Yoenis Cespedes recently sat down with Marlins brass in Miami. The slugger’s journey state-side included a tour of the Marlins new stadium and lunch with Miami’s executives. While the meeting didn’t end in an offer or handshake-agreement, the Marlins are considered the favorite to ink Cespedes. While he admits Yoenis is impressive, Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen also said there are several questions surrounding Cespedes.
Yesterday, Guillen sat down with ESPN Radio to discuss the Cuban defector. Guillen noted that Cespedes is “pretty impressive” but added that it’s no slam dunk that he winds up in Miami.
From the start, the Marlins made it clear that they are going to be in on Cespedes. Still, team president David Samson said that his club doesn’t have to have the 26-year-old. Guillen reiterated this sentiment yesterday, noting that the Marlins are plenty happy with the roster they currently have.
While this could certainly be considered posturing, Guillen added that there are several question marks surrounding Cespedes. On top of what position Cespedes is ultimately going to end up playing and how much time he will require in the minors, Guillen wonders how Cespedes will handle major league pitching and the media.
Even though he does have several questions regarding Cespedes, Guillen likes the prospect’s confidence. Guillen liked the fact that Cespedes told reporters that he’s not coming to the U.S. to play in the minors. While some may question that response, to Guillen it was the right answer.
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