Angels eye 19-year-old shortstop

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The Angels continue to vigilantly patrol the Cuban borders.

After being outbid for hard-throwing left-hander Aroldis Chapman by the Cincinnati Reds last month, the Angels have turned their attention to another recent defector, 19-year-old shortstop Adeiny Hechevarria.

The Angels were among a half-dozen teams to send scouts to the Dominican Republic last week to watch Hechevarria work out, according to a league source.

It appears the Angels will have company on Hechevarria. A few other large-market teams were in attendance last week and the bidding could reach eight figures. Chapman signed a $30.25 million contract with the Reds.

"A lot of times you get guys who just left the island. Then you go see them and they can't play," said a scout who watched Hechevarria's workout. "He's legit. There's no doubt."

Hechevarria did not play for the Cuban national team, but he competed on several prominent junior teams from the island. He is listed at 6-foot and 160 pounds.

Mark Saxon covers the Angels for ESPNLosAngeles.com

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Mark Saxon

ESPNLosAngeles.com

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Mark Saxon is a staff writer for ESPNLosAngeles.com. He spent six years at the Orange County Register, and began his career at the Oakland Tribune, where he started an 11-year journey covering Major League Baseball. He has also covered colleges, including USC football and UCLA basketball.