Infielder Hector Olivera is set to become the next Cuban star to join the ranks of Major League Baseball as a highly touted prospect at second base, although some scouts see him more of a third baseman. Either way, he is generally considered a major league ready talent that would immediately contribute to whichever team signs him. There have been rumors swirling that he could be signed to a contract worth nearly $70 million, and numerous teams have been linked to him as having interest, including the Oakland Athletics.
However, some troubling news came out of the woodwork today that may have some teams thinking twice about throwing such a large amount of money his way.
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According to Yahoo! Sports columnist, Jeff Passan, some red flags have been raised following a string of physicals that Olivera has undergone for MLB teams. There are rumors that Olivera has a damaged ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing arm – an affliction that may require Tommy John surgery at some point. If required, TJ surgery could keep him out of baseball activities for a minimum of 6 months, and most likely the entire 2015 season.
Of course if the reports are true, interest in Olivera would greatly decline, and certainly the amount of money teams would be willing to offer wouldn’t come close to the $70 million mark that he is expected to earn.
However, there is hope for the 29-year-old Cuban. According to an NBC Sports report, Olivera’s representatives were “surprised” to hear these rumors, and suggest that they are unfounded. Members of Olivera’s camp insist that he has passed all of his physicals with flying colors, and that he is completely healthy.
At this point information is still scarce on the subject, but certainly time will weed out the truth. For those A’s fans that would like to have Hector on the team, let’s certainly hope that the reports are false and that Billy Beane will be able to lure the talented infielder to Oakland.