yes - Workstation can handle all vmdk-types that ESX understands.
But ESX can handle only a subset of the types workstation can handle
read more http://sanbarrow.com/vmdk-basics.html#platform
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VMX-parameters- WS FAQ -[ MOAcd|http://sanbarrow.com/moa241.html] - VMDK-Handbook
In addition, you can use VMware Converter to allow Workstation VMs to run on ESX and vice versa. More information is available here: http://www.vmware.com/products/converter/