The Los Angeles Dodgers made a splash this offseason when they signed Cuban infielder Hector Olivera to a six-year, $62.5 million deal despite no obvious need for more offense or infielders. While he's tried to secure his visa to travel to the U.S., the Dodgers crew of third basemen have done well.
Juan Uribe, Justin Turner and Alex Guerrero have all taken turns manning the hot corner at different times, and Los Angeles hasn't hurt for offense. Olivera has star potential though-and at 29 years old he's already in his physical prime. Uribe has already been dealt to clear room, and Turner and Guerrero are likely to lose some playing time when Olivera comes to the bigs.
Guerrero doesn't seem to mind, and expressed excitement and a willingness to help his fellow Cuban adjust to a baseball life in America.
"I'm very happy that he's joining the team. I'm excited for us, having another Cuban teammate. More importantly, he's going to help the team," Guerrero said. Part of Olivera's decision was the fact that the Dodgers have Guerrero, Yasiel Puig, and Yasmani Grandal already on the roster to help him be comfortable.
Olivera believes he will need about three to four weeks to be ready for MLB action, and he's already begun asking Guerrero for tips about an MLB lifestyle, as well as differences between the American and Cuban game.
"He was asking me how the baseball is here, what are the rules, what's it like?" Guerrero said.
"I told him the baseball here requires a lot of discipline, on the field during games and during your preparation. The best baseball in the world is played here. Fewer mistakes are made (than in Cuba) and you have to have 100 percent concentration from the minute you get to the ballpark."
Guerrero's first year was difficult, but this season he has thrived playing third base and outfield, becoming one of the Dodgers' key cogs in the lineup. This season he's hitting .290 with nine home runs and 21 RBI in 37 games.
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