I've mixed feelings because if he becomes a star, I'll be happy he went to Oakland. However, if he turns out to be a bust, I'll be sad that he didn't become a Marlin.
(expected response: ‘Jose Reyes and Mark Buehrle would like a word with you.’)
(pre-emptory response to that: ‘Well, it took $164m thrown at them to accept’)
although he is pretty old for a prospect. Taylor, Seth Smith, or Carter, could be enticing too if they were cheap in terms of players required. I don’t think I’d give up a Prado or JJ for any of them straight up, but maybe a package including one of those OFs could work.
but that contract doesn’t get delayed by service time, and is expensive from the start. That contract seems to disagree with the idea that he’ll be anything but in Oakland from opening day on.
I don’t think it’s a guarantee that Cespedes starts off in the big leagues. Seth Smith and Gomes will probably platoon in LF, Reddick will probably start in RF, and Crisp in CF. With no apparent lock at DH, the surplus lessens.
With the GIo trade, the A’s have picked up a ton of pitching. Our pitching surplus probably doesnt “wow” them any longer.
They could use Prado. That’s about it. Their 1b, 2b, and 3b depth chart is sad.
curious, yeah. It was pointed out (John Heyman, I believe) that the A’s were also heavily involved in trying to lure Aroldis Chapman out west. So while odd, at least they’re being consistent.
I've read where the Cuban professional baseball league...
plays at a level of about AAA or so. He’s not a 17-year old prospect, but a 26-year old league veteran who’s killed it in his professional league. This is not as big a jump as most would think.
Certainly out of character for the A’s, who I think would rather go after the 17-year old prospect since they are cheaper…and can be “made” into more valuable commodoties.
Moneyball’s theme:
“Hire employees who are undervalued in the market, and invest in them, to produce a great team.”
Prior to the Winter Leagues, Cespedes was reportedly asking for 60-75 million. He had a very poor showing and turned many teams off due to lack of plate discipline shown in 23 at-bats (take about SSS), never mind you that the competition was probably on par to the norm he faced for better part of a decade and ripped apart in Cuba.
So, the A’s, seeing that his value dropped significantly after 20 ABs decide to enter the bidding on Cespedes, probably with a max bid in mind. To get a player of Cespedes’ potential without having to go more than 9 million a year for 4 years is buying low on an undervalued talent, the exact definition of Moneyball.
Evidently we read the book and theme differently. I read it as Beane looks for undervalued talent. You look at it as he tries to get productive players under value.
we could be reading about how his next contract in 2016 may be worth 7 years at $150MM (purely a guess). The A’s could set themselves up really nicely by moving such a player at the deadline…so I agree its not a bad risk/reward type deal
It's official
NOBODY actually wants to play in Miami.
(expected response: ‘Jose Reyes and Mark Buehrle would like a word with you.’)
(pre-emptory response to that: ‘Well, it took $164m thrown at them to accept’)
carpengui - February 13, 2012
OK, so the A's also now seem to have a suprlus of OFs
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/oakland-signs-yoenis-cespedes-creates-outfield-surplus/
Could we make a deal?
Mr. Sanchez - February 13, 2012
Reddick, maybe
Otherwise, I’m not really interested in anyone they have.
biggentleben - February 13, 2012
Cowgill could fit as a CF possibility next year
although he is pretty old for a prospect. Taylor, Seth Smith, or Carter, could be enticing too if they were cheap in terms of players required. I don’t think I’d give up a Prado or JJ for any of them straight up, but maybe a package including one of those OFs could work.
Mr. Sanchez - February 13, 2012
Cespedes is going to need time in the minors
rxadam - February 13, 2012
Maybe, and probably so,
but that contract doesn’t get delayed by service time, and is expensive from the start. That contract seems to disagree with the idea that he’ll be anything but in Oakland from opening day on.
Mr. Sanchez - February 13, 2012
I don’t think it’s a guarantee that Cespedes starts off in the big leagues. Seth Smith and Gomes will probably platoon in LF, Reddick will probably start in RF, and Crisp in CF. With no apparent lock at DH, the surplus lessens.
With the GIo trade, the A’s have picked up a ton of pitching. Our pitching surplus probably doesnt “wow” them any longer.
They could use Prado. That’s about it. Their 1b, 2b, and 3b depth chart is sad.
ryan c - February 13, 2012
At that price
it’s a pretty safe bet he starts in the majors from day 1.
Mr. Sanchez - February 13, 2012
He'd have to kill it in ST
Undocorkscrew - February 14, 2012
Really?
The most expensive guy on their roster.
Mr. Sanchez - February 14, 2012
And he's killed it in the Cuban League...
he’s not 19 and it’s not his first exposure to advanced pitching.
TBuzz - February 14, 2012
This seems to contradict everything said in Moneyball.
KINGSLYTUT - February 13, 2012
curious, yeah. It was pointed out (John Heyman, I believe) that the A’s were also heavily involved in trying to lure Aroldis Chapman out west. So while odd, at least they’re being consistent.
carpengui - February 13, 2012
Why do you say it contradicts Moneyball?
ryan c - February 13, 2012
A lot of money for an unproven, but high-profiled international prospect I guess
That and maybe he’s not much of a walker?
Undocorkscrew - February 14, 2012
I've read where the Cuban professional baseball league...
plays at a level of about AAA or so. He’s not a 17-year old prospect, but a 26-year old league veteran who’s killed it in his professional league. This is not as big a jump as most would think.
Certainly out of character for the A’s, who I think would rather go after the 17-year old prospect since they are cheaper…and can be “made” into more valuable commodoties.
TBuzz - February 14, 2012
Moneyball’s theme:
“Hire employees who are undervalued in the market, and invest in them, to produce a great team.”
Prior to the Winter Leagues, Cespedes was reportedly asking for 60-75 million. He had a very poor showing and turned many teams off due to lack of plate discipline shown in 23 at-bats (take about SSS), never mind you that the competition was probably on par to the norm he faced for better part of a decade and ripped apart in Cuba.
So, the A’s, seeing that his value dropped significantly after 20 ABs decide to enter the bidding on Cespedes, probably with a max bid in mind. To get a player of Cespedes’ potential without having to go more than 9 million a year for 4 years is buying low on an undervalued talent, the exact definition of Moneyball.
ryan c - February 13, 2012
Beane’s theory is not to get players based on potential, but production. Cespedes hasn’t produced against top competition.
Don’t get me wrong I think it’s great signing, I just find it curious that it was the A’s
KINGSLYTUT - February 13, 2012
Evidently we read the book and theme differently. I read it as Beane looks for undervalued talent. You look at it as he tries to get productive players under value.
ryan c - February 13, 2012
If Cespedes reaches his potential...
we could be reading about how his next contract in 2016 may be worth 7 years at $150MM (purely a guess). The A’s could set themselves up really nicely by moving such a player at the deadline…so I agree its not a bad risk/reward type deal
TBuzz - February 13, 2012
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