Cito Gaston and Alex Anthopoulos.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

DUNEDIN, Fla. -- Toronto Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos wouldn't deny he's interested in Cuban defector Adeinis Hechavarria, but he declined to comment on a published report that the team might be close to signing the shortstop for US$10 million.

The New York Post reported Sunday the Jays were closing in on the talented 21-year-old prospect.

"If there's a report that says we have an agreement, then we don't have any agreement," Anthopoulos said. Asked about the accuracy of the report in the New York Post, he replied: "I don't want to lie and I don't want to comment."

Toronto has had six different opening day shortstops in the past eight seasons and last year's, Marco Scutaro, signed as a free agent with Boston.