I completely agree with you. Eric needs to have a good friend he can talk to like he used to talk with Speedle. I'm always hoping Eric and Ryan become good friends but unfortunately that doesn't seem to be happening, so Eddie Cibrian's character would make a great friend for Eric. After everything Eric's been through I think it would be good for him to have a friend to talk to instead of a shrink or Calleigh. Maybe Eddie's character is what it's going to take to bring the team back together like they used to be.
That could be true..I don't know if it will happen instantly, though. This team has had a lot go on since Speed's death. Some grew closer, some apart. Even though the team is a little distant, they are all very much protective of each other.
Eric and Ryan's relationship didn't start off fine, but they eventually smoothed it over after Ryan got shot in the eye. Eric felt really guilty over this, but really it wasn't his fault because he was out being there for someone else very close to him - his sick sister. They aren't close, but they are friends (i.e. when Eric was shot, Ryan said to the shooter "You shot my friend"). Its a shame they really weren't able to get as close as he was with Speed, but its true that the animosity Eric had from the beginning has caused a little unsteadiness in their current relationship.
I honestly think that Eddie's character and Eric would have some things to relate to, if they keep him as a Cuban man or have him heavily interested in sports or diving, etc.. There could be so many directions to take this, but whatever nationality they make him or whatever interest they give him, it would be great to show Eric have someone to be able to click with outside the lab...besides Calleigh of course