Marte Back for 3 More

Reliever Damaso Marte had his option declined by the Yankees for 2009, but the Pinstripes brass never had any intention of letting Marte get away. The Yankees announced today they had signed Marte to a 3-year, $12 million deal that will keep him in the Bronx through 2011.

The 33-yr old was acquired along with Xavier Nady at last season's trade deadline for prospects Jose Tabata, Dan McCutchen, Russ Ohlendorf, and Jeff Karstens. Marte was inconsistent in his first half-season in the Bronx, but the Yankees are very high on his stuff and they also realize the need to keep more than one good left-hander in the pen. The Yankees will also be counting on rookie Phil Coke to fill that need.