Big markets bidding for Cuban lefty

One of the wild cards this free agent season is a guy who hasn't thrown a major-league pitch.

The agent for Aroldis Chapman is drumming up buzz for his client, a Cuban defector who pitched in the World Baseball Classic. He actually didn't throw all that well, but he's a 21-year-old lefty who throws 100 mph. Those don't exactly grow on trees.

He's making the media rounds, telling his story about how he defected (there weren't any motorboats - he just left a hotel during a tournament and got in a car at a predetermined time). He left behind a family, a girlfriend and a baby daughter.

He also has to watch out about coming off a little arrogant. He was "blinged out" in an interview with the AP, wearing a very expensive watch (especially for a guy coming from Cuba who has yet to sign a contract.) He attended a playoff game at Yankee Stadium last month.

"I would think of what pitch would I throw this batter and things of that sort," Chapman said. "There were many that were the same as what I was thinking. There were a few that weren't, but not all pitchers are the same and some think differently. I can maybe depend on my fastball a little more than some other pitchers."

The Yankees are among the suitors for Chapman (of course), along with the Mets and Red Sox. Only big markets apply, as this contract will be a big one, even though Chapman will probably have to spend time in the minors.

Chapman is the first big-name Cuban defector since pitcher Jose Contreras (2002). Chapman's agent believes he's a lot better.

Said Chapman's agent:  "He's a once-every-40-years player."