In L.A., Steve Dilbeck reports the Dodgers on Tuesday signed Cuban infielder Hector Olivera to a six-year, $62.5M deal that "includes a stunning" $28M signing bonus, marking "easily the most money the Dodgers have spent on a free agent this off-season." Dilbeck: "Wow. A very big, wow." The deal is a "serious commitment for someone who turns 30 the day before the season opener, has never played anywhere in the major league system and reportedly has a UCL issue in his right throwing elbow" (L.A. TIMES, 3/25).
WAHOO WALK-UPS: In Cleveland, Kevin Kleps writes the Indians' Progressive Field renovations "cater to two sets -- millennials and families of young kids -- who might be more prone to make last-minute decisions to go to a game." But whether the upgrades help the team buck the downward trend of single-game ticket sales "won't be known for months." Indians President Mark Shapiro said, "We expect to grow our season (ticket) base again this season, and most importantly think the renovations will be a driver in the increase of single-game sales" (CRAIN'S CLEVELAND BUSINESS, 3/22 issue).
TALE OF A SNAKE: The D-Backs on Monday launched this year's Hispanic-focused marketing campaign. The tagline “Somos Hispanos. Somos D-backs," which translates to “We are Hispanic. We are D-backs," will be featured in several print, TV and radio spots and social media. The team's first spot features Venezuelan LF David Peralta, Mexican P Oliver Perez and Cuban 3B Yasmany Tomas (D-Backs).
SOUTH OF THE BORDER: Padres President & CEO Mike Dee said that the team intends to "make a greater push into Mexico." Dee: "We want to play games in Mexico. It's important to be down there, to be visible, to be present." MLB.com's Corey Brock notes Padres Int'l Scouting Dir Chris Kemp and the team "have already been active in Mexico" (MLB.com, 3/25).
