DODGING AN ISSUE

The Dodgers have been quite aggressive in signing Cuban ball players. The problem with scouting and evaluating Cuban players is that the U.S. trade embargo makes traditional due diligence difficult.

We don't know the full story on the latest issue with a Cuban prospect. It could be culture shock. It could be a personality problem (hot Latin temper stereotype; the macho thing). But it is almost a trend that multi-million dollar bonus babies are getting quickly into trouble.

The Associated Press reported that Dodgers prospect Erisbel Arruebarrena  was suspended for the remainder of the season for what the team said was ''repeated failures to comply with his contract.''

Club officials declined further comment.

Arruebarrena signed a $25 million, five-year contract in February 2014. He split the season among four minor league teams and the Dodgers and made his big league debut on last May 23. He hit .195 in 22 games for Los Angeles.

The Dodgers designated him for assignment on Dec. 31, and when he cleared waivers he was sent outright to the team's Triple-A affiliate.

The 25-year-old Cuban remained at extended spring training and did not play in any minor league games this year, when his deal calls for a $3 million salary. The club does not have to pay him while suspended list.

The team had previously indicated that it was not related to a testing program violation. It is unknown what other contract provision was breached to get a full year suspension. However, Arruebarrena was at the center of a major brawl in Triple-A last year, at one point taking off his helmet and throwing it at former major leaguer Mike Jacobs. If the player or his agent appeals, it would be heard by baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred.

Other teams may not feel too bad for the Dodgers wasting signing bonus money on a suspended prospect. But there is a lesson for all general managers who are looking to the Caribbean and Cuba for the next great prospects. The mental make-up of players is just as important as the perceived skill levels.  In fact, the former could be the most important issue in a player's development.

HAVE A CIGAR

Depending on who discusses the situation, Cuban baseball ranks between Double A and Triple A level on the international stage. Because of the political sanctions between the U.S. and Cuba, baseball has rarely mixed between the countries. That tide is shifting under the current U.S. administration. Before, players had to defect in order to sign a deal. That may be shifting to normalized pacts. More MLB teams are looking to connect with Cuban prospects.

The Red Sox dove in big time. The Sox went over their international spending limit (which means a penalty and restrictions on signings next year) by signing Cuban infielder Yoan Moncada to a  $30 million contract.  Boston can't sign an international player to a bonus of more than $300,000 until July 2 of 2017, but they have Moncada, who is considered talented enough that he would be the first pick in the 2015 MLB Draft were he eligible, since is considdered as a Top 15 prospect by baseball scribes.

The current trend is clearly to seek out South-of-the-Border talent in Cuba, the Caribbean and Latin America. With additional interest in these youth baseball areas, the cost of signing prospects is going up (which is why MLB put in signing restrictions).