Phil Rogers's post on Baseball | Latest updates on Sulia

Yoanner Negrin, a Cuban trying to open eyes in the Cubs' system, continues to pitch well in Venezuela. He threw

five innings today for Caracas, allowing one run to a weak Margarita lineup. Negrin has compiled a 3.30 ERA in nine starts this winter, with his best asset being command on his pitches. He has 13 walks against 31 strikeouts in 43 2-3 innings, working at least five innings in seven of his last eight starts. He's tied for the league lead in innings but barely in the top 20 with a 1.41 WHIP. Negrin, a 28-year-old right-hander, pitched mostly in the Mexican League last year. Probably the best result for him from his work in Venezuela is that he'll elevate his profile and get a chance to start 2013 in the Triple-A Iowa rotation. He could also be spotted by someone with another organization who would give the Cubs something for his rights.