Yaisel Sierra of Cuba Officially Becomes a Dodger for $30 million

Yaisel Sierra of Cuba Officially Becomes a Dodger for $30 million
February 21, 2016 |

HAVANA TIMES — The Los Angeles Dodgers are betting big time on Cuban
baseball to provide top notch players for their team. The latest
acquisition –for US $30 million over six years- is right-handed pitcher
Yaisel Sierra, 24, who played for Holguin in the island's top division
league.

Sierra, who had only a mediocre five years playing in Cuba, was
appraised to have the tools to become a major asset for the Dodgers. He
is the ninth Cuban player to receive a contract with a total investment
of over $200 million, starting with the signing four years ago of
outfielder Yasiel Puig ($42 million).

Among the Cubans signed by the Dodgers, thus far the only players to see
MLB action are Puig and infielders Alex Guerrero ($28 million) and
Erisbel Arruebarrena ($25 million). Of these only Puig is expected to be
on the opening day roster. Hector Olivera ($62.5 million), first signed
by the Dodgers, is expected to be a starter for the Atlanta Braves where
he was traded.

During his seasons in the Cuba, Sierra compiled a 4.23 ERA pitching
mostly as a reliever. He had a lifetime 16-21 record with 221 strikeouts
and 166 walks in 300 innings. He will join the Dodgers training camp in
the coming days.

Josh Byrnes, the Dodgers senior VP for baseball operations, was not at
all discouraged by Sierra's average stats in the Cuban league.

"He's got a lot of power in his arsenal, we like his makeup, he's fairly
far along, but still has some room to grow as we turn him into a Major
League pitcher," said Byrnes.

Source: Yaisel Sierra of Cuba Officially Becomes a Dodger for $30
million - Havana Times.org - http://www.havanatimes.org/?p=116910