I've only been following the Yankees closely since '96 so my frame of reference is pretty small, but the news that Mark Teixeira has agreed to an 8 year $180m deal catapults this offseason into a class all of it's own.
The Yankees have now mopped up 3 of the top 4 free agents available, after previously agreeing to deals for CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett to address the urgent need for quality pitching at the top of their rotation.
Now, by signing Teixeira, they have added a quality bat (combined .308 with 33 homers and 121 RBI for the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Angels last season), ensured there will be protection for A-Rod in the middle of the lineup, and instantly upgraded the defence.
All of this has been achieved without dismantling the farm system that Brian Cashman has worked so hard to rebuild over the last few seasons.
Personally I'm also hoping that this means Brett Gardner will get a chance to start the season as the centre fielder, as there isn't such a pressing need for offensive output from that position now.
I'm in awe of Cashman, the financial might of the Yankees....and I can't wait for Opening Day to come round!
Showing posts with label New York. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New York. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
CC and AJ
The New York Yankees officially announced the signings of free agent pitchers CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett today.
CC in particular is an exciting signing, although he hasn't come cheaply at $161m over 7 years (and an opt-out clause after 3 years) - the richest deal for a pitcher in MLB history. The American League CY Young winner in 2007, he gives the Yankees a true ace at the top of their rotation.
AJ is a different proposition though. On his day he has incredible stuff, but his track record with injuries is worrying to say the least (particularly given that the contract runs for 5 years, meaning he'll be a Yankee until age 37). He was dominant against the Yankees last year though, going 3-1 with a 1.64 ERA in five starts. He's also 5-0 lifetime against the Red Sox, which is always welcome. :-)
Check out CC's site for more info, and the great coverage over at River Ave. Blues.
CC in particular is an exciting signing, although he hasn't come cheaply at $161m over 7 years (and an opt-out clause after 3 years) - the richest deal for a pitcher in MLB history. The American League CY Young winner in 2007, he gives the Yankees a true ace at the top of their rotation.
AJ is a different proposition though. On his day he has incredible stuff, but his track record with injuries is worrying to say the least (particularly given that the contract runs for 5 years, meaning he'll be a Yankee until age 37). He was dominant against the Yankees last year though, going 3-1 with a 1.64 ERA in five starts. He's also 5-0 lifetime against the Red Sox, which is always welcome. :-)
Check out CC's site for more info, and the great coverage over at River Ave. Blues.
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