Athletics Agree To Sign Yoenis Cespedes
The Athletics have agreed to terms with Yoenis Cespedes, reports Tim Brown of Yahoo! Sports (on Twitter). Susan Slusser of The San Francisco Chronicle says (on Twitter) that it's a four-year deal worth approximately $36MM. Adam Katz represents the Cuban outfielder.
3 months ago
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Good question.
The mystery team wins again. (I deleted the other fanshot posted on this topic, since this one already had a comment and the other one didn’t.)
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Well, I mean, money talks.
Cespedes is getting a much higher AAV from the A’s than was reported elsewhere (at least recently). Fielder and Pujols, both of whom were signed by “mystery teams” were paid a ton of money AND both fit their new team’s needs based on injuries.
Also, I wonder if Cespedes preferred a 4-year deal and if the A’s were willing to give him an NTC (something the Marlins were hesitant about with other FAs).
Now, I think you’ll agree that this kind of deal wouldn’t have made a ton of sense for the Cubs, because it’s shorter AND more expensive. Whether Cespedes will be worth this contract is TBD, but that kind of deal wouldn’t have made much sense for the Cubs as things currently stand.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
So the "first six years under team control" concept does not apply in this situation?
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
I'm not sure how that works.
But I can’t imagine that it does apply, unless Cespedes’ agent was asleep at the switch.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
From what I understand
… Cespedes can be a free agent after the four year deal is up.
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Maybe Oakland was the only team willing to do that.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Just for you Al
I saw for this years “The Franchise” on Showtime is…….The Marlins!!!
~Ronald Reagan has held the two most demeaning jobs in the country; President of the United States and radio broadcaster for the Chicago Cubs~ George F. Will
by unretrofied93 on Feb 13, 2012 12:46 PM CST up reply actions
Yeah, I heard about that.
They get Ozzie again. Lucky them.
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And clarify.
Do you mean that the A’s made an exception for Cespedes, or that this is the way it would work out no matter what?
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Which "below" were you referring to?
Lweb23’s post of tweets about the deal?
I’m still intrigued how this works. The Cubs still controlled Shark’s rights, despite his ML contract.
The only thing I can think of would be to put a clause in the contract that stipulates that the A’s are contractually obligated to not offer him arbitration for year 5.
"Stuff like this is why they should shut off the internet."
by Orval Overall on Dec 17, 2010 1:19 PM CST
Right.
Unless the new CBA changed things? I honestly have no idea.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
And wouldn't MLB frown on such antics?
What’s the point of having a structured “6 year plan” (for lack of a better phrase) in place if teams can go and negate any/all of that by writing exceptions into the individual contract?
Understood that it would seem to counter-productive from the team’s perspective to reduce the number of years under team control, but if it’s the only way to get the IFA/draft pick to sign…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
This.
Oakland would have to agree to not tender him a contract.
Of course ...
when you know the GM will be the GM until 2019, you probably can swallow a gentlemen’s agreement.
And guess which GM was extended to 2019 last week?
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Only if Oakland agrees to not tender him a contract
I believe that after the 4 year deal, he’s Arb 2 eligible. IFAs are treated just like guys that came up from the minors as far as service time goes – that’s why you hear everything as a 6 year deal.
Not 100% sure on this under the new CBA.
Not to toot my own horn
But this was basically the deal I was proposing in my fanshot over the weekend. Sounds like most people here wouldn’t have offered it, and that’s fine. But at least this answers the question of whether Cespedes would take it.
As for the reasons why, once the Marlins went low on the average annual value, it made sense for him to seek a shorter deal that offered a total value similar to what the Marlins were paying, but let him reach free agency sooner. If he’s terrible and can’t play at the MLB level, then he can retire a wealthy man. But if he’s great, then unlike the Marlins’ six year deal, he’ll still have the opportunity to become a free agent at age 30 and get a contract equal to his value. Even if the total guaranteed is less than the Marlins’ reported $40M, this deal makes a ton of sense for Cespedes.
by Orval Overall on Feb 13, 2012 12:26 PM CST up reply actions
I would've been thrilled to see the Cubs sign him for these numbers
and obviously GMs around the league think he’s ready to play
I never blame myself when I'm not hitting. I just blame the bat and if it keeps up, I change bats. After all, if I know it isn't my fault that I'm not hitting, how can I get mad at myself?
- Yogi Berra
by LongLiveHarryCaray on Feb 13, 2012 12:36 PM CST up reply actions
$9M per was too much
and then have him be a full FA after that? I’m glad the Cubs didn’t bite, but just barely.
by jerry morales rules on Feb 13, 2012 5:54 PM CST up reply actions
Of course he'd take it
But that doesn’t mean it was a good deal for the team. Stupid big time. IMO the A’s are going to pay for Cespedes development, then he’ll become a free agent and produce elsewhere.
disagree on how stupid it was
But in any case, the reaction to the idea in the fanshot included a number of people saying he’d never take that.
I think its very hard to project a typical minor league development path for Cespedes. He’s already 26 (or 27 according to what I saw earlier today). If he has to spend the next three years in the minor leagues, then any deal for him including the one the Marlins made would have been a bad bet.
The expectation has to be that since he’s in his physical prime, his “development” will consist of adapting a skill set he already has to make it useful against MLB pitching. That can happen at the major league level if the adjustments are relatiely few, or it can happen quickly in the minor leagues. But if this guy ends up as the Chris Weinke of baseball players, it’s a very bad deal no matter how many years you offered him.
by Orval Overall on Feb 13, 2012 4:41 PM CST up reply actions
You're free to disagree...
… but many experts are saying that the reason he took the A’s deal is because they gave up two years. So not only are the A’s paying more per year than the Marlins were rumored to, they get two years less control over him.
This isn’t trying to get Prince Fielder on a shorter term deal, where you’re willing to pay more money per year. Prince for a shorter deal makes sense because you’re concerned that he’s going to start losing it. Either Cespedes will be able to perform in the majors, or he won’t. He’s not likely to do well for two or three years and then start to decline, thus a team really is not helped by a shorter deal at more average dollars.
It was more advantageous for the team to get the six full years. I don’t see how you can argue that.
And if he isn't the superstar you're forecasting?
As you said: “Either Cespedes will be able to perform in the majors, or he won’t.”
All of your comments about the deal being stupid are based on the assumption that he will not only succeed in the majors, he’ll be good enough that a $9 million per year contract will look like a large bargain compared to the deal he actually signs 4 years from now. If instead he’s just your average starting CF/RF, then Beane has given up nothing since he can always negotiate an extension at or below the price you’d like to see him offer now. And if Cespedes flops entirely, then the deal is a smart because it minimizes the total size of the gamble and keeps it roughly half of what others were saying he should have gotten.
(And btw, just to head off a response along the lines of: “He should have offered the same total money, but spread over 6 years,” the starting point for this entire discussion is the now confirmed fact that such a deal wasn’t enough to sign him, as the Marlins have learned. I don’t know for certain that some other team would have structured a runner-up deal similar to what Beane ultimately did, but unless all the interested teams were colluding on price and length, he was either going to get a deal like this one, or a six year deal with a higher AAV than the Marlins offered).
The shorter deal reduces the upside, but also reduces the downside. It makes the signing a more cautious move. Whether that will turn out to be a good deal or not depends entirely on how well he performs.
by Orval Overall on Feb 14, 2012 11:05 AM CST up reply actions
I'd say Oakland is about as far on the opposite side of the baseball spectrum from Miami as you can get
in geography, leagues, stadium, ownership…
Can’t even recall who their manager is at the moment, but it’s probably a safe bet to say he’s the opposite of Ozzie too, because, well, pretty much everyone is the opposite of Ozzie.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Maybe he's just a big Jonah Hill fan.
"I don't like to sound egotistical, but every time I stepped up to the plate with a bat in my hands, I couldn't help but feel sorry for the pitcher." -Rogers Hornsby
Wow... Very surprised.
I thought the A’s would be our main competition for Soler… didn’t think they’d be in on Cespedes.
It is good to most likely see a potential bidder for Soler removed.
I’m wondering if the A’s are seeing Cespedes as chip to flip for prospects in July. Otherwise, $36 mil seems like their free agent budget for the next 3 years.
"I don't like to sound egotistical, but every time I stepped up to the plate with a bat in my hands, I couldn't help but feel sorry for the pitcher." -Rogers Hornsby
I guess that depends on..
How soon they can move to San Jose, if thats still on the table; surely a new stadium would be a boon for them
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
Quick notes from twitter....
According to Jon Heyman: Marlins offered 6 years, 36 million
According to Kevin Goldstein: Cespedes’ agent was telling teams they wanted either 4 year deal with free agency immediately after, or 10 years. Most teams tried for 5/6 years, none offered the 10 years.
a ten year deal for a player who has not had a single AB stateside?
Wow. I wanna know who is agent was who was trying to get that outrageous contract!
Viva la Cubs Révolution!!!
Well, to be fair, four years of that contract would be him running a hog roasting concession stand at the new ballpark.
He’s a proven commodity in that arena.
"I don't like to sound egotistical, but every time I stepped up to the plate with a bat in my hands, I couldn't help but feel sorry for the pitcher." -Rogers Hornsby
He'd either want to hit free agency quickly or have a long guaranteed contract
That way, if he’s awesome, he’ll get even more money in 4 years. The 10 year thing would cover him if he busts, so I understand their reasoning. It’s a good deal for Cespedes and could be good for Oakland if some of their prospects work their way up and reach their ceiling.
"Frisaro's report states that multiple sources have the Cubs ready to spend a whopping $27.5 million on Soler."
I think I’d be okay with this.
"I don't like to sound egotistical, but every time I stepped up to the plate with a bat in my hands, I couldn't help but feel sorry for the pitcher." -Rogers Hornsby
Sorry, link didn't post.
"I don't like to sound egotistical, but every time I stepped up to the plate with a bat in my hands, I couldn't help but feel sorry for the pitcher." -Rogers Hornsby
A Bleacher Report link?
Does it have a slideshow showing all 27.5 million dollars?
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by Al Yellon on Feb 13, 2012 12:45 PM CST up reply actions 5 recs
I was afraid of that too when I initially clicked on the link.
It’s actually in an article-format and cites back to Fisaro’s MLB.com piece.
However, when you click the “Next Article” arrow, you’re then treated to a monster 33 slide presentation of “MLB Free Agency 2012: Best and Worst Case Scenarios for Each MLB Team.” I passed, as I’m not a fan of the slideshow format either.
"I don't like to sound egotistical, but every time I stepped up to the plate with a bat in my hands, I couldn't help but feel sorry for the pitcher." -Rogers Hornsby
Def: Bleacher Report
Basically a high school kids interpretation of what a project presentation should look like, a Powerpoint slideshow, for literally everything…
UMD Bulldogs: 2011 NCAA DI Men's Hockey Nat'l Champions; 2008 & 2010 NCAA DII Football Nat'l Champions
I like this quote best of all
A fellow outfielder, Soler has been considered the consolation prize for teams unable to sign Soler.
"OFFENCE IS TO WEAK" -- cooltrev
So would that be a zero on the Phil Rogers' +/- scale of offseason effectiveness?
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Feb 14, 2012 8:35 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Would that be over 6 years?
If so, I would have absolutely no objection. That’s about the AAV we handed Shark!
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Then that's a no-brainer.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Agreed. I was thinking over 4 years, but I think 6 is right.
The 2011 season seems so long ago. I love the direction this team is headed, especially with an addition like Soler.
"I don't like to sound egotistical, but every time I stepped up to the plate with a bat in my hands, I couldn't help but feel sorry for the pitcher." -Rogers Hornsby
This just seems odd - why announce a figure in the first place, and then why is it 27.5? Why not 27 or 28?
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
It's Theo and Jed...
Why was the Dice-K posting fee 51,111,111 or whatever?
Strategy
At the time 27.5 probably would have been out of the budget for the Marlins after “signing” Cespedes. Theo also probably gambled that Billy Beane and Oakland wouldnt splurge on an unproven prospect with limited scouting like Soler, so seeing a high price tag might have scared them off
I never blame myself when I'm not hitting. I just blame the bat and if it keeps up, I change bats. After all, if I know it isn't my fault that I'm not hitting, how can I get mad at myself?
- Yogi Berra
by LongLiveHarryCaray on Feb 13, 2012 12:20 PM CST up reply actions
Plus who knows how the contract actually breaks down
I never blame myself when I'm not hitting. I just blame the bat and if it keeps up, I change bats. After all, if I know it isn't my fault that I'm not hitting, how can I get mad at myself?
- Yogi Berra
by LongLiveHarryCaray on Feb 13, 2012 12:21 PM CST up reply actions
I imagine that takes Oakland out of the Soler talks.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
I'm still pinching myself.
Does this put the Marlins in the hunt for Soler now though?
I never blame myself when I'm not hitting. I just blame the bat and if it keeps up, I change bats. After all, if I know it isn't my fault that I'm not hitting, how can I get mad at myself?
- Yogi Berra
by LongLiveHarryCaray on Feb 13, 2012 12:03 PM CST reply actions
I'm hoping their talks with Soler end something like this:
"I don't like to sound egotistical, but every time I stepped up to the plate with a bat in my hands, I couldn't help but feel sorry for the pitcher." -Rogers Hornsby
by Mapanator on Feb 13, 2012 12:08 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I dont understand... They're so excited about that thing when only 30 people show up
I never blame myself when I'm not hitting. I just blame the bat and if it keeps up, I change bats. After all, if I know it isn't my fault that I'm not hitting, how can I get mad at myself?
- Yogi Berra
by LongLiveHarryCaray on Feb 13, 2012 12:11 PM CST up reply actions
I can't look at that with a straight face.
Especially when I picture Jose Reyes sliding into 2nd base after a steal, with that in the background. Reminds me more of My Little Pony than it does of anything baseball.
Supporter of Carlos Austin Boozer, and I don't want to see Dwight Howard in a Bulls uniform. Call me crazy.
by wrigleyrocker12 on Feb 13, 2012 2:41 PM CST up reply actions
Never underestimate the spending power
of 4-6 year-old little girls. Maybe that is the audience they are targeting.
I don’t want to play golf. When I hit a ball, I want someone else to go chase it.
by cub in louies nest on Feb 13, 2012 9:23 PM CST up reply actions
Maybe
but I think they would be less inclined since they are looking for shiny new toys to boost attendance now, rather than making a ‘big bucks’ commitment to the future.
"Stuff like this is why they should shut off the internet."
by Orval Overall on Dec 17, 2010 1:19 PM CST
they wanted cespedes because they're going all in
so they’re probably not in on soler
Just wee-un.
by jesus christos on Feb 13, 2012 4:04 PM CST up reply actions
So Cespedes will Occupy Oakland?
Viva La Revolución!!
"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option." - Dale Sveum
He must really like playing in poor, dilapidated conditions
Either that or he’s somehow thinking he’ll get to play for Brad Pitt.
~Ronald Reagan has held the two most demeaning jobs in the country; President of the United States and radio broadcaster for the Chicago Cubs~ George F. Will
Having just watched Moneyball this weekend
This is extremely surprising. I wonder if this means Scott Hatteburg is out of the lineup.
also makes you wonder if they will have any starting pitching
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
I watched it a week or two ago...
i didnt like it…it was very meh….
So i you can give you can take it.
I hate movies that are predictable.
Like Titanic – who didn’t just feel that ship was going to sink?
Id rather watch
Terms of Endearment followed by Steel Magnolias right now then see Moneyball again.
Id rather take a whack ‘a’ weaser
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
It was a piece of fiction in the end. Scratches my baseball itch though before spring training
I never blame myself when I'm not hitting. I just blame the bat and if it keeps up, I change bats. After all, if I know it isn't my fault that I'm not hitting, how can I get mad at myself?
- Yogi Berra
by LongLiveHarryCaray on Feb 14, 2012 11:41 AM CST up reply actions
Couldn't have picked a worse place to initially play
Have fun ruining your career in cavernous coliseum.
Got to think Beane is thinking he’ll flip him to a contender at some point. His value might diminish too much for the A’s to get well compensated.
"I'm sore and I'm pissed off. I'm a baller. I want to feel the leather. I love thumb wars. 6-8 weeks? 6. follow me for healing, Jay Cutler does" - Jaysthumb twitter acct
The A's won't be there for that much longer
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Feb 15, 2012 7:49 AM CST up reply actions
why would Beane get rid of his cost controlled players
then sign a unproven player for 9 million a year? He will be the highest paid player on their team too.
That's a very un-Athletics/Beane move.
But if it gives the Cubs Soler, so be it!
Supporter of Carlos Austin Boozer, and I don't want to see Dwight Howard in a Bulls uniform. Call me crazy.
by wrigleyrocker12 on Feb 13, 2012 2:42 PM CST reply actions
Could the signing be to
eventually deal him away (should he produce for the A’s) to a contender for prospects? It is very un-BB like.
However, he has already signed a few stiffs to unusually large contracts fill out the 2012 roster.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Feb 13, 2012 5:33 PM CST up reply actions
Well, he'll be in Oakland for a couple of years
Then probably San Jose for the last two years when they pack up and move south of the Bay. Honestly though, I think anyone would rather take San Jose over Oakland…
Anyways, bring on Solar then!
UMD Bulldogs: 2011 NCAA DI Men's Hockey Nat'l Champions; 2008 & 2010 NCAA DII Football Nat'l Champions
The overrated genuis of Billy Beane continues.
The guy makes no sense what so ever.
by Grockcubs on Feb 13, 2012 7:10 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
looks like he's trying to keep his name in the news
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
Not if Cespedes turns into a superstar, because they will then be paying him only like $8 million a year.
Supporter of Carlos Austin Boozer, and I don't want to see Dwight Howard in a Bulls uniform. Call me crazy.
by wrigleyrocker12 on Feb 13, 2012 8:07 PM CST up reply actions
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