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Yankees Rumors: Team Remains Strongly Interested In Hector Olivera

By Billy Brost

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The New York Yankees, after having allowed franchise second baseman Robinson Cano to walk away a year ago to sign with the Seattle Mariners, are still looking for his suitable replacement. Last season witnessed a plethora of candidates come and go, from Brian Roberts, to Kelly Johnson, to Stephen Drew, to finally Martin Prado. Heading into the off-season, it appeared that Prado would be the starter at the keystone position, that was until he along with David Phelps, were dealt to the Miami Marlins for Nathan Eovaldi. 

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Well, Roberts has retired, Johnson is now back in Atlanta on a minor league deal, and with Prado in South Beach, the Yankees will look to a pair of rookies–Jose Pirela and Rob Refsnyder to compete with the recently re-signed Drew, to man second base for the Bronx Bombers in 2015. That doesn’t mean the team and GM Brian Cashman aren’t still looking outside the organization for big league-ready help.

Recently, Cuban defector, Hector Olivera held a workout, with more than 200 scouts in attendance. Among the teams that remain heavily interested in his services, and were also in attendance, of course, the New York Yankees per a Tweet from MLB.com writer Jesse Sanchez:

Olivera is considered big league-ready by Ben Badler of Baseball America. Olivera, 29, has been a good source of power over his career in Cuba, but recently suffered a blood disorder, which made his pursuit a little murky. Teams thus far, aren’t even sure if Olivera can return to second base duties full-time. Upon his return from his illness, he primarily served as a designated hitter. It is unknown whether that was to allow him to fully recuperate, or if his skills have diminished defensively from missing such an extended amount of time.

The bat is definitely there however. His power output has increased in every full season he has played, going from 10 in his first season, to 17 during his last season prior to his extended absence. Even upon his return, Olivera hit seven home runs in only 273 plate appearances. Badler suggests he will receive a similar deal to that of fellow countryman Yasmany Tomas, in the six or seven year, $70 million dollar range.

The Yankees could go in one of two directions on this. Bluff to drive up Olivera’s price, and snatching Cuban shortstop Yoan Moncada away from the team that signs Olivera, or sign Olivera, and deal Pirela or Refsnyder, keeping Drew as insurance until Olivera is ready to join the big league squad. It’s definitely worth keeping an eye on in future weeks.

Next: Yankees Have Privately Worked Out Yoan Moncada

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