Los Angeles Dodgers fans are getting closer to seeing this offseason's big offseason addition, Cuban infielder Hector Olivera, who signed a six-year, $62.5 million contract. Infielder Darwin Barney was designated for assignment, while Olivera has been promoted to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Olivera only played in six games for Double-A Tulsa, Olivera slashed .318/.400/.455 with one home run and six RBI. Three errors might slow his swift ascent to the big leagues however; even if Olivera was inked for his bat, the Dodgers have quality players that can both hit and field their positions.
Olivera has played in two games (nine plate appearances) at Triple-A and thrived. He's hitting .444 with four singles, and is seeing the path cleared. Earlier this month the Dodgers dealt Opening Day third baseman Juan Uribe for utility infielder Alberto Callaspo, and have since designated Barney to go with recent acquisition Ronald Torreyes.
During various minor league stops the 22-year-old Torreyes has not shown he offers more than Barney in any area except age. He is unlikely to be any impediment to playing time for Olivera when he arrives in Los Angeles.
Olivera's defense could be an issue. In 53 games Justin Turner has slashed .316/.388/.493 with five home runs and 24 RBI. He has also played above-average defense at the hot corner, with Fangraphs.com crediting him with four runs saved defensively. Olivera may bring even more to the table offensively than what Turner is already providing-Turner's career track record shows this pace is likely not sustainable-but Olivera's defense could make him less valuable for this season than Turner.
There is also the issue of Olivera's arm; his elbow was worrisome enough to add a clause stipulating Los Angeles gets a team option for a seventh season at $1 million if he requires Tommy John surgery at any point during the deal. If Turner is producing, there may be no need to rush Olivera, even at 30 years old.
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