The Caribbean Series began last night with Cuba winning over the Dominican Republic and Mexico beating Puerto Rico.
The starting right fielder for the Cuban team was Yoelkis Cespedes, the 19-year old brother of New York Mets outfielder Yoenis Cespedes. Yoelkis, like his brother, is a right-handed throwing and hitting outfielder with a strong arm and he evens wears #51 which Yoenis did when he played in Cuba.
Yoelkis went 1 for 4 with a run scored at the dish last night, but the big highlight from the game came from his defense. Yoelkis made a diviing catch then got up and doubled a runner off first base, you can watch the video here.
This past season in Cuba, Yoelkis hit .297/.361/.460 with 15 doubles, nine triples, six home runs and 45 RBI in 90 regular season games for Granma (same team Yoenis played for). The young Cuban is listed at 5’9” and 187 pounds.
Some scouts are already calling Yoelkis a five tool prospect, here you can see him show off his skills on offense and defense.
Yoenis burst onto the national spotlight back in 2009 when he hit .458/.480/1.000 in six games for Cuba in the WBC. The Cuban 2017 WBC roster isn’t finalized yet, but let’s hope we get a close look at Yoelkis.
Also in action during the Caribbean Series last night was Mets minor league catcher Xorge Carrillo. He went 1 for 2 with a sacrifice bunt in Mexico’s 4-2 win over Puerto Rico. Free agent reliever Sergio Romo pitched one inning for Mexico, allowing one run on three hits (solo HR to Ivan De Jesus Jr.) and striking out one.
