"In an interview with the Associated Press, center fielder and Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes excluded the Nationals from a list of potential suitors once his paperwork to attain a visa and become a free agent processes.

Thursday night, Cespedes debuted in the Dominican Winter League for Aguilas Cibaenas, going 0 for 3 with three strikeouts and a hit by pitch. Cespedes told the AP he has received the most interest from the Marlins, Cubs, White Sox, Orioles, Tigers and Indians.

The fact that Cespedes, a 26-year-old power hitter who could play in the majors right away, did not name the Nationals does not mean Washington will not be in play. The Nationals have tracked Cespedes for years and this winter General Manager Mike Rizzo traveled to the Dominican to watch him play in person. The Nationals need a center fielder and could be particularly interested in Fielder if they do not sign free agent first baseman Prince Fielder.

If the Nationals do bid on Cespedes, their stiffest competition would likely come from the Marlins, who covet Cespedes for his ability and the connection he would forge with Miami's Cuban population. "