Here Comes Help! Atlanta Braves Outfielder Dian Toscano Begins Workouts
By Jeff Schafer
The Atlanta Braves signed Cuban outfielder Dian Toscano on the first day of the 2014 Winter Meetings back in December. Since then, Toscano has been caught in customs waiting for his paperwork to clear.
The Braves, Toscano and fans have been waiting patiently (some less than others) for his arrival to the states. The time is now, Toscano will begin workouts down in Florida at the Braves site and will join a minor league team shortly after….hopefully.
Dian Toscano, Cuban OF #Braves signed last winter, has begun working out in Florida at team's site. Will go to minors when paperwork clears
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) May 31, 2015
Braves beat writer, Mark Bowman is reporting that “Dian Toscano will not be permitted to play in Minor League games until the United States government provides its final clearance.”
Who is this guy?
He’s a 26-year-old, 5-foot-11 200 pound outfielder who bats left-handed with good bat control and strike-zone awareness. He has played all outfield positions (but primarily left field), played first base and DH for Cuba. Reports indicate that his arm strength is limited, which makes it sound like it’s left field or nothing with the Atlanta Braves.
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He had a slash line of .356/.400/.452 in 86 plate appearances in the 2012-2013 season…his last season in Cuba. He was supposedly suspended and removed from his Cuba team’s roster after he defected from Cuba and landed in the Dominican Republic.
Toscano never played on the Cuban national team so many scouts really haven’t had a good look at this young player.
The Braves signed Toscano to a four-year guaranteed contract worth $7.5M. With an option for 2019. He is on the Braves 40-man roster.
Was I being facetious?
Possibly…Toscano will not join or help the Braves immediately. He will without any question require minor league experience before joining Atlanta. It may take months or even years before we see him at Turner Field.
My guess? He’ll probably be sent to a lower affiliate to get some confidence and then progress through the rankings. Maybe a good destination would be the Rome Braves to get his feet wet.