The Cuban Centipede – A Cuban Cub?

Yoennis Cespedes, a Cuban defector is one of the, if not the most hotly sought after free agent on the market this offseason.  Now in the process of defecting, and obtaining citizenship in the Dominican Republic, this will allow him to play in the Majors.  Being 26 years old, he is too old to go through the draft process, and will forgo this and simply become a free agent.  As he is supposedly in the final stages of his citizenship process, which has lasted about two months, there are still three (3) teams hot on his tail.  They are willing to throw big money at the outfielder for his services in their Major League organizations.  This five tool star in the making is being eyed by the Marlins, Tigers and most importantly the Cubs.

So screw the rest of the teams let’s talk about the Cubs and why he could fit in right away with the big league club. 

The Cubs’ current outfield roster goes like so!

-          Marlon Byrd

-          Reed Johnson

-          Alfonso Soriano

-          Tony Campana

-          David DeJesus   

Adding Cespedes could be very important!  He is built like an NFL running back- so if all falls through just send him to Soldier Field to try out for the Bears.  With talks that Soriano could go to the Tigers that may satisfy their need for an outfielder even though I think he should move to DH with the AL club.  Being a five tool outfielder he could replace what Soriano used to be able to do in his younger days before he started to strikeout every at bat.  With the pop that Soriano still has in his bat this could help the Tigers who will be without Victor Martinez for the majority of the season. 

Cespedes is a valuable tool that will be very important and helpful as the Cubs look to rebuild this year.  He will be learning the Major League game over the course of the year as the Cubs look to improve themselves during this season.  The only issue that may arise is the idea that the Cubs will continue to cut payroll this year as they move towards building the war chest back up for the future. 

BUT to throw the money you have at Cespedes or not?????

Cespedes - Outfielder or Running Back?

Cespedes wants a long term deal of $50-60M.  This is too much for Epstein and Hoyer to invest in one player during their rebuilding era.  However – CURVEBALL.  Another Cuban defector Jorge Soler is described as a younger Cespedes and he is on the market through hear say for about $20M.  This is an investment for a potential five tool player on a team that is rebuilding.  He would go to the minor leagues with a fast track to the Majors.  If Epstein gets a good look and likes what he sees he and Hoyer will pull the trigger on this one for the Cubs.  

Savior of the Cubs!

 All in all we need some outside help to make this five year plan for Epstein work – Save us Cuba!