PHOENIX -- The Diamondbacks clearly do not believe they reached their limit on Cuban import, as their expansive presence on the Caribbean winter scene demonstrates.
DeJon Watson, the D-backs' vice president of baseball operations, and several of their pro scouts spent time viewing and reviewing the most recent group of Cuban prospects, including touted middle infielder Yoan Moncada and right-handers Jorge Hernandez and Yadier Alvarez.
It is unclear if the D-backs can make another play in the international market so soon after committing $84 million to third baseman/outfielder Yasmany Tomas and right-hander Yoan Lopez. But they want to make sure they have a dossier on the next wave.
"You never know how things work out," D-backs general manager Dave Stewart said. "As an organization, we have to make sure we see all of the good and great talent that is out there. After we see it, then we can evaluate it."
Moncada, 19, likely will become the first beneficiary of major league baseball's decision to eliminate a requirement that Cuban players obtain a license from the U.S. government before they are eligible to sign. Tomas and Perez could not sign until they received approval from the government, which added an extra step to the process.
Moncada's agent set Feb. 23 as a soft target for signing with a major league team, and San Diego, which was after Tomas, is considered a prime suitor although it is not clear a market is established. Like Alfonso Soriano two decades ago, Moncada is expected to need some minor league time, which could lower the value of his first deal, relatively speaking.
Alvarez featured a mid-90 mph fastball among a three-pitch mix when the D-backs saw him in the Dominican Republic last week, and one team official called him "a very intriguing young pitcher." At 6-feet-3 and 195 pounds, Alvarez appears to have room to grow. That velocity, it was relayed to Stewart, is good for a young kid.
"That's pretty good for an old kid," Stewart said.
None of the current group will be easy to afford. The D-backs spent $68.5 million to sign Tomas and an international amateur-record $8.25 million to sign Perez, and they also owe major league baseball another $8 million in taxes for exceeding the money available in their international bonus pool. The tax is due this year, a D-backs official said. Although no market is established on Alvarez, he likely will command something in the Lopez range, if not more.
The D-backs are pleased with what they have in their two Cuban players. Tomas has worked at third base at Salt River Fields for the last several weeks and reports from camp are positive.
Lopez has the stuff that projects to a spot in the major league rotation, although at 21 he probably will need some assimilation in the minor leagues. And as the D-backs have a host of candidates for the final several spots in their rotation, Lopez should not be counted out, Stewart said.
Stewart, chief baseball officer Tony La Russa and Watson scouted Lopez extensively before they signed him.
"We don't see why he can't challenge for a spot on our major league staff in our rotation," Stewart said. "He threw the ball very well and showed four quality major league pitches. There are a lot of scouting reports out there that are contrary to what my eyes showed me and what my eyes saw -- mid-90s (fastball) curve, slider, change.
"He's a guy that if he shows well, we have to consider him. Will we count on him, not necessarily, but he has to be given an opportunity and given a look to contribute to our staff."
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