Dodgers Rumors: Is Cuban Pitcher Odrisamer Despaigne A Target?
After Japanese right-hander Masahiro Tanaka chose to sign a seven-year, $155 million deal with the New York Yankees, the Los Angeles Dodgers are still in the market for one more starting pitcher.
Bronson Arroyo is the only starter that’s been connected to the Dodgers and with a limited market, they could find themselves taking a chance on an unknown talent from Cuba.
According to Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com, a certain Cuban right-hander could be drawing interest from teams that need a starter:
Source: Cuban RHP Odrisamer Despaigne cleared by OFAC & can sign. Held 2 showcases in MX this month & might have one more before he signs.
— Jesse Sanchez (@JesseSanchezMLB) January 25, 2014
I'm told several of the clubs that were interested in signing Tanaka also expressed interest in Odrisamer Despaigne. Plan B?
— Jesse Sanchez (@JesseSanchezMLB) January 25, 2014
Despaigne is a 26-year-old that defected in 2013 and was just cleared by the OFAC. He’s held two workouts in Mexico and could have one more in the coming weeks to get a deal for the spring. The right-hander began his career in Cuba as a relief pitcher before making the transition into a starter after a couple of years. He’s pitched for the Cuban national team and is known as a strikeout pitcher.
The Dodgers currently have a rotation with Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Dan Haren and Josh Beckett; however, Beckett is coming off a surgery to remove a rib to relieve pressure on a nerve. Chad Billingsley is scheduled to return from Tommy John surgery in June, but the team would like to have depth at a position that was ravaged by injuries last season.
The front office has shown a knack for signing international talent, making a decision to sign the Cuban right-hander a bit easier. Dodger management has said they are looking for a short-term deal but a young talent like Despaigne may prove worthy of a deal. Without desperation for a starter, the Dodgers have all options open and can take their time with a decision.
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