Padres linked to Cuban free agent Despaigne

SAN DIEGO -- The Padres are said to be closing in on a deal with 26-year-old Cuban pitcher Odrisamer Despaigne.

The Padres, who have scouted Despaigne and even hosted him and another Cuban player in a workout at their Spring Training facility in Arizona in February, have not confirmed the report, which was posted by MLBTradeRumors.com on Wednesday.

Despaigne would have to obtain a visa, a process that can take 3-4 weeks, and pass a physical before a deal could be officially announced.

Despaigne, who turns 27 this month, defected from Cuba during a tournament in Europe last summer, established residency in Spain and began working out in Mexico.

Despaigne is a right-handed pitcher who might peg best as a long reliever if he reaches the big leagues.

In February, Padres executive chairman Ron Fowler vowed that the organization would be more active in the international market.

"We understand international is very important. We're taking a look at how we can improve in that area, it's important for us to be able to compete in that area," Fowler said.