Yoenis Cespedes to Work Out for Cubs
MLB.com is reporting that the Chicago Cubs will be the next team heading to the Dominican Republic to personally watch Cuban-defector Yoennis Cespedes workout. Cespedes conducted a private workout for the Miami Marlins last Thursday, and several other clubs are expected to make the trip to preview the highly-coveted center fielder.
The Yoennis Cespedes show began early last week with the introduction of his now-widespread scouting video. Interest in Cespedes seemingly grew overnight, but many scouts and analysts were quick to remind us that teams have been watching the 26-year-old for years. His play in the Cuba and during the World Baseball Classic had placed Cespedes on the radars of most clubs some time ago.
Cespedes, who is in the process of completing his paperwork which will allow him to come stateside and join the free agent market, is currently stationed in the Dominican Republic. There Cespedes is training, getting himself ready for the 2012 season. Last week, Cespedes’s advisor told Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus that Yoennis will “be in spring training with a major league club”.
Because he is unable to travel to the US to meet with his prospective suitors, interested teams are coming to Cespedes. Last Thursday the Miami Marlins sent a contingent of their top front office officials to the Dominican. There, Miami’s president, general manager and hitting coach all received a first-hand look at Cespedes.
Scouts have been raving about Cespedes and how he’s seemingly oozing with talent. Most agree Cespedes offers an exciting combo of athleticism and power. Without having taken a swing in the majors or minors, scouts are saying Cespedes looks like a future 30-30 guy. The comments the Marlins made following their private workout fell right in line with previous sentiment.
Now, it appears the Cubs will be the next club to get some one-on-one time in with Cespedes. Along with Chicago and Miami, the Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, Cleveland Indians, Toronto Blue Jays, Pittsburgh Pirates, Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers, Washington Nationals, Oakland A’s and New York Yankees are all said to be interested in Cespedes.
Looking over the list, it may have been easier to tell you the clubs not in on Cespedes, who’s expected to command a deal in the range of the $30 million contract Aroldis Chapman signed last year.
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