Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus is reporting the Miami Marlins are sending a "large contingent" to scout Cuban center fielder Yoenis Cespedes:
[Edgar] Mercedes confirmed that the Marlins are bringing in a large contingent to see Cespedes work out on Thursday and that the Yankees, Red Sox Phillies, Indians, Blue Jays, and Pirates will also be visiting in the coming weeks, with more teams expected to be added to the fray.
Edgar Mercedes, the man behind Cespedes strange yet fascinating 20 minute workout video, has been helping support Cespedes, who recently defected from Cuba and is now residing in the Dominican Republic.
Goldstein also asked Mercedes to project on Cespedes's possibly contract:
As for the money aspect, with rumors already starting that [Cespedes will] easily eclipse Aroldis Chapman's $30 million deal with Cincinnati, Mercedes is coy. "I just arrange the tryouts; Adam takes care of the negotiations."
Earlier this week, we suggested that Cespedes could not only be the Miami Marlins' best bet for center field, but that he would be a bargain even at $38M or more. It looks like the Marlins -- who are expected to increase their budget this year -- could easily make a play for Cespedes and still target the likes of Prince Fielder or Albert Pujols.
Baseball, to say the least, is exciting again in south Florida.
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