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.
