TAMPA — The Yoan Moncada sweepstakes likely will go into high gear this week.
Moncada's agent said on Saturday that he has just one more private workout scheduled for this week, and the 19-year-old Cuban infielder may sign shortly after that.
"We've let teams know that we're receptive to offers and would like to be able to conclude this process as soon as possible," agent David Hastings said of the phenom, who most consider best-suited for second and third base. "That way, Yoan can participate in spring training."
The Yankees are among a dozen teams that have shown interest in Moncada. Many executives believe he could sign a deal approaching $50 million. That price tag would double for the Yankees, since they exceeded their limit on international spending for this signing period with a flurry of moves last July and there remains skepticism they are willing to spend that amount on an unproven talent.
As for Moncada, Hastings said his primary interest is to stay with the same organization throughout his career and that he is ready to play right away.
"The kid wants to play professional baseball," Hastings said. "If he could leave this afternoon, he would."
He may not have to wait much longer.
Adam Warren made 69 appearances last season, but still prepared this offseason to be in the rotation, per the Yankees' request.
With a remade bullpen and a rotation filled with health concerns, even Warren doesn't know what to expect.
"I feel like it's going to play out in spring training," Warren said past this week at the team's minor league complex. "Maybe somebody gets hurt or everybody dominates."
True, an injury could thrust Warren back into a starting role, but the staff appears to have been put together to keep the right-hander in the bullpen. And with David Phelps now in Miami as part of the deal that brought Nathan Eovaldi to The Bronx, the Yankees may ask Warren to pitch in long relief.
Chase Whitley is another potential candidate for that spot, though Whitley said he is trying not to worry about it.
"I'm prepared to get stretched out," Whitley said. "All you can do is go out there and pitch. In years past, I think I've looked into it too much."
A trimmed-down Austin Romine arrived in Tampa over a week ahead of schedule in an attempt to prove he is determined to win the backup catcher's job behind Brian McCann.
Francisco Cervelli was shipped to Pittsburgh, leaving Romine and John Ryan Murphy to compete for the spot.
Romine spent the offseason working out with his speedy younger brother Andrew, an infielder who spent last season with the Tigers.
"I wanted to put myself in a position to hit the ground running," Romine said.
"I want to be the backup. I want to go out there and prove to them that I want it. That's why I'm here early."
He also has been sidetracked by concussions and is hoping those issues are behind him.
"There's nothing I can do about that," Romine said. "But I think I'll be getting more of an opportunity this spring training and I want to take advantage of that."
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