Dodgers News: Alexander Guerrero Has Visa, Landed In Miami
With Spring Training less than a month away, the Los Angeles Dodgers still have issues at second base. Newly signed infielder Alexander Guerrero played winter ball, but hamstring injuries didn’t allow him to get enough playing time.
Thus, the Dodgers have a group of infielders consisting of Guerrero, Dee Gordon and Miguel Rojas, but GM Ned Colletti would like to add another player to the competition. At the Winter Development Camp, it was revealed that the 27-year-old Guerrero was without a visa, but according to J.P. Hoonstra of the Daily News, he’s in the United States:
Alexander Guerrero has his visa. He landed in Miami today or yesterday.
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) January 13, 2014
It was reported about a month ago that there were plans for Guerrero to head to the Dodgers Spring Training facility sometime this month. In 11 games with Gigantes Del Cibao, he hit .278 with a home run and six RBI as he’s transitioning from shortstop to second base.
Meanwhile, Gordon has played for two teams in winter ball in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico as he tries to learn second base and the outfield. The 25-year-old doesn’t seem to have a starting spot with the team anymore, but could be a valuable asset as a utility player with Skip Schumaker, Nick Punto and Jerry Hairston, Jr. moving on in free agency.
Rojas’, 24, was one of prospects invited to Dodger Stadium this past week as he’s known more for his defensive than his bat. At Double A Chattanooga this past season, he hit .233 with five home runs and 32 RBI, but was primarily a shortstop.
Getting Guerrero into the United States and under the watchful eye of Dodger coaches and trainers will hopefully help him land the starting second base spot on Opening Day.
Here’s a picture from Dodger Insider Jon Weisman of Yasiel Puig and Guerrero in Miami:
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