MIAMI, Jan. 13 -- The Florida Marlins continued to bolster their pitching staff Saturday by signing 20-year-old right-hander Livan Hernandez. The Marlins won the bidding war for Hernandez, one of two Cuban refugees who were declared Major League free agents during the off- season.
Terms of the contract were not announced. The Boston Red Sox and Atlanta Braves were also reported to express interest in Hernandez. Hernandez played for the Cuban junior team and was 1-1 with a 4.45 ERA for Escogido in winter ball in the Dominican Republic. In 32 innings he struck out 45 and walked 18. He had a combined 4-0 record in the 1992 and 1993 Junior World Championships with a 0.93 ERA. He gave up 12 hits in 29 innings with 40 strikeouts and nine walks. 'I am extremely happy with the step we have taken,' Hernandez said in a statement released by the Marlins. 'I'm going to do my best to help the team. I am very excited about having the opportunity to pitch sometime soon in Joe Robbie Stadium in front of the Latin American community.' General Manager Dave Dombrowski said Hernandez could become a 'very good major league pitcher quickly.' 'He has a tremendous arm, a very smooth delivery, has pitched in international competition and has pitched well in the Dominican Republic against quality competition,' said Dombrowski. 'He is someone that could be contributing to your major league club very quickly, if not immediately. It wouldn't surprise me if he pitches in Joe Robbie Stadium this year.' The Marlins have signed free agent left-hander Al Leiter and right- hander Kevin Brown to join a starting rotation that includes Chris Hammond, Pat Rapp and John Burkett.
