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Among the many Cuban players plying their wares in the Dominican Republic on Wednesday was 18-year-old right-handed pitcher Yadier Alvarez. The Dodgers are among many teams interested in the pitcher, per Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, who compared Alvarez to former Dodgers pitcher Ramon Martinez.
Dodgers executives Andrew Friedman and Josh Byrnes were in attendance at the Wednesday showcase, which in addition to Alvarez also featured infielder Hector Olivera, in whom the club is also reportedly interested.
Kiley McDaniel of FanGraphs watched Alvarez in action on Wednesday, and reported the right-hander was between 93-96 mph on his fastball, touching 97, with a "plus slider & usable changeup."
Listed at 6'3, 175 pounds, Alvarez pitched two innings.
At 18, Alvarez is subject to international bonus pool limits, which means if the Dodgers plan on signing both Yoan Moncada and Alvarez, the latter would have to sign before the 2014-2015 international signing period ends, on June 15.
The pitcher is represented by Rick Thurman of Beverly Hills Sports Council.
The next international signing period opens on July 2. Here are some tweets and a pair of videos of Alvarez on Wednesday.
For those asking, Rivera is subject to ythe pools & is very likely to sign before July 2. The typical big spending intl teams will be on him.
— Kiley McDaniel (@kileymcd) February 11, 2015
I'm told Alvarez's paperwork isn't done as he's still pretty new to the DR. Expectation is that it'll take a month or two to clear him.
— Kiley McDaniel (@kileymcd) February 11, 2015
cuban teenage rhp yadier alvarez threw lights out in DR showcase today. 93-97. scout: "big stuff." also big bucks comin.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) February 11, 2015
Yadier Alvarez in the bullpen. Will pitch 2 full innings. pic.twitter.com/dnYBfdbP4o
— IPL BASEBALL RD (@iplbaseball_rd) February 11, 2015
UPDATE: Kiley McDaniel took this video:
Per the International Prospect League, here are a few more videos of Alvarez pitching in a showcase on January 30.