Frederich Cepeda, outfielder for Sancti Spíritus and a long-time member of the Cuban national team, signs a $1.5 million deal with the Yomiuri Giants. It is part of a new Cuban policy allowing players to play abroad (though not in the US, due to the US embargo forbidding it); fellow national team outfielder Alfredo Despaigne is starting his second season in the Mexican League. Cepeda is only the second Cuban allowed by the government to play in Nippon Pro Baseball, following Omar Linares (2002-2004).

ByTom

Frederich Cepeda, outfielder for Sancti Spíritus and a long-time member of the Cuban national team, signs a $1.5 million deal with the Yomiuri Giants. It is part of a new Cuban policy allowing players to play abroad (though not in the US, due to the US embargo forbidding it); fellow national team outfielder Alfredo Despaigne is starting his second season in the Mexican League. Cepeda is only the second Cuban allowed by the government to play in Nippon Pro Baseball, following Omar Linares (2002-2004).

The Rays blast five home runs in a 16 – 1 romp over the Yankees, including #164 of his career for 3B Evan Longoria, moving him past Carlos Pena for the all-time Tampa Bay record. Wil Myers and Ryan Hanigan both homer twice. Chris Archer is the winner over Ivan Nova as IF Dean Anna has to help out on the mound in the 8th, giving up the last two runs.

ByTom

The Rays blast five home runs in a 16 – 1 romp over the Yankees, including #164 of his career for 3B Evan Longoria, moving him past Carlos Pena for the all-time Tampa Bay record. Wil Myers and Ryan Hanigan both homer twice. Chris Archer is the winner over Ivan Nova as IF Dean Anna has to help out on the mound in the 8th, giving up the last two runs.