Orioles interested in Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

November 30, 2011, 9:56am

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Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette confirmed today that the Orioles are interested in Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes and will watch him work out in the Dominican Republic. A date hasn't been set for the workout, but it's on the club's agenda. Cespedes worked out yesterday for Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo and international scouting director Johnny DiPuglia. Several other teams have watched him, including the Yankees and Marlins. Cespedes is a 26-year-old right-handed hitting outfielder who defected from Cuba in 2011. He batted .333 with 33 home runs and 99 RBIs during the 2010-2011 season with the Cuban national team. He has yet to officially establish residency and become a free agent, but it will happen over the winter. Peter Gammons speculated that Cespedes could land an eight-year deal exceeding the $35-$50 million range originally projected by some executives. Duquette is looking to sign or trade for an outfielder before spring training.