Hector Olivera Impresses In Front Of Dodgers, Others
With Cuban prospect Yoan Moncada looking to soon sign with a team so he can participate in Spring Training, fellow countryman Hector Olivera may not be too far behind.
While Olivera, 29, hasn’t garnered as much attention as Moncada, he’s on the radar of multiple MLB teams and impressed in an open showcase last week. The Los Angeles Dodgers were among those who attended the showcase and according to Ben Badler of Baseball America, had a contingent on hand Wednesday to get another look at Olivera:
Hundreds of scouts here in the DR at Hector Olivera's showcase game. Dodgers, Giants, A's, Padres among those with notable presence.
— Ben Badler (@BenBadler) February 11, 2015
As he did in last week’s event, Olivera again impressed, reaching safely in all five of his plate appearances:
First two at-bats for Hector Olivera: HBP then ropes a line-drive double to left field. Andrew Friedman, Josh Byrnes both here from Dodgers.
— Ben Badler (@BenBadler) February 11, 2015
Opposite field single for Hector Olivera, who's reached base in all three PAs so far today.
— Ben Badler (@BenBadler) February 11, 2015
Hector Olivera walks, then smokes a double into the RCF gap. He's reached base in all five PAs today. Tremendous day for him.
— Ben Badler (@BenBadler) February 11, 2015
In portions of 10 seasons playing for Santiago de Cuba, Olivera is a career .323/.407/.505 with 96 home runs and 433 RBIs. At age 29 and having played in a Cuban professional league for more than five seasons, team’s aren’t bound by the same international signing guidelines that come with pursuing the younger Moncada.
The Dodgers found success in signing Yasiel Puig to a seven-year, $42 million contract in 2012, which at the time many believed to be preposterous deal for an unproven talent. Since then, the franchise hasn’t had as much luck with the signings of Erisbel Arruebarrena and Alex Guerrero.
While Moncada may be considered a safer bet, albeit a more costly one, he and Olivera conceivably could snap the Dodgers’ streak of spending big on Cuban prospects that have failed to completely pan out.
[divide]Dodgers 2015 FanFest
As stated on other blogs, it is only money which they have plenty of and we, the fans, have paid for because we cannot watch the Dodgers play on TV! So whenever possible I think they should spend money to pick up more players. The Dodgers have a streak of 27 Years without a title. Win it damn it.