Marlins Land Top Prize: 20-Year-Old Pitcher

The Florida Marlins, playing in an area that is home to the largest Cuban population outside Cuba, won the race for 20-year-old Cuban pitcher Livan Hernandez, agreeing to pay him a record $2.5-million signing bonus in a four-year major-league contract worth $4.5 million.

Hernandez, who defected from the Cuban national team four months ago, chose the Marlins over the Yankees, Blue Jays and Braves.

Colorado Rockies pitcher Bret Saberhagen decided against having an operation on his ailing right shoulder and, instead, will try a rehabilitation program for two more months.