As the Yankees wait/hope for Kuroda, Martin, Pettitte, and Mariano to say ‘yes’, there are some bargain signings happening around the league.
Here’s two in areas that could have helped the Yankees.
1. David Ross, Catcher, Signed with Boston — On November 8th, we wrote about Atlanta free agent catcher David Ross, and identified as a solution to the catching vacancy in the Bronx. Turns out Boston (who already had 2 catchers) felt the same, because the signed him two days after we wrote our article. At 2 years, $6.2 million, this deal is a very nice one, as Ross has been worth at least 1.4 wins in each of the last 4 seasons, as a BACKUP catcher (who’s thrown out 39% of basestealers in his career).
2. Scott Baker, Pitcher, Signed by Cubs — A big injury risk and coming off surgery, but at one-year, $5.5 million, it’s a solid move for the Cubs. He’s been slightly-above league average for his career (102 ERA+, 94 xFIP-). He’s been worth no less than 2.6 wins in each of the past three seasons, even in his shortened 134-inning 2012 campaign. He’s an extreme flyball guy, but he strikes out a high amount of hitters and keeps the walks down. Even if he only throws 130-150 innings this year, he’ll be worth his deal. It’s a smart signing.
But for now, the Yankees wait. If some of the guys they’re waiting on end up leaving New York, we hope it doesn’t result in the front office scrambling to cover the vacancies.
9 Comments
Killer Clown November 15, 2012 10:57
I’m with you on Ross but Baker would be a bad signing for the Yankees. Extreme flyball ball pitcher that averages a hit per inning? Coming off of elbow surgery? On the wrong side of 30?
This is a wing and prayer signing for the Cubs. They are hoping he can be dealt at the deadline for anything. The Yanks can’t afford to have guys like that clogging the 40-man roster. They shouldn’t even have mentioned his name in meetings.
stuart phillips November 15, 2012 11:39
Anybody that goes to see this team next yr,is crazy last place.the team is worth 3billion&they looking to save money.!!!
Yankee Fan November 15, 2012 12:21
Although you type like a crackhead, your point is valid. Anyone who goes to the stadium next year is a dope. The ownership could give a fuck about fans and the team is going through the motions.
Bud Selig November 15, 2012 14:41
Yes, let the hate flow through you…
The Shockmaster November 15, 2012 14:51
The offseason will probably consist of trading for Ricky Nolasco, who sucks, and re-signing Ichiro. Fuck this $189 million garbage.
stuart phillips November 15, 2012 16:14
Sell the team!!!!!!
79 Wins November 15, 2012 16:25
The Little Steins will be selling soon, hopefully to somebody who wants to win.
Bud Selig November 16, 2012 09:14
Either you spend more than I want and have to give me more money to give to your competitors, or you start losing more ballgames – either way, you lose and I win.
Now if you’ll excuse me, Jeff Loria is having me over for a day cruise on his new yacht. He named it “Thanks For the Yacht, Bud!”
BIG POPPA PUMP November 17, 2012 17:19
When you “feel the same” as the Boston GM – you’re drinking the wrong hooch.