Yankees pitching guru Rick Williams’ arrival in Santo Domingo yesterday created a buzz throughout the scouting fraternity in the Dominican Republic that has been following the workouts of Cuban refugees.
However, the Yankees appear to be more interested in outfielder Yoennis Cespedes than right-hander Armando Rivero.
Because the Yankees had four high-level executives watching 26-year-old Cespedes work out last week in Santiago, general manager Brian Cashman was asked about the team’s level of interest in a player scouts compare to Bo Jackson and Jimmy Wynn, but remained mum on the reports he received.
“We have scouted him, but I wouldn’t say,’’ Cashman said.
Cespedes and other Cuban refugees are in the process of establishing residency in the Dominican Republic and may not be cleared to sign with an Major League Baseball club for 20 to 25 days.
Scouts who have watched Cespedes work out in the Dominican Republic three months ago are gushing over the right-handed, power-hitting outfielder who stands 5 feet, 10 inches and weighs 187 pounds.
“It’s hard to find anybody who doesn’t like him,’’ a scout said. “He looks like Bo Jackson and ran a 6.3 60 [yard dash]. He has big power. During the workout at Santiago, he hit balls out of the stadium.’’
The Yankees sent head of pro scouting Billy Eppler, minor league boss Mark Newman, director of international scouting Donny Rowland and pro scout Gary Denbo to watch Cespedes.
“He is the premier international player in the world,’’ another talent evaluator said.
It will take a rich deal to sign Cespedes. It’s not out of the question that a seven- or eight-year contract could climb as high as $60 million.
“His swing is a little long, but he can stay on balls away,’’ a scout said.
The Yankees also have been eyeballing 19-year-old outfielder Jorge Soler. As for 23-year-old Rivero, he has impressed and is viewed as a reliever.