Yoenis Cespedes signing before spring training

he is probably 40 yrs old

i dont think he will be a dud, or an all-star, but whoever gets him will way overpay.

All he should get is a minor league deal to "try" and prove himself. He has speed/power, how many other minor league prospects have those talents? And how many are still in the minors?

Strictly just a hunch and nothing else, but I don't see this guy being anything special. Maybe a couple of seasons of serviceable hitting towards the bottom of someone's order, but no real impact for the guaranteed $$ and years Katz is going to want for him. A whole lotta hype with no real substance. Buyer beware.

Anyone who doubt his ability, needs to take a look at some of the talent that has come from Cuba in the last few years. I have had the privilege of watching guys like Morales, Alonso, and Alexei Ramirez over the past four years, and everything I have seen tells me this guy is going to be a serious talent. The only unfortunate thing is that he hasn't been able to get to this country until now. That being said, I still doubt he is 26.

@Jones: My guess is that you are either a fairweather fan or just a fan of your favorite team, probably the cubs, yankees, or red sox. Owners don't just throw money at "no-name" players from other markets without just cause. Most of the time they are pressured into doing it because angry fans don't necessarily understand the financial aspect of managing an organization. Teams like the Red Sox and Yankees are constantly throwing money at foreign talent because their farm systems are depleted. Their farm systems are depleted because they constantly have to trade their young talent away because they can't afford to pay them after their rookie contracts expire, or they have no room for them on the major league roster due to free agent signings. The Red Sox are a really good example of this. This isn't to say that they never have any talent in the farm systems, they just can't depend on it. Other teams like the Angels, Marlins, Rangers, White Sox and Reds try to acquire talent at a bargain price. They still end up paying a premium for these players, but it usually is nowhere near what they would pay for a veteran player. For all these "no-name" players you speak of, there usually are quite a few more you never hear about if you don't pay attention to the amateur draft.

The real story here is the inability of anyone to spell his first name correctly.

I'm tried of these no name players with all the hype getting big long term contract and DO ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to earn them! They don't even hit average and owns keeping the angry fans at bay with promises that he'll get better next year, you'll see!

The only issue I have is his age. Sure, if he were 19 and we were talking about a 5-tool guy I might jump but he's 26 years old and apparently needs a half a season or more in the minors before he's ready. That makes him a 27 year old rookie which is rare these days. I think he'll do well but not an All-Star. When I hear people talk about "raw talent" I think of a kid in his late teens that just picked up a bat and hit a 500 foot homerun but then struck out the next 8 at-bats. We should be talking about "raw talent" at age 26. He should be in his prime.

It makes a lot more sense to spend the money on proven major leaguers. This guy looks like he can be handcuffed inside by major league pitching.

Go Tigers!

Last year there were 17 active major league players from Cuba. Yonder Alonso, Yuniesky Betancourt, Aroldis Chapman, Jose Contreras, Yunel Escobar, Livan Hernandez, Alexei Ramirez, and Dayan Viciedo are all players worth mentioning. Leonys Martin and Jose Iglesias both made their debuts last year and are very promising prospects, especially Martin. Also, let's not forget Kendrys Morales. Despite being injured, he was one of the most promising young players in the league. Cuban hitters do not have much of a problem transitioning to the major leagues. They have played with wood bat their entire lives and they know how to swing through the ball. They generally drive the ball. I'm sold on this guy. He looks like a five tool player. I'm not crowning him MVP, but I think he is going to be worth the money.

That is why it should be a 1-2 year incentive/bonus contract with a million dollar base salary. If he really is as good as his agent says they should have no problem making such a deal!!!!

Did the Indians drop out of contention?

From what I've heard, the Cubs are one of the teams most intrested. As a Cubs fan, I'm not too heigh on this guy. He seems like another Fukudome, good stats in another country but once he gets to the bigs, he can't hit. Sure, his Cuban stat line is awsome, but thats against what would be the equivalence of double A or triple A ball here in the states. Not to mention, the dude's probably more 36 years old rather than 26. If it does end up happening...I'd hope Theo has enough brains in his head not to sign this guy for a long-term cubs-like contract, but we'll see...

guy will be junk in the big leagues

26 yr old. 70 million. he can buy cuba and own his own team and buy whom ever he wants. viva cpeda... capitalism try it you,ll like it!

Send him to Florida thats little Cuba anyway,

all these comments...positive and negative...how many of these "know it alls" have ever seen him play?

Orioles will sign him, and he will be a HUGE bust. Thats Angelos' Karma for ya.
Just Sayin' !!