Yoenis Cespedes Likely to Make A’s Opening Day Roster

Yoenis Cespedes arrived in A’s camp this weekend, took his physical and finalized his four-year, $36 million deal with Oakland.  From the debut of his ridiculous workout video, Cespedes has not lacked confidence.  However, most around the game agreed that the prospect would likely require at least some time in the minors to hone his skills before hitting the big stage.  While this could still prove to be the case, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reported yesterday that all indications suggest Cespedes will be on the A’s Opening Day roster.

Slusser gets the feeling that, unless Cespedes faces “major difficulties adjusting to big-league pitching”, he has a great shot at breaking camp with the A’s.  Oakland general manager Billy Beane didn’t dissuade these beliefs by telling Slusser that he and the A’s will be keeping an open mind regarding the whole situation.  Beane said that, based on Cespedes’s contract, the sooner the Cuban native reaches the majors “the better”.

Cespedes was able to take batting practice this weekend, but it will be a little while longer before the 26-year-old is game-ready.  Because he missed eight days of camp due to his visa issues, the A’s expect it to take five or six days for Cespedes to be ready to play in spring training contests.

It’s hard to disagree with Slusser.  Based on the contract, the A’s are going to be paying Cespedes what they’re paying him whether he’s taking at bats in the minors or at the major league level.  Also, with Oakland’s 2012 outlook, what do the A’s have to lose?

How do you think the A’s should handle Cespedes?

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