MLB Free Agents 2012: Why Yoennis Cespedes, Boston Red Sox Are Perfect Match

Yoennis Cespedes is a highly talented Cuban outfielder. The free agent news is buzzing around him as he waits to join MLB. The Boston Red Sox are the perfect fit for him now that they do not need to find a closer or a couple starters since Daniel Bard and Alfredo Aceves are most likely joining the Red Sox starting rotation in 2012.

Cespedes has shown that he can play the game, and most scouts think of him as a five-tool player. He can hit for power, average, he can run well, he can field and throw the ball well.

According to nytimes.com, "One general manager referred to Cespedes's five tools and said, 'All of them are off the charts.' Others wonder if he can play center field in the majors, but one scout who has seen him play in competitions in four countries said he had uncanny defensive instincts and played with heart. The scout added that within 'a few years, he will be one of the two or three best center fielders in baseball.' As for his speed, he has been rated as a 7 on a scale from 2 to 8." 

All these abilities make him a great candidate to start in right field for the Red Sox in 2012 now that Josh Reddick is gone.

The Red Sox were among the worst in the majors in every hitting category in right field in 2011. They need to fill that space with someone like Cespedes who can get the job done effectively before it turns into a revolving door like the shortstop position.

According to baseball-reference.com, Cespedes' abilities have only improved in the past eight seasons. For instance, in 2011, he batted a remarkable .333 with 33 home runs, 99 RBI and 89 runs scored in only 90 games.

Imagine if these statistics were over the course of the 162-game MLB schedule. Cespedes would be a middle of the lineup slugger in the near future. The Red Sox need to take advantage before he signs with another team, such as the Miami Marlins or the dreaded New York Yankees.

Sure, the Red Sox are already being hit with the luxury tax, but Cespedes is worth a little more of John Henry's money. He would fill that void in the outfield and that spot in the lineup when David Ortiz career fades over the next couple seasons.