The Marlins are prepared to make a strong run for Yoenis Cespedes once he gains his Dominican residency and Major League Baseball declares him a free agent, Marlins president David Samson said in his weekly appearance on 790 The Ticket (transcribed by Juan C. Rodriguez of the Sun-Sentinel).
“[The club's pursuit will be] aggressive right to the point of stupidity, but not quite there,” Samson said. “We think he’s a perfect fit for us, but it has to be sane. [We've been] expressing interest, going to visit, making it very clear to his representatives and to him and his family that we think he should not be anywhere other than Miami. As a Cuban and someone in the DR, it makes perfect sense. We have a perfect position for him to play. It would be great."
Samson went on to say that the club is prepared for the sizable signing bonus and contract that Cespedes will likely command. However, Miami will back off if another team looks to "make a bigger splash or get irrational."
Rodriguez also writes that the club has not begun pursuing Prince Fielder, according to a source who has spoken with the front office. Earlier today we learned that there are strong indications that the Marlins aren't pursuing the slugger aggressively.
Samson is not a very smart negotiator.
Uh, he’s not saying they’re going to be “stupidly aggressive”. It’s the opposite. all he’s saying is they’re gonna be aggressive at what they think he’s worth and nothing more. Basically saying they aren’t going to get into a bidding war. Hence, to the point of stupidity but not there. So when/if the price gets stupid he’s out. Besides, it doesn’t matter what he tells the media. Yoenis and his agent know exactly who’s serious and who isnt.
It’s why Boras is kicking himself that he couldn’t push Fielder harder to the Marlins sooner.
Detroit.
I hope Detroit signs him as well… want to see him swinging at more sliders in the dirt in the ALC!
I really want this guy in Detroit.
If you want space, the Jays can take Boesch off your hands.
Okay, Boesch for Bautista.
You never see the Tigers office, say David Dombrowski, run his mouth. Not smart.
What?
What? You never see DD say “oh, we’re going to probably sign him.” What’s not to get?
I’ve never seen that. I have seen him say that he’s not going after someone and then gets him, but I’ve never seen him say he is probably going to sign someone.
That was my point. This is how he gets things done. I don’t think ANY president/GM/whatever say all those things.
And yet, he is one of the top five GM’s in baseball.
We might be on the wrong page here, I’m agreeing with you. David Dombrowski smartly keeps things on the down low, and usually gets what he wants. He IS one of the best GM’s in the games. Hopefully he can nab Cespedes.
I still think Soler will end up as a better player, but who really knows anything yet.
5-Tool Superstar! I want him in CF for Marlins!
You can have him . He’s not even projected to play in the majors this year or maybe even next . You’re basically only paying for him to play 2-3 years in the majors on a 4-5 year deal . And as been stated , most think Soler will have a better career .
There is no way he signs with a team that would put him in the minors. He’s already 26, and extending the time until he can be a free agent again (because that’s when he’ll get real money [as long as he performs]) would be stupid on his part.
If I’m him, I don’t sign any contract that doesn’t make me a free agent again in 3 years. 29 year old 5-tool players make bank, and a whole lot more than some guy coming in from Cuba or a guy on the wrong side of 30.
i’m not sure cf is the best position for this guy. i see him more in left.
I think Samson is looking to put together a good team, then sell them for a profit.
Now that I’m thinking about it, I’m not sure if I want Cespedes just because of the hype or because I think he is a good player. Maybe Soler is the better investment.
Major League deals for guys who are going to be in the minors are always risky. Because they’re burning through options and taking up a 40-man roster spot, you end up at the point where you have to force the guy onto your ML roster or release them losing all of your investment. Like Andrew Brackman, or the decision the Royals are going to have to make with Noel Argueles.
If Viciedo struggles out of the gate this year, what do you do?
A: Keep playing him
B: Bench him, not giving him ABs he needs to develop
C: DFA a 22 year old premium power bat
A. No doubt about it.
If he spends the first two months hitting .200?
I agree for the this year’s White Sox team that isn’t probably winning anything, but if you’re competing, it is hard to keep that in your lineup.
***there are other pitfalls as well
Having to move him off 3B because he didn’t have time to develop. Or trading your veteran RF for scrap because you need to get him in the lineup.
Cespedes would look great in Miami! but if so it’d mean Lomo is on his way out. Sorry, but true.
LoMo is a 1B by trade… so they’d likely deal Gaby and move LoMo to 1B… or keep Cespedes in CF.
Yoenis Cespedes 3-0 3k HBP In his second AB with Aguilas K on three pitches against #Mets prospect Jeurys Familia.