Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, playing his first game last night with Aguilas in the Dominican Winter League, struck out three times and was hit by a pitch in four plate appearances.
One observer noted on Twitter that Cespedes had trouble with the slider.
That does it. He's overrated.
You'll recall that the Orioles scouted Cespedes during a private workout in the Dominican immediately after the Winter Meetings. They aren't commenting on him, perhaps waiting until he establishes residency in the Dominican and officially becomes a free agent, perhaps choosing to keep the media in the dark.
I'll go with the latter.
Marlins president David Samson told Miami radio station WAXY that his club will make a strong run at Cespedes. How's that for shining a little light on the subject?
Cespedes could be plugged into left field for the Orioles, allowing Nolan Reimold to serve primarily as the designated hitter. He could back up Adam Jones in center field. He could play center field if Jones is traded.
I'm still not holding my breath.
Update: Dionisio Soldevila of the Associated Press and ESPN Radio-Dominican Republic just tweeted the following quote from Cespedes: "There are six teams that have more interest in me. Marlins, Cubs, White Sox, Orioles, Detroit and the Indians"
Jones didn't provide a firm answer last night when asked during an interview on WBAL Radio whether he would be open to signing a contract extension if approached by the Orioles. Jones only confirmed that the Orioles haven't contacted his agent regarding an extension. He wasn't interested in hypothetical situations.
Jones also told host Brett Hollander that he mostly ignores all the trade rumors.
They're not going away. I heard last night that trade talks involving Jones are intensifying again, though that could mean that executive vice president Dan Duquette is fielding more calls and making counter proposals that are being rejected. I don't have specifics.
I do have another full slate today. I'm getting ready to prep for the latest edition of "The Mid-Atlantic Sports Report" that airs from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. on MASN. Orioles, Capitals, Ravens, NFL playoffs, maybe George Mason men's basketball.
The topic for the Pick Six segment will be "Toughest Jobs in Sports." Feel free to submit your choices.
I've often stated that hitting a baseball is the most difficult task in sports. Round bat, round ball often traveling at high speeds with movement. The batter has a split second to identify the pitch and decide whether to swing.
Hockey goalie also would be high on my list.
Also, cleaning the offensive linemen out of Ndamukong Suh's cleats.
Update II: We've changed the Pick Six topic. We're now going with the wildest superstitions in sports.
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