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Padres Rumors: Padres Interested In Hector Olivera?

By Jason Evans |

With the influx of Cuban talent coming over in recent years, you have to be a fool if you’re not interested and not trying to get these guys when the become available. The Padres have done that already in signing pitcher Odrisamer Despaigne. One of the big parts of A.J. Preller’s background is international scouting and the GM may be tapping into that again.

According to MLB.com’s Jesse Sanchez, the Padres were among the teams at a showcase for Cuban second baseman Hector Olivera.

Olivera hasn’t played since April and missed the 2012-2013 season with what was deemed a blood disorder. Olivera turns 30 in April.

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When Olivera came back the next season after the blood disorder he was only able to play 29 out of the 90 games at second base. He spent the rest of the time at DH. When Olivera gets cleared, he could go right to the big leagues and make an impact. From 2008-2012, he didn’t have a batting average below .315.

For the Padres it’s somewhat of a curious fit. The last regime gave Jedd Gyorko a contract extension after his rookie season. Yes last season didn’t work out, but a lot of that had to do with injuries. Gyorko was moved off third to second so maybe that signified Gyorko could be a part of an unsettled third base situation.

Also, how healthy is Olivera. As I said earlier, the last time he played he spent a lot of time at DH. He can’t do that with the Padres. If Olivera is healthy and can play a little at second and possibly a little at third then he could be a useful piece.

The Padres don’t mind taking on players with health issues. They got Matt Kemp and Wil Myers missed some time last season as well.

If Olivera can remain healthy and hit as advertised, it could be an interesting move the Padres if they add him. Keep an eye on the Olivera situation as we were less than a month to Spring Training.

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