The NAL Is Going Major League in 2011 with Signing of Willy Aybar and Others

First it was Jose and Ozzie Canseco. 

Now it’s Willy Aybar. 

It was announced earlier this week that the Edmonton Capitals have signed the former Tampa Bay Ray for the upcoming 2011 season. 

Aybar was a vital cog in the Rays' runs to the playoffs the past few years. Ultimately, someone of this calibre coming to the North American Baseball League is setting a very legitimate precedent. Only one year removed from the promise land, a recruit like this can only mean big things for this first-year organization.

Think about it: Who else could end up signing and playing? 

Since the Indy trifecta of the Golden Baseball League, Northern League and United League Baseball became the NAL, this organization has all the makings of becoming one of the most exciting professional leagues around and one that can proclaim to be “the largest professional independent baseball league worldwide.”

Now, with the addition of names such as Canseco and Aybar, the sky is the limit. 

According to the Capitals director of baseball operations, Gord Gerlach, Aybar will be attending spring training in Scottsdale, Arizona from May 13-24. 

When it comes down to it, Aybar did have a subpar performance with the Rays in 2010 (.230/.309/.344), thus prompting the Rays to decline his option.

In spite of that, Aybar is still relatively young. His stint in the NAL could be long-term or it could be another example of a player looking to make the most of this opportunity to attract attention of scouts. 

Whatever the case may be, the NAL is pulling out all the stops to make their inaugural summer one that baseball fans everywhere will never forget. I, for one, cannot wait to see the results. 

Fore more updates on the NAL, follow their website here.

Devon is the founder of The GM’s Perspective

Devon is a former professional baseball player with the River City Rascals & Gateway Grizzlies, and is now an independent scout.

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