Closing Arguments Set for Cuban Baseball Smuggling Trial

MIAMI (AP) — Closing arguments are scheduled to begin in Miami today in the federal of a sports agent and a trainer accused of smuggling Cuban baseball players into the U.S.

The jury has been hearing the case of agent Bartolo Hernandez and trainer Julio Estrada, both charged with conspiracy and alien smuggling.

Prosecutors say the two oversaw a network of boat captains, handlers, document forgers and used phony paperwork to get the players to the U.S. quickly so they could sign lucrative Major League Baseball contracts.

Several Cuban players testified, including Jose Abreu of the Chicago White Sox and Leonys Martin of the Seattle Mariners.