cuba in more than four decades. Projected as a first baseman/outfielder, he hit .324 and set seven rookie records, including marks for homers (21), hits (114) and RBI (82) in his last full season in the Cuban league two years ago. He hit .361 with 12 doubles, two homers and 17 RBI in half a season before being suspended by Cuban authorities last winter. Even without Morales, however, the Marlins figure to have some talented international newcomers in camp next spring. Third baseman Norbe Batista, a 21-year-old from Panama, made the Dominican Summer League's All-Star team, and right-hander Carlos Faria and infielder Gary Roche, both 21-year-old Venezuelans, made the Venezuelan League squad. Batista hit .325 with 29 RBI in 55 games for Cibao, the Marlins' DSL affiliate. Roche hit .305 with five homers and 32 RBI in 61 games for Universidad in Venezuela and ranked among the league's top 10 in virtually every offensive category. Teammate Faria went 7-3 with a 3.54 ERA and a league-leading 84 innings.
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