2/25 15:06: According to Morgan Campbell of The Star, Toronto Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos was in the Dominican Republic for a scouting trip, but he would not say whether Cuban first baseman Jose Julio Ruiz was was on the prospects he observed.

2/18 10:23: According to Jorge Arangure Jr. of ESPN The Magazine, “Teams are intrigued with Ruiz’s batting prowess and at least several are debating whether he could immediately step in and contribute at the major league level. According to several sources, the Red Sox are among his suitors.”

Cuban first baseman Leslie Anderson is also drawing interest from Major League team. Both players are unlikely to sign with any team this week.

2/14 14:49: According to Luis E. Rangel of El Nuevo Herald, former Cuban National Team first baseman, Jose Julio Ruiz, has drawn interest from six teams. One of Ruiz’s representatives, Jorge Luis Toca, said “Toronto, Texas, Boston, San Francisco, Tampa Bay and Colorado are the ones who have shown more interest. We are also expecting an offer from the Yankees.”

Figures have not been discussed, but it is believed that any deal could include an invitation to Spring Training.

Ruiz, 25, hit .330 throughout his give season career with the Cuban National Team. Scouts have said that Ruiz is more of a contact hitter, quick on the bases and patient at the plate. He also possesses a good glove at first base. In 2008-2009, Ruiz was hitting .305/.408/.467 in 52 games before he defected to the United States in July.