The Baltimore Sun is reporting that the Pirates are looking into Cuban defector Maels Rodriguez. Earlier this week, the 25 year old pitcher had a workout with the Orioles and early indications were that they would offer him a contract. However, Rodriguez was in Bradenton on Friday to show the Bucs his stuff.

Rodriguez made a name for himself during the 2000 Olympics when his fastball routinely touched 100mph. Two years later, he threw a perfect game in Cuba's Serie Nacional. In 2003, Rodriguez defected right before the World Cup in Panama.

Last January, Rodriguez held a workout in El Salvador for representatives of 15 major league teams. The results were disappointing. He failed to hit 90 mph and none of his four pitches (fastball, curveball, slider and changeup) were considered better than major league average. The major league officials in attendance left without offering Rodriguez a contract.

Before the workout, Cuban officials had dropped hints that Rodriguez was damaged goods and his poor showing during the workout did little to alleviate those rumors. Rodriguez's agent blamed the performance on a ribcage injury, but some scouts feared it was due to more serious back problems.

After the workout disaster, Rodriguez went underground, presumably to heal. News of his workout with the Orioles was the first news from him in over a year. Is he healthy? Or is he merely making one last ditch attempt to get a major league contract? Details from the workouts were sparse but the Orioles reportedly have very little interest. It's possible that Rodriguez's agent may be trying to sell Rodriguez and his 20 year old brother Jose as a package deal.

My gut is telling me that this will likely be a dead-end for the Bucs, but I am glad that they are at least exploring it. I generally think that the Cuban prospects are a bit overrated. The majority of Cuban players usually defect after their best years are behind them. Still, it is a talent source that can't be ignored. Before his injuries, Maels Rodriguez compared favorably to Octavio Dotel. If there is even a remote possibility that he can become that kind of player again, he is definitely worth a look -- particularly if the investment is minimal.