Heard tonight from a MLB source that the Twins are eyeing lefthander Cesar Cabral in the Rule 5 draft.
Late night, er, early morning update: Cesar Cabral?
Twins prepare for Rule 5 draft, where they are expected to land a pitcher.
By lavelle neal
Cabral was 3-4 with a 2.59 ERA between High-A and Double-A last season.But he was in the Rule 5 draft last year. According to MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo:
Cabral was involved in one of the stranger Rule 5-related personnel moves last spring. The Rays put him on waivers in mid-March and the Blue Jays claimed him. There was talk of Toronto trying to figure out a deal with the Red Sox to keep him, but a day later, the Blue Jays put him on waivers and the Rays re-claimed him. He still ended up back in Boston's system, where he had a solid season in relief pitching across two levels.
But Cabral is a wanted man again. Here's why:
Cesar Cabral, LHP, Red Sox: Cabral was selected last year, taken by the Rays, but ended up back with Boston. He had a very good 2011 season, making it to Double-A and striking out 11.5 per nine in a relief role. He's pitched very well in the Dominican this offseason as well.
Cabral's name has come up around the lobby of the hotel here. There has been speculation that Houston, which has the first overall pick, might draft him for someone else and trade down.
I mentioned some other possibilities in this notebook.
One other thing: At least one team has called the Rockies about....trading for Kevin Slowey.
Good night....or good morning.....
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