Frisaro:

Marlins primed to bid for Cespedes

 

Cuban sensation Yoenis Cespedes is on the verge of becoming a free agent, and the Marlins are expected to make a strong push for the 26-year-old outfielder.

 

Cespedes has established residency in the Dominican Republic, which had kept him in a holding pattern for months. Now, the outfielder is awaiting approval from Major League Baseball to be declared a free agent.

Recently, Cespedes said the Marlins, Cubs, White Sox, Orioles, Tigers and Indians had expressed the most interest.

 

The Marlins are on record saying they believe Cespedes’ best fit is in Miami, with its strong Cuban community.

 

The Marlins are prepared to make a substantial offer — between four and six years — for the power-hitting outfielder.

 

There is a feeling within the organization that another impact bat is needed to reach the postseason, and Cespedes is a five-tool player.

 

The Marlins also feel Cespedes can handle center field, but some wonder if that is his best position. Because of his size, he may profile more as a corner outfielder. But he has the speed to play all three positions.

 

In recent weeks, Cespedes got some game experience while playing with Aguilas Cibaenas in the Dominican Winter League. He showed glimpses of his power, but he’s also rusty.

 

If he signs with Miami, he certainly would get a strong look in Spring Training, but chances are he would open the season at either Triple-A New Orleans or Double-A Jacksonville.

 

Emilio Bonifacio would then be the frontrunner to start in center field.

 

What would it mean for the rest of the Miami roster if Cespedes signs? Logan Morrison is slated for left field, and Mike Stanton is an anchor in right.

 

The way the Marlins are looking at it is, you can’t have enough elite talent.

 

The team fell apart last year, in part, because of injuries and lack of depth.

 

When Spring Training gets underway, the Marlins right now will be monitoring several players who are returning from surgeries. Morrison had his right knee scoped in November, and Chris Coghlan (another outfield candidate) had his left knee scoped in the same month. Both should be ready for Spring Training, but they likely will be eased into action.

 

Hanley Ramirez is coming off left shoulder surgery. The expectation is for Ramirez to be ready for Opening Day, so his playing time will likely be reduced in Grapefruit League games.

 

If Ramirez has any setbacks, Bonifacio may wind up at third base in the short term.

 

Even shortstop will be watched closely.

 

Jose Reyes has had hamstring issues in the past. Should he need a breather, Bonifacio or Ramirez could see some time at shortstop.

 

Say everyone is healthy, and Cespedes wins the center field job for Opening Day, Bonifacio then could go back to being a super utility player.

 

The bottom line is the Marlins feel they would be a more rounded and deeper team with Cespedes.

 

– Joe Frisaro

http://joefrisaro.ml...d-for-cespedes/

Let the madness begin!

I like this idea more and more, if for no other reason than that I'm not sure they're a playoff team right now, but maybe Cespedes in CF and Boni as the utility guy could push them closer or there.

 

Also, even if he's an LF down the line, that's perfect for when we eventually shift LoMo to 1B and likely trade Gaby, who's probably both too valuable and not versatile enough to keep on the bench. At least, Cespedes would allow us to look into CFs or LFs when the time comes.

And so it begins...

I'm still on the fence on this. Though it was a small sample size, he didn't prove much in the DR league. I say if they're going to sign him, give him a good look in Spring Training, but most likely start him out in Double-A or Triple-A when the season opens.

MLB.com:

 

Reports that he is not interested in signing with the Marlins are not true, an industry source said.

Shocking!

 

Perplexing!

 

Confounding!

RELEASE THE HOUNDS

RELEASE THE HOUNDS

 

SMITHERS! WHERE ARE THE HOUNDS!?

RELEASE THE HOUNDS

 

SMITHERS! WHERE ARE THE HOUNDS!?

 

"Smithers, who is that young go-getter in Center Field?... I like the cut of his jib"

"That's Yeonis Cespedes, sir..."

"Cespedes, ehh? I haven't seen a ballplayer like that since a young Hack Wilson...Excellent!"

:lol

Samson ripped the report about Cespedes not being interested in us apparently on local radio there in Miami. Anyone hear it?

Yoenis Cespedes Granted Free Agency

 

By Ben Nicholson-Smith [January 25 at 3:33pm CST]

MLB has informed teams that Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes is now a free agent, Ben Badler of Baseball America reports. Cespedes, a client of Adam Katz of Wasserman Media Group, recently gained residency in the Dominican Republic.

"A Cuban doesn't want to play here cause there's Cubans, that's a joke" Samson to Lebatard and Stugotz

"A Cuban doesn't want to play here cause there's Cubans, that's a jokersgoon" Samson to Lebatard and Stugotz

 

Ha.

"A Cuban doesn't want to play here cause there's Cubans, that's a joke" Samson to Lebatard and Stugotz

 

"Miami reminds him of a past he tried to flee from..."

JimBowdenESPNxm JIM BOWDEN

 

 

 

 

There are at least four teams that are "in" on Yoenis Cespedes in this order: 1. Cubs 2. Marlins 3. Orioles 4. White Sox

has someone informed him that the Cubs are no good and/or cursed? there should really be an MLB rep that informs international players about this stuff. Or wait, do they know about the Cubs in Cuba? OH PLEASE WON'T SOMEONE STOP THIS PROUD YOUNG MAN FROM RUINING HIS CAREER

I will say one thing about the Cubs. They are one of those teams the media just wants to be in on everything. There were reports coming out about how they were perhaps still on Fielder even after they got Rizzo.

 

As to the Cuban thing. What does bother me from people like Samson, is this notion that because someone is "Latino" or Cuban or what not that they want to be around that same type of person. I remember back in 2005 when the Mets were pushing for Delgado and commented on how he should go over there because of the Puerto Rican community and the Latin players on the team. Then Delgado mentioned after he signed here that the tactic offended him.

Cespedes will go where the money is, whether its the Twins, the Marlins, or anywhere else, regardless of the amount of Cubans.

 

From a fan perspective, I do understand that fans like seeing players from their country, hometown, etc.

Delgado's a rare breed, though, a really intelligent guy. It wouldn't surprise me if some guys like it.

I will say one thing about the Cubs. They are one of those teams the media just wants to be in on everything. There were reports coming out about how they were perhaps still on Fielder even after they got Rizzo.

 

As to the Cuban thing. What does bother me from people like Samson, is this notion that because someone is "Latino" or Cuban or what not that they want to be around that same type of person. I remember back in 2005 when the Mets were pushing for Delgado and commented on how he should go over there because of the Puerto Rican community and the Latin players on the team. Then Delgado mentioned after he signed here that the tactic offended him.

Cespedes will go where the money is, whether its the Twins, the Marlins, or anywhere else, regardless of the amount of Cubans.

 

From a fan perspective, I do understand that fans like seeing players from their country, hometown, etc.

 

 

But...Delgado still came to where a lot of latinos are at... lol. I get your point though.

 

I can't speak for everyone, but being a Cuban myself (and as far as observations etc..)

We love to be around our own people...but of course, money WINS that battle.

 

I just dont see the logic behind the talks of Cespedes not wanting to be here (especially if we offer the most money).

Did we sign centipede yet?

Did we sign centipede yet?

 

 

Great, now you just made me think of The Human Centipede. That put me off food for the next three hours....

Did we sign centipede yet?

 

 

Great, now you just made me think of The Human Centipede. That put me off food for the next three hours....

 

Cesspool? Does that do anything for ya?

now that we're throwing out name puns: I can't be the only one who thinks Cespedes sounds like it could be a new menu item at Taco Bell, right?

I'm still on the fence on this. Though it was a small sample size, he didn't prove much in the DR league. I say if they're going to sign him, give him a good look in Spring Training, but most likely start him out in Double-A or Triple-A when the season opens.

 

 

If he had batted .500 with eight home runs he wouldn't have proven anything in the DWL.