Rays, Blue Jays sign pair of Cubans

The Tampa Bay Rays and Toronto Blue Jays made a pair of moves for Cuban prospects today, according to SI.com. The Blue Jays announced the long anticipated arrival of Cuban shortstop Angel Hechevarria, who signed a four year deal worth 10 million dollars. 

He is expected to report to extended spring training before he starts his minor league career.

Hechavarria gets a $4 million signing bonus, and salaries of $500,000 this year, $2 million in 2011 and $1.75 million in each of the final two seasons.

The Rays signed first baseman - outfielder Lesile Anderson to a four year contract worth upwards of 1.725 million dollars. Anderson, 28, hit .381 with 13 home runs during the 2008-2009 season.

"Anderson is the consummate professional hitter," Rays director of international operations Carlos Alfonso said. "We were also attracted to him because of his athleticism."

It is possible that Anderson could move quickly through the system, considering his dominance in the Cuban League.