Dodgers Reportedly Nearing Deal With Yet Another Cuban Infielder

I can’t pronounce this guy’s name and neither can you, but the Dodgers are reportedly close to reaching an agreement with him. The guy I am referring to is a 23-year old Cuban shortstop named Erisbel Arruebarruena. Don’t try spelling his name at home folks, if you were playing scrabble, his name would be a triple word score. Regardless, the Dodgers seem to be on the verge of yet another Cuban signee. I for one am glad. I love these Cubans. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I would take a whole roster of Cuban players. The story was originally reported by Enrique Rojas of ESPN Deportes. We saw our first glimpses of him during the World Baseball Classic last spring while he played for team Cuba.

Cuban Shortstop Erisbel Arruebarruena

The 23-year old glove first Arruebarruena, has six seasons of experience playing in the Cuban Serie Nacional, or the Cuban National Series. Because of this he is not subject to any international spending restrictions, and is free to sign with any team.

Apparently Arruebarruena batted .320 in 306 plate appearances for Cuba in 2011-2012, but is considered a defensive centric shortstop. Scouts seem to think he might struggle to even hit .200 in the majors.  Arruebarruena has drawn comparisons to fellow Cuban shortstop Jose Iglesias, and was called a defensive wizard. The Dodgers would more than likely stick Arruebarruena in the minors, possibly double-A ball, once he is signed. We’ll see what happens. Give us all the Cubans!