As negotiations heat up for several Cuban baseball players who have been working out for major-league teams in the Dominican Republic this week, the Jays have been mentioned with a couple of them. Jose Julio Ruiz is a 25-year-old first baseman touted by some scouts as capable of stepping into a major-league roster right now. He has been scouted extensively the past few weeks and it?s believed he held a private workout on Tuesday for the Jays. Previously, the Jays had made a concerted effort to sign pitcher Aroldis Chapman, who eventually opted for the Cincinnati Reds and a $30-million US deal. A trainer for Ruiz told Nuevo Herald, a Spanish newspaper that Ruiz had interest from six teams and at least three ?concrete offers.? Perhaps of more interest to the Blue Jays is shortstop Adeiny Hechevarria, a 19-year-old who has been called the best shortstop prospect in Cuba. He has been compared favourably to Jose Iglesia who was signed by the Red Sox last summer to a four-year deal worth $8.2 million (including $6-million signing bonus).