Yulieski Gourriel (3B, HOU) - Waiver Wire Pickups

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OWNED IN: 22% of Fleaflicker Leagues

EXPERT ANALYSIS: Highly touted Cuban players coming over to the Major Leagues have been a hit-or-miss proposition. Yasmany Tomas is looking like a budding star, Jorge Soler has been disappointing but may be turning a corner, Hector Olivera is a huge bust and then, of course, there's Yasiel Puig. Yulieski Gourriel may be an exception in the sense that he is already an established star in Cuba. While Soler lacks experience and Puig lacks maturity (and common sense), Gourriel is already 32 years old before taking his first MLB at-bat. By contrast, Ichiro was just 27 when he came to America for his rookie season.

Gourriel has a career slash line of .335/.417/.580 in the Cuban league and has averaged about 17 HR and 68 RBI per season. Keep in mind an average season for him resulted in approximately 320 at-bats since they play a shorter season. This could mean that Gourriel's body has less wear and tear than the typical 32 year-old Major League player. Expectations should always be tempered when it comes to adjusting to a new team, league, country and culture. If he adapts quickly, Gourriel should be counted on to help mainly in AVG with modest power to boot. Owners with a bench spot to spare or in deep leagues can take a chance here, as he will be assured playing time in a promising Astros lineup looking for a shot in the arm.