The Los Angeles Dodgers spent big bucks this offseason to sign Cuban 2B/3B Hector Olivera, but it seems like the move was made for the future and not the present. Olivera is not in the United States yet, and when he does arrive he's expected to start his career in the minors.
Olivera was signed for six years and $62.5 million, but remains in the Dominican Republic. Once he obtains his visa, there is another major hurdle to leap-the physical. Olivera was signed with serious concerns about his throwing elbow, and was reported to have a slight tear in his UCL. Because of those elbow concerns, the Dodgers have the ability to activate a second year in Olivera's contract at $1 million if he requires Tommy John surgery at any point during the deal.
Olivera hasn't played professionally since 2013, but in 2013 he slashed .316/.412/.474 with seven home runs, 38 RBI and 44 runs. Although there are high hopes for Olivera, he is not essential to the Dodgers in 2015, who have veteran Juan Uribe to man third base, and second baseman Howie Kendrick in town on a one-year deal.
Had Olivera been ready for Opening Day, he would have begun the season at third base. In Uribe, the Dodgers have a steady, if brittle player. Last season Uribe hit .311 with nine home runs, but only managed to play in 103 games. The last time he appeared in more than 132 games was in 2010 with the San Francisco Giants.
Kendrick was a standout for the Los Angeles Angels last season, batting .293 with eight home runs while adding 8.8 runs defensively.
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