Outside of Prince Fielder, one of the most intriguing free agent position players left is Cuban defecting outfielder Yoennis Cespedes. He is expected to immediately enter the signing team's plans and will be a regular player immediately. He better be for the money he is commanding. As a 26 year old, he is looking for a six year contract, which I personally think fits for the type of player he is. Granted, he has never played in the major leagues, which could be a concern due to his Cuban average being below average. Here are his most recent Cuban Granma career stats.
Year Team Lge AB H DB TP HR BB SO R RBI SB CS BA OBP SLG
2004 Granma______ CBA 300 73 17 4 8 23 86 40 34 3 1 .243 .302 .407 2005 Granma______ CBA 358 92 22 3 13 26 83 55 42 4 1 .257 .314 .444 2006 Granma______ CBA 360 101 23 2 19 31 68 66 58 6 1 .281 .344 .514 2007 Granma______ CBA 361 91 22 2 17 30 84 67 57 12 5 .252 .317 .465 2008 Granma______ CBA 378 82 14 1 18 21 79 57 52 3 2 .217 .258 .402 2009 Granma______ CBA 348 87 14 1 18 28 60 58 54 4 2 .250 .307 .451 2010 Granma______ CBA 358 93 19 3 14 30 70 61 45 4 1 .260 .321 .447 2011 Granma______ CBA 375 92 16 1 22 34 67 60 65 8 1 .245 .311 .469
As you can see, his batting average and on base percentage are not up to par with top major league players, let alone lead off batters. As a "five tool" player, I am surprised that he doesn't have many stolen bases. Maybe thats just not part of the Cuban game. He has homerun power that should translate to the majors and is a pure center fielder, something always in demand. The Cuban Leagues are also known to be dominated by their pitching. Without further due, here is my top five destinations for Yoennis Cespedes.
5. Minnesota Twins: The Twins could be a sleeper assuming they haven't eliminated long term contracts due to the lack of recent success of Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau. They have some money available, money they had put aside for free agents Michael Cuddyer and Jason Kubel. His signing could take some of the pressure off the recoveries of Mauer and Morneau. And the Twins could use the buzz after a disappointing 2011 season.
4. Washington Nationals: I still see the Nationals landing Prince Fielder, and this may be a back up plan if Fielder falls through. His presence could make the transition easier for Bryce Harper, and maybe Harper could become a corner outfielder. An outfield of Cespedes, Harper and Jayson Werth could be known in Washington for the next several years.
3. San Francisco Giants: The Giants have added OFs Melky Cabrera and Angel Pagan this offseason. Cespedes' projected power could be an addition to the Giants lineup. Especially if the Giants see themselves out of the Fielder derby. They would have to commit the six years, and he could be a power hitting number 3 or 5 hitter in the Giants lineup that has Buster Posey and Aubrey Huff.
2. Chicago Cubs: Cespedes seems like a player that has intrigued new team president Theo Epstein. After acquiring Anthony Rizzo to play first base and trading Carlos Zambrano to the Marlins to get Chris Volstad, this could be the third step of Theo putting his stamp on this team. The big Chicago market is something Cespedes could thrive in and he could be the center piece of the "new" Cubs. The offseason will be concluded when the Cubs decide what to do with SP Matt Garza and OF Alfonzo Soriano.
1. Miami Marlins: The Marlins have one final splash to make this offseason. I have heard that they have inquired about Fielder, but they have little interest. The Marlins had shed out a six year contract for CJ Wilson before he signed a five year deal with his hometown Angels. So, the Marlins have the money. It would also be a good spot for Cespedes to play since its the closest MLB city to his home country. And, the Marlins do not have a center fielder. Its the most logical fit.
Year Team Lge AB H DB TP HR BB SO R RBI SB CS BA OBP SLG
2004 Granma______ CBA 300 73 17 4 8 23 86 40 34 3 1 .243 .302 .407 2005 Granma______ CBA 358 92 22 3 13 26 83 55 42 4 1 .257 .314 .444 2006 Granma______ CBA 360 101 23 2 19 31 68 66 58 6 1 .281 .344 .514 2007 Granma______ CBA 361 91 22 2 17 30 84 67 57 12 5 .252 .317 .465 2008 Granma______ CBA 378 82 14 1 18 21 79 57 52 3 2 .217 .258 .402 2009 Granma______ CBA 348 87 14 1 18 28 60 58 54 4 2 .250 .307 .451 2010 Granma______ CBA 358 93 19 3 14 30 70 61 45 4 1 .260 .321 .447 2011 Granma______ CBA 375 92 16 1 22 34 67 60 65 8 1 .245 .311 .469
As you can see, his batting average and on base percentage are not up to par with top major league players, let alone lead off batters. As a "five tool" player, I am surprised that he doesn't have many stolen bases. Maybe thats just not part of the Cuban game. He has homerun power that should translate to the majors and is a pure center fielder, something always in demand. The Cuban Leagues are also known to be dominated by their pitching. Without further due, here is my top five destinations for Yoennis Cespedes.
5. Minnesota Twins: The Twins could be a sleeper assuming they haven't eliminated long term contracts due to the lack of recent success of Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau. They have some money available, money they had put aside for free agents Michael Cuddyer and Jason Kubel. His signing could take some of the pressure off the recoveries of Mauer and Morneau. And the Twins could use the buzz after a disappointing 2011 season.
4. Washington Nationals: I still see the Nationals landing Prince Fielder, and this may be a back up plan if Fielder falls through. His presence could make the transition easier for Bryce Harper, and maybe Harper could become a corner outfielder. An outfield of Cespedes, Harper and Jayson Werth could be known in Washington for the next several years.
3. San Francisco Giants: The Giants have added OFs Melky Cabrera and Angel Pagan this offseason. Cespedes' projected power could be an addition to the Giants lineup. Especially if the Giants see themselves out of the Fielder derby. They would have to commit the six years, and he could be a power hitting number 3 or 5 hitter in the Giants lineup that has Buster Posey and Aubrey Huff.
2. Chicago Cubs: Cespedes seems like a player that has intrigued new team president Theo Epstein. After acquiring Anthony Rizzo to play first base and trading Carlos Zambrano to the Marlins to get Chris Volstad, this could be the third step of Theo putting his stamp on this team. The big Chicago market is something Cespedes could thrive in and he could be the center piece of the "new" Cubs. The offseason will be concluded when the Cubs decide what to do with SP Matt Garza and OF Alfonzo Soriano.
1. Miami Marlins: The Marlins have one final splash to make this offseason. I have heard that they have inquired about Fielder, but they have little interest. The Marlins had shed out a six year contract for CJ Wilson before he signed a five year deal with his hometown Angels. So, the Marlins have the money. It would also be a good spot for Cespedes to play since its the closest MLB city to his home country. And, the Marlins do not have a center fielder. Its the most logical fit.
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