The Rays have been part of the national news cycle this week for their historic exhibition game in Havana against the Cuban national team. It’s about good will as well as geopolitics. Among those participating: Rays outfield prospect Dayron Varona, a Cuban native.
He probably won’t make the team out of spring training, but he’s made a solid impression on the Rays organization so far. He’s also become compelling media copy. Of particularly poignant note was his comment about his 2013 Cuba-to-Haiti-to-America escape with his mother: “It’s a memory that you don’t want to remember.” Nothing was lost in translation.