Free-agent slugging outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, fresh off a World Series appearance, is testing the market and beginning to garner interest.
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Angels Could Be Cespedes Suitor
Saturday, Dec. 5
Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News reported the Angels may make a run at Cespedes.
Giants in Need of Power Bat
Saturday, Dec. 5
According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the San Francisco Giants are in search of a power bat, which is where Cespedes' name pops up along with Justin Upton, another free agent who played with the San Diego Padres last season.
Cespedes, who was traded to the New York Mets at the deadline in July, put together a monster second half on his way to a 35-home run, 105-RBI season. He hit 17 home runs in just 57 games with the Mets, helping them to a World Series appearance—their first in 15 years.
After his four-year, $36 million deal expired at the end of the season, via Spotrac.com, Cespedes told ESPN Deportes' Marly Rivera (h/t ESPN.com) that he is looking for a six-year contract, which could put him over the $100 million mark.
Cespedes' representatives are working hard to get him a big-time contract, according to ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick:
As a prelude to the Hot Stove shopping season, Cespedes' representatives at the Creative Artists Agency and Roc Nation distributed a coffee table-type book to a select list of teams. The book, titled "52 Reviews" (in honor of Cespedes' jersey number), has a black-and-white cloth cover, runs about 100 pages and features laudatory comments and testimonials from managers, coaches, players, front-office executives and members of the media.
In a bow to technology, the book also has a video player embedded inside the front cover. Executives who push the "play" button are treated to an array of Yoenis Cespedes home runs, jaw-dropping throws and other highlights set to music.
The Giants are in need of some pop in the middle of their lineup. Last season, they ranked 27th in the league in home runs with 136, with shortstop Brandon Crawford leading the team with 21.
While Cespedes might be looking for a lot of money, the Giants have already shown this offseason they are capable of flashing the cash, signing pitcher Jeff Samardzija to a five-year, $90 million deal on Saturday.
If they acquire a big bat that is capable of turning a game on its head like Cespedes', the Giants could take a big step toward taking back the National League West.
Stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com
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