SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — The diamonds in Rudy Santнn ’s World Series ring sparkled in the light, along side gemstones that lined their silver watch and bracelet. Dressed casually with the exception of fabric Gucci loafers, the goateed, somewhat rotund 59-year-old previous major league scout ambled past a Mercedes-Benz in the driveway to welcome two visitors one sweltering early morning in May.
Santнn ’s attention for big league skill has constantly made him cash. That eye kept him employed as a scout for the New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays and San Francisco Giants for more than 30 years. Even Santнn ’s detractors — the people whom think the allegations created by the Cuban player about Santнn and threats created using machine weapons — admit the guy is a gifted scout.
The 22-year-old third baseman in the midst of a breakout season with the Boston Red Sox, as well as Wander Franco, the 18-year-old minor league shortstop for the Rays regarded as one of the game’s top prospects since going out on his own a few years ago as a buscуn — the term for street agents who train young ballplayers here — Santнn found Rafael Devers. Continue reading “A flashy scout and contested deal draw interest as feds probe MLB’s Latin American operations”