On the morning of February 13th, 2012 the A's accomplished a feat that was unpresedently uncharacteristic of a front office who embraces an ideology such as Oakland's. They received a commitment from one of the most highly sought after free agents in the international market and in all of baseball, Yoenis Cèspedes. Out of Detroit, Baltimore, and the local option, Miami, he chose Oakland. And no, Cèspedes is not a pitcher... Oakland has long disenchanted elite free agents with their spacious confines and has gained a somewhat detrimental reputation as a pitchers paradise. And while Cèspedes might be oblivious to this reputation, Oakland still managed to sign the Cuban superstar to a 4 year/ 36 million dollar contract. He'll be with Oakland through the 2015 season (Unless Beane trades him for value when he comes to the realization that he most likely will not be able to resign him). Cèspedes has grown a cult following in the states for his famed "Yoenis Cespedes: The showcase" video and the sequel "Yoenis Cespedes: Encore" which depict Yoenis performing his ridiculous training routine that included a 45" inch and a 50" inch box jump, a 6.3 second 60 yard run, 1300 lb leg press, a 510 lb squat, and a 350 lb bench. He is undoubtedly a freakish athlete (Who may or may not be influenced by PEDs...). His stats are equally as mindboggling. He hit .333 with a .424 OBP in his last professional season including tying the Cuban HR record at 33. Kevin Goldstein described Cèspedes as "arguably the best Cuban player to come out in a generation". And he's an Oakland athletic.
Obviously Cèspedes, who hasn't seen a single MLB pitch in his life, will have a massive period of adjustment, however he still is expected to succeed at the major league level. Cèspedes figures to start immediately in the east bay, which was a predominant selling point in Oakland's persuasion to lure him to Bay Area. However, because of this there seems to be an imminent confrontation for the starting Center fielder between Crisp and Yoenis. Melvin has stated that he believes Crisp is "one of the best Center Fielders in baseball". The battle in spring training promises to be one of the most entertaining in years. But regardless, Oakland has stolen an international phoenom from the rest of
major league baseball. Fans have the right to be optimistic and rejoice at witnessing this highly touted professional transferring his respective talents to the coliseum. So welcome the newest member of the Oakland athletics! Or is he?...
Reports this morning stated that the A's were "likely" to sign the one... The only... The noutorious... Manny Ramirez. Rumors connecting Manny to Oakland have been swirling around social media since January. A signing of Ramirez would very much support the franchise
tradition of signing a veteran (See Matsui, Thomas, Giambi) that has become a common occurrence in recent years. Ramirez brings a historical pedigree as one of the best right handed hitters in major league history collecting career statistics such as a .312 avg, 555 HRs,
and a .411 OBP. While Ramirez might turn 40 in May, he still retains fantastic abilities, hitting .261/.420 with the White Sox and .311/.405 with the dodgers in 2010. There are numerous aspects of negativity that could potentially arise in Oakland if and when Ramirez is present. The phrase "Manny being Manny" has become synonymous with narcissism, mischief, selfishness, and now scandal. Ramirez was suspended for 50 games for violating the leagues drug policy in 2010. And in 2011, Ramirez retired in a public spectacle after playing 5 games in Tampa Bay for having to face a 100 game suspension for violating the leagues drug policy yet again. Ramirez had now resurfaced, and if rumors are any indication, he'll be wearing green and gold in 2012. Ramirez' suspension was lessened to 50 games and would return in mid-June. But numerous questions arise with the arrival of a figure such as Manny. One could theorize that Ramirez could be cancerous to an unstable clubhouse that must establish unity. And to describe Ramirez as a "team player" is not the most accurate statement one could make. But if anything, he could accompany Chili Davis as some sort of a second hitting coach. And a .400 OBP is still possibly achievable for Manny.
These moves have set the stage for a fascinating spring training. The outfield (Cèspedes, Crisp, Gomes, Smith, Reddick), the DH (Kila, Carter, Manny, Allen), and first base (Barton and Allen) all must be decided. So prepare for some monumental competitiveness in Phoenix when pitchers and catchers (February 18th) and position players (February 24th) report. Be on the lookout for my season preview this Friday. Thanks for the read
-Chris K
No comments:
Post a Comment