PLAYING TIME: The Cespedes Signing and the Oakland OF
Feb 15 2012
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Athletics sign Cespedes
On February 13, Oakland signed Yoenis Céspedes (OF, OAK) to a four-year $36M contract. The move comes less than one month after the trade for Seth Smith (OF, OAK). Oakland considers Cespedes a center fielder, though there is much we don't know about how his skills will translate from Cuba to the AL. What we do know is the A's had three projected starting outfielders before the Cespedes signing. Given the size of the team's commitment, one has to assume that Cespedes will get MLB playing time when he's with the club, be it Opening Day or quickly thereafter.
Playing time expecations will need to be adjusted for the rest. The "pre-Cespedes" starting outfield was projected as Coco Crisp...
Almost!
You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!
Already a subscriber? Sign in here
More From PT Today
The news was not good on Cade Horton, who will miss the rest of the season, and Hunter Brown, who is out for an extended time. Plus more IL moves for Carlos Santana, Austin Hays and Gabriel Arias.
Apr 8 2026 8:48am
Apr 8 2026 8:48am
Mets lose Juan Soto for at least a couple of weeks; a bunch of rotations churning already; and more...
Apr 7 2026 7:46am
Apr 7 2026 7:46am
The Astros and Dodgers have to account for star-level injuries as both RHP Hunter Brown and SS Mookie Betts are slated to miss time.
Apr 6 2026 8:25am
Apr 6 2026 8:25am
With Alejandro Kirk sidelined with a thumb fracture, Tyler Heineman takes over behind the dish for the Jays. Plus Soto and Betts get imaged, Verlander hits the IL, and there's a Patrick Corbin sighting.
Apr 5 2026 7:56am
Apr 5 2026 7:56am
A sixth starter will be needed in Chicago; it might be Ben Brown (pictured). Plus Jordan Lawlar to miss more time, and some bullpen moves in Arizona and San Francisco.
Apr 4 2026 9:52am
Apr 4 2026 9:52am
