Cuban defector Chapman establishes residency
The Associated Press
NEW YORK -- Cuban pitcher Aroldis Chapman, who defected in July, has
established provisional residency in Andorra.
In a statement Monday, Chapman's agent said the pitcher "has been
granted provisional passive residency" in the country pending completion
of the process. He has sent his residency materials to Major League
Baseball so he can be declared a free agent, the statement said.
The next step is for the commissioner's office to review Chapman's
residency papers. If he is declared a free agent, all 30 big league
teams would be notified that Chapman is available for bidding.
Chapman pitched twice for Cuba in this year's World Baseball Classic.
The 21-year-old left-hander has a 100 mph fastball and is considered by
scouts to be one of the top pitching prospects in the world.
Chapman defected from Cuba after arriving with his national team for a
tournament in the Netherlands. He is represented by Athletes Premier
International, which is headed by Edwin Leonel Mejia.
Andorra is a small European country bordered by Spain and France.
"Andorra is a beautiful country and has provided an ideal setting for me
to prepare myself for professional baseball without distractions,"
Chapman said in the statement. "I look forward to becoming a proud
advocate for my adopted country."
Cuban defector Chapman establishes residency - Baseball Wires -
MiamiHerald.com (21 September 2009)
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/baseball/wires/story/1244972.html
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