Hector Olivera inks deal with Dodgers, adding to cache of Cuban talent
SAN FRANCISCO – By investing in the Cuban market early and often, the Los Angeles Dodgers have gained an edge that continues to pay off.
Their latest commitment comes in the form of more than $70 million worth of contracts to second baseman Hector Olivera and right-handed pitcher Pablo Millan Fernandez, which the team made official Tuesday before facing the San Francisco Giants.
Olivera, a coveted former star on the Cuban national team who agreed to terms with the Dodgers on a six-year, $62.5 million deal in late March, said four other major league clubs pursued him seriously, among them the Giants, Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins.
Why choose the Dodgers?
"Because there are Cubans on that team, No. 1, and I'll have a chance to play with them,'' Olivera said in Spanish in a conference call, although the size of the deal was obviously a major factor as well. "I think I can do a great job with the Dodgers.''
L.A. has three other Cuban natives on its roster in outfielder Yasiel Puig, utilityman Alex Guerrero and catcher Yasmani Grandal – who arrived in the U.S. at age 10 – and also signed shortstop Erisbel Arruebarrena last year.
Olivera, 30, comes with sterling credentials and some physical question marks. He batted .323 with a .407 on-base percentage in 10 seasons in Cuba's Serie Nacional, reaching double digits in home runs five times in a row, with a high of 17. His international experience includes the 2008 Olympics and the 2009 World Baseball Classic.
"He's a good hitter,'' Guerrero said. "I would say he should hit 12-18 home runs (per season), in that range. He hits for average, hits a lot of doubles. He's versatile, fast.''
But Olivera sat out the 2012-2013 season with a blood clot in his left arm, and reports of an injured right elbow circulated before he signed with the Dodgers. President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said the club conducted medical examinations and is satisfied with the results.
Olivera dismissed the reports as well.
"I don't know where that rumor came from,'' he said. "I had a bit of inflammation in Cuba. There was word I needed Tommy John surgery, but it was just muscle fatigue because of the all the showcases and workouts I did (in the Dominican Republic).''
While Olivera said he could be ready to help the big club in 3-4 weeks, the Dodgers might proceed more conservatively, since they have a fine second baseman in Howie Kendrick and are mindful of the difficult cultural transition that lies ahead. Friedman said Olivera would participate in extended spring training in Arizona and likely start playing games at Class A Rancho Cucamonga before moving up to Class AAA Oklahoma City.
Once he arrives in the majors, the Dodgers will have to figure out where to play Olivera, who was primarily a second baseman in Cuba. He also played some first base but not third, which is crowded anyway. L.A. has been shuttling Guerrero, veteran Juan Uribe and utilityman Justin Turner at that spot.
Friedman, a big proponent of depth and versatility, does not sound concerned, aware that Kendrick and Uribe will be free agents after the season.
"If we're ever complaining about having too much depth, that's a really good problem to have,'' Friedman said.
At 6-2, 220 pounds, Olivera would be a big second baseman, and he said he's open to playing elsewhere. If Olivera proves he can handle the position defensively, the Dodgers could have four Cubans in their regular lineup next season, with him, Guerrero at third, Puig in right field and Grandal at catcher. Fernandez, signed for $8 million, could be an option for the rotation.
Olivera will also have to show he can deal with the rigors of the majors' six-month-long season.
"I'm mentally prepared. I know about the major leagues and the 162 games they play,'' Olivera said. "I think playing 90 games like we did in Cuba is harder than playing 162 in the major leagues because of the conditions we played in in Cuba.''