Earlier this week, the Oakland A’s swooped in and basically stole coveted Cuban sensation OF Yoenis Cespedes, who accepted a four-year, $36 million deal. Of the teams apparently interested in signing him (the Cubs, White Sox, Marlins and Tigers among them) the Athletics were the surprise winner.
And the Bay Area can thank movie star Brad Pitt.
“It was difficult to choose, but the the decision was made for me after I saw a movie called ‘Moneyball,'” said the 26-year-old former Communist through an interpreter. “I was just in awe of Brad Pitt and how he turned that team around.”
“Moneyball” is nominated for Best Picture at this year’s Academy Awards, with Pitt’s performance as Athletics GM Billy Beane earning him a nomination for Best Actor.
“No, I didn’t quite get the storyline as the movie was not dubbed in Spanish, but from what I understand, Brad Pitt comes in and works with a skinnier Jonah Hill, and the Oakland A’s win the World Series. Or something like that,” Cespedes acknowledged.
“After the movie ended, I knew what kind of general manager I wanted to play for. I am very excited to be working with Brad Pitt,” said Cespedes. “I also can’t wait to meet Jonah Hill. I’ve been a fan of his ever since I saw him back in Cuba in that movie ‘MuyMuyMalo.'”
