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
Suarez for saves in Atlanta; returning stars in New York and Philadelphia; and a promising rookie to get the call in Boston?
Apr 22 2026 9:19am
Apr 22 2026 9:19am
The Dodgers will be without closer Edwin Díaz for several months; the Mariners have a third base hole and the Twins shelve a young starter.
Apr 21 2026 8:59am
Apr 21 2026 8:59am
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. should become a lineup staple in Arizona; Freeman to paternity list and an A's bullpen shuffle.
Apr 20 2026 8:13am
Apr 20 2026 8:13am
With Jhoan Duran's surprise IL stint, Brad Keller is one of the potential replacements. Plus effects of Polanco and McKinstry to the IL, Stowers returns, and more injuries in Houston.
Apr 19 2026 8:37am
Apr 19 2026 8:37am
Jordan Walker's first three weeks has established his lineup presence for St. Louis. Plus closer chaos in Milwaukee and Chicago, and short-term SP replacements in San Diego, Milwaukee and Houston.
Apr 18 2026 8:58am
Apr 18 2026 8:58am
