Q&A with Elier Leyva, the O’s newest Cuban outfielder

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  Steve Melewski

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  March 18, 2015 7:31 pm

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SARASOTA, Fla. – The Orioles have done pretty well when it comes to signing and developing Cuban outfielders. In December, they added another Cuban to the organization.
Henry Urrutia was signed in 2012, was the O’s minor league Player of the Year a season later and is having a strong spring camp this year. So is Dariel Alvarez, who was signed a year after Urrutia and had a strong minor league season last summer.
Now the O’s have added another corner outfielder from Cuba. They signed…

SARASOTA, Fla. – The Orioles have done pretty well when it comes to signing and developing Cuban outfielders. In December, they added another Cuban to the organization.

Henry Urrutia was signed in 2012, was the O’s minor league Player of the Year a season later and is having a strong spring camp this year. So is Dariel Alvarez, who was signed a year after Urrutia and had a strong minor league season last summer.

Now the O’s have added another corner outfielder from Cuba. They signed 24-year-old Elier Leyva in December to a reported bonus of $180,000. He defected last year, established residency in the Dominican Republic and became an Oriole 10 days before Christmas. The right-handed hitter stands 6-foot-1 1/2 inches and weighs 217 pounds. He was born Sept. 8, 1990. It looks like he will start this season with either Single-A Delmarva or Single-A Frederick.

He is taking part in the O’s minor league camp at Twin Lakes Park and yesterday I had the chance to meet and interview him with the interpreting help of Felipe Rojas Alou Jr., the director of the Orioles Dominican academy.

Here is the interview with Leyva:

Q: I understand you did some showcases in October. How did it come about that the O’s signed you?

Elier Leyva: “I am not sure how it all fell into place, but I did a lot of showcases and one day the Orioles showed interest and I was really anxious to sign. Glad I did and excited to be here.”

Q: Is it your dream to play in the pros in the United States?

EL: “Yes, definitely. Since I left Cuba, that is the reason to come to the States, to be a pro player and I’m thankful the Orioles gave me the opportunity.”

Q: What has it been like with the Orioles?

EL: “It’s been pretty good. Feel at home. Lot of Cuban and Latin players are here and I feel like I’m mixing in real well. Really happy.”

Q: Did you know Urrutia and Alvarez before you signed with Baltimore?

EL: “Not really, I knew who they were. I’ve had a chance to talk to those guys during the workouts, but not as teammates.”

Q: So you have had some time to talk with those players?

EL: “Had a chance to talk to Alvarez a lot and he has given me advice on how to handle myself on the field and the type of baseball they play in the States. I understand it is a lot different. Really looking forward to this season, hopefully finish in the big leagues.”

Q: Did you play in the Cuban major leagues?

EL: “I never made that team, but did play at all the development levels that there are in Cuba and was on one of the three rosters leading to the big teams in Cuba.”

Q: Do you have some role models in guys like Yoenis Cespedes or Yasiel Puig?

EL: “I say yes. First of all, I respect all of them. They made it and worked hard to get where they are at. One player I also admire is (Jose) Abreu, the White Sox first baseman. I hope to follow in those footsteps.”

Q: What are your goals for 2015?

EL: “I hope to have a good season, starting with spring training. My main goal for 2015 is to get at least to Double-A. I understand this is my first year as a pro, so it would be great to get to that level.”

Q: What are your biggest strengths as a player?

EL: “First thing to point to is the bat. Defensively also and my arm, have always had a good arm. The one thing that needs to improve is my running and speed. Other than that, I am confident in what I can do.”

Q: How has it been adapting to the culture and language in the United States?

EL: “You need to adapt to the culture. The language, I love English and definitely have picked up a lot of words. Still not quite to where I want to be, but I’m working on that.”