The Dodgers were among several teams scouting second baseman Hector Olivera at a showcase in the Dominican Republic, according to BaseballAmerica.com.
Olivera, 29, hasn’t been declared a free agent by Major League Baseball. He reportedly defected from Cuba last September. In 10 seasons in Cuba’s top league, Olivera was a career .323/.407/.505 hitter who walked more often than he struck out. Listed at 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds by BA, his power translated well in Friday’s showcase. And the Dodgers were watching. Writes Ben Badler:
Of all the teams at the showcase today, the Dodgers had the most notable presence. Dodgers vice president of baseball operations Josh Byrnes, VP of amateur and international scouting David Finley and director of player personnel Galen Carr were all there.
The report also lists the Diamondbacks, Giants, Mariners, Padres and Braves as interested parties.