Over a week ago, the news wires were set a blaze with a story about another Dodger Cuban signing. It was reported through various channels that we had signed Erisbel Arruebarrena. Check out my story about it here.
This morning, the Dodgers officially confirmed a new 5-year contract for him. Per a Dodgers press release:
The Los Angeles Dodgers today announced the signing of free agent Cuban infielder Erisbel Arruebarrena to a five-year contract.BTW, Ken Rosenthal has some details about the contract.
“Signing Arruebarrena gives us another very good middle infielder, who is an outstanding defender,” said Dodger General Manager Ned Colletti. “It continues our efforts internationally to add talent that can positively affect the Major League club - be it immediately or in the very near future.”
Arruebarrena, 23, posted a .276 batting average with 67 doubles, 25 triples, 27 homers and 171 RBI in 437 career games in six seasons for Cienfuegos in the Cuban Serie Nacional from 2007-2013. The 6-foot-1, 200-pounder, who is known for his defense, has appeared primarily at shortstop during his career, but has also played second base and third base professionally. With Cienfuegos during the 2012-13 season, Arruebarrena hit .293 with a .366 on-base percentage, six home runs and 32 RBI in 70 regular-season games before going 6-for-14 (.429) in six postseason contests.
“We are excited to sign Erisbel, who we’ve scouted in international competition for a long time.” said Dodger Vice President, International Scouting Bob Engle. “He brings another superb glove to our organization.”
The Cienfuegos, Cuba native was the starting shortstop for his home country in the 2013 World Baseball Classic, batting .375 with a .444 on-base percentage, four runs scored and two RBI in six games in the tournament. He also played internationally for Cuba in the 2011 Pan American Games and batted .445 (8-for-18) with three runs scored, a double and an RBI in five games.
Arruebarrena (pronounced Arr-ru-eh-BAHR-ena) was a teammate of Dodger outfielder Yasiel Puig with Cienfuegos in 2010-11.
To create room on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers designated infielder Justin Sellers for assignment.
Arruebarrena’s deal with #Dodgers: 5 yrs, $25M. Includes $7.5M signing bonus.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 22, 2014
Also, initial reports indicated that his last name was spelled Arruenarruena, but this notice lets us know that his name is spelled without the second "u".
Arruebarrena is likely to play in the minors to start his professional Baseball career.
UPDATE: Via Eric Stephen of True Blue LA on twitter:
Erisbel Arruebarrena is at Dodgers facility in Dominican Republic. Colletti not sure when visa issues will resolve or when he'll report
— Eric Stephen (@truebluela) February 22, 2014
Here is another fantasy Baseball card I made of Arruebarrena.
* Please follow on twitter @ernestreyes *
* Like Dodgers Blue Heaven on facebook *
* Dodgers Blue Heaven home page *
No comments:
Post a Comment