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
Kevin McGonigle's impressive spring as won him a job in Detroit; Connelly Early the same in Boston, and more roster tweaks for Opening Night.
Mar 25 2026 8:15am
Mar 25 2026 8:15am
Another busy day of roster trimming as teams set their Opening Day rosters, including significant rotation updates in Texas, Toronto, Atlanta, Milwaukee, and Los Angeles.
Mar 24 2026 7:38am
Mar 24 2026 7:38am
With Kyle Stowers and Estury Ruiz starting the season on the IL, Griffin Conine (pictured) and Owen Caissie will get time. Plus roster moves in COL and LA.
Mar 23 2026 9:19am
Mar 23 2026 9:19am
With Seiya Suzuki's knee injury, UT Matt Shaw could see a tick up in playing time. Plus Griffin gets sent down, and more cuts and roster shuffles in New York, Baltimore, and Cleveland.
Mar 22 2026 8:30am
Mar 22 2026 8:30am
Dylan Crews was a surprising cut as the Nationals looks to set their OF. Plus movement around both leagues as teams ready their Opening Day rosters.
Mar 21 2026 9:08am
Mar 21 2026 9:08am
