BD Hot Stove: The Unemployed | Baseball Digest

BD Hot Stove: The Unemployed | Baseball Digest

You can never compare athletes to people out in the real world, but there are a number of major league caliber baseball players that haven’t been able to find a job this winter. Guys like Kevin Millwood, Freddy Garcia, and Justin Duchscherer. The three pitchers have to wonder when they see Bartolo Colon get a minor league deal after he hasn’t pitched in the big leagues in two years. Granted, in some cases injuries (Duchscherer), sub par seasons (Millwood), and wear and tear (Garcia) may be keeping teams away, as well as the possibility of the players and their agents wanting too much guaranteed money.

Then there’s the case of a once fierce warrior that scared opposing pitchers so much that he became known as “Vlad the Impaler”. Or maybe it was just how pale pitcher’s faces went when they had to face Vladimir Guerrero. The man who would swing at anything looked like he might be finished with the Angels a couple of years ago, but despite a bad back and bad feet the Impaler returned in 2010. Guerrero produced 29 HR and 115 RBI and nearly slugged .500. But a .513 OPS with 6 RBI in 15 post-season games apparently sent up red flags. Offers have been few, partially because Guerrero reportedly wants $8M a season. Sources say the Orioles have made an offer, but it’s likely to be closer to the one year, $2M deal Manny Ramirez received from Tampa Bay than what Guerrero wants.

If you think Guerrero has it bad, look at the case of Jermaine Dye. The veteran outfielder didn’t play in 2010 after not finding an acceptable offer. Our own Simon Sharkey-Gotlieb talks about the issue in today’s Baseball Digest Birthday segment as Dye turns 37.

Among those still looking for jobs are catcher Bengie Molina, infielders Troy Glaus, Orlando Cabrera, Christian Guzman, Pedro Feliz, David Eckstein, Jorge Cantu (tentative deal with SD as of this writing), Felipe Lopez, Willy Aybar, Nick Johnson, Eric Chavez, pitchers Jeremy Bonderman, David Bush, Kelvim Escobar, Mark Hendrickson, John Maine, Lance Cormier, Manny Delcarmen, Chad Durbin, Doug Davis, slugger Russell Branyan, outfielders Jim EdmondsRyan Church, and Jose Guillen. Click here for a complete list and a summary of the winter signings.

Rumors, News, and Transactions

The Contra Costa Times heard that the A’s were trying to deal 3rd baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff to the Mariners for Chone Figgins. Buster Olney also reported that Toronto could be involved, but so far Figgins has not been asked to waive his limited no trade clause. The infielder was a bust in the first season of a four year, $36M contract.

Several sources have reported that the Mets are putting a portion of the team up for sale. The majority owner, Jeff Wilpon and family, lost a large amount of money in the Bernie Madoff “Ponzi” scheme.

Pitcher Joe Beimel has agreed to a minor league deal and an invitation to spring training with the Pirates.

Despite a number of rumors, Indians GM Chris Antonetti stated that Fausto Carmona and Grady Sizemore are not being dealt.

The Minnesota Twins have announced they will retire number 28 in honor of recent Hall of Fame electee Bert Blyleven.

Friday Night Hot Stove

On this Friday night, Chone Figgins may be licking his chops. Despite his post-season failure against the Yankees this past post-season, the free agent third baseman may be on the verge of a huge free agent contract.

The Seattle Mariners have reportedly offered Figgins a four year, $36 million deal. The eight year veteran of the LA Angels stole 42 bases last season and a posted a .395 on-base percentage. Angels' GM Tony Reagins said Figgins has an offer on the table from LA, but would not elaborate on the specifics.

Placido Polanco already got his new deal from his old team. The Gold Glove second baseman will switch to third base to return to the Philadelphia Phillies. Polanco was given a 3-yr, $18 million deal to part ways with the Detroit Tigers.

In other moves:

The Braves have added to their bullpen by signing free agents Billy Wagner (7.5 mill) and Takashi Saito (3.2 mill) to a pair of one year deals.

The Mets continued their never ending search for replacements for Mike Piazza by signing Chris Coste away from the Phillies. The Brewers meanwhile added veteran Gregg Zaun.

The A's picked up infielders Jake Fox and Aaron Miles from the Cubs for Matt Spencer, Jeff Gray, and Ronny Morla.

A-Rod Saves the Day

A-Rod Sac Fly Allows Yankees to Escape With Win

Filed Under: Yankees

Tags: Alex Rodriguez • chad gaudin • Chone Figgins • Derek Jeter • ervin santana • hideki matsui • Jorge Posada • LA Angels • NY Yankees • Yankees 9/22 recap • Yankees vs. Angels

Written for Baseball Digest Online

Moses parting the Red Sea

Jesus turns water into wine

US hockey beats Russia in the 1980 Winter Olympics

The Yankees beat the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim

While that last miracle may not be up to the caliber of the previous ones, the Yankees did indeed finally beat the Angels on their home turf last night, 6-5. Of course the victory wasn’t stress free as the Yankees blew a 5-0 lead before winning it on an Alex Rodriguez sacrifice fly in the 9th inning. The Yankees also clinched a playoff berth last night when the Texas Rangers lost to the Oakland Athletics. The Yankees also increased their lead in the AL East to six games ahead of the Boston Red Sox when the Sox lost to the Kansas City Royals for the second straight night.

The Yankees borrowed from the Angels’ aggressive play book to pull out the triumph. Brett Gardner singled off Matt Palmer and stole 2nd base, his 23rd successful theft in 28 attempts. A walk to Derek Jeter allowed Joe Girardi to play small ball, and it worked effectively when Johnny Damon bunted the runners over. A-Rod, who earlier had his his 580th career homer, hit a fly to center field off lefty Darren Oliver to bring home Gardner with the go ahead run.

Mariano Rivera, whose 36-game consecutive save chance streak ended in Seattle on Friday, walked Kendry Morales to start the 9th. But the Yankees closer then struck out Juan Rivera and Jorge Posada threw out would be base stealer Reggie Willits at 2nd base for a “strike ‘em out/throw ‘em out” double play. Rivera then retired Erick Aybar on a ground out to Robinson Cano for his 41st save.

It appeared that the Yankees might actually be in for cake walk when they jumped out to a 5-0 lead on home runs by Rodriguez, Posada, and Hideki Matsui. Chad Gaudin had relatively breezed through the first four innings in his best performance as a Yankee to date. But in the 5th he surrendered a solo home run to Yankees killer Chone Figgins, and two hits, a walk, and a run later he was out of the game in favor of Al Aceves.

Aceves was on the hill for the first time in eight days and it showed an inning later. Three singles in four at-bats, the last by Gary Matthews Jr., cut the Yankees lead to 5-3. Aceves than walked former teammate Bobby Abreu with the bases loaded to force in a run and Vlad Guerrero appeared to produce the go ahead hit when he ripped a ball down the 3rd base line. But Rodriguez dove to his right, snared the baseball and threw Guerrero out to save two, and possibly three runs.

The Yankees defense saved them in the 6th, but it came back to bite them in the 8th. A Cano error allowed Howie Kendrick to reach 1st base safely and then Jorge Posada threw a one-hopper into center field when Kendrick stole 2nd base. Just like that, the Angels had the tying run on 3rd with nobody out. Hughes retired Figgins on a pop up, but Maecir Izturis singled to right to the game at five apiece.

With the Yankees already 0-5 with runners in scoring position Rodriguez put the Yankees on the board in the 3rd when he followed Mark Teixeira’s single with his 27th home run of the season off of Halos’ starter Ervin Santana. Two batters later, Posada went deep with Hideki Matsui aboard for a 4-0 lead. Then it was Matsui’s turn in the 5th. Godzilla smoked his 28th home run of the season, with the total being evenly split before and after the All-Star break.

Game Notes

Derek Jeter picked up his 200th hit when he singled in the 4th inning. He now has seven 200-hit seasons, one shy of the team record held by, you guessed it, Lou Gehrig.

Alex Rodriguez is now three home runs by Mark McGwire for 8th place on the career home run list.

The Yankees will try to take the series tonight when they send A.J. Burnett to the mound against left-hander Scott Kazmir.

I can feel your halo halo halo

A scene the Yankees have witnessed too many times in Anaheim.

Halos Have Yankees Number Again

Filed Under: Yankees

Tags: Alex Rodriguez • andy pettitte • Chone Figgins • Derek Jeter • hideki matsui • Joe Saunders • Kendry Morales • LA Angels • NY Yankees • Torii Hunter • Vlad Guerrero • Yankees 9/22 recap • Yankees vs. Angels

Written for Baseball Digest Online

The last day of Summer provided no solace for the Yankees in Anaheim last night. No matter the season, the Yankees just can’t be the Los Angeles Angeles on the left coast. That trend continued last night when the Angels took an early lead against Andy Pettitte en route to a 5-2 win. On the bright side, the Yankees magic number to clinch the AL East was reduced to 8, thanks to the Kansas City Royals win over the Boston Red Sox.

On the even brighter side, Pettitte who missed his last start with shoulder fatigue, allowed 3 runs in an effective six effective innings and felt good afterwards. Unfortunately for the Yankees, Angels’ starter Joe Saunders was even better. The left-hander was 9-7 with a 5.33 ERA when he went on the DL after his August 7th start. But since then he’s gone unbeaten, posting a 5-0 record in six starts, while posting a 2.11 ERA. He came within two outs of throwing a complete game despite having to pitch with a sore patella tendon in his left leg.

The Yankees put two men aboard in the first but Chone Figgins defense helped Saunders escape trouble. With Johnny Damon on 1st, Mark Teixeira hit a bullet down the 3rd base line that was ticketed for extra bases. But Figgins made a diving stop and fired to 2nd base for a would be force out. But 2nd baseman Howie Kendrick dropped the throw allowing both runners to reach. (Somehow the official scorer ruled it a fielder’s choice rather than a hit or error). Saunders picked up his teammate with a swinging strikeout of Alex Rodriguez and then retired Nick Swisher on a lazy fly. After that the Yankees rolled over, except for solo home runs by A-Rod and Hideki Matsui in the 7th and 8th innings.

The Angels jumped right on Pettitte in the home half of the 1st, though it looked like Pettitte would escape unscathed when Jose Molina threw Figgins out attempting to steal 2nd base for the second out of the inning. But Bobby Abreu singled and scored on Vlad Guerrero’s gapper to right-center. Torii Hunter then followed with a double of his own for a 2-0 lead.

The Yankees’ home runs got them back to 2-run deficits each time, but the Yankees pen let the Angels extend their lead in each instance. Kendry Morales hit a pinch-hit solo home run, his 31st (and RBI #99) off of Brian Bruney in the 7th and Jonathan Albaladejo allowed another run in the 8th.

Game Notes

Derek Jeter had a pair of hits in the game to give him 199 on the season. His next hit will give him 7-200 hit seasons.

The Angels reduced their magic number for clinching the AL West to 6 and won their 90th game for the 7th time in 9 seasons.

Francisco Cervelli got quite a thrill before the game when Reggie Jackson introduced him to fellow Hall of Fame member Frank Robinson. Robby currently works for the commissioner’s office.

Chad Gaudin looks to get the Yankees back on the winning track tonight when he goes up against Ervin Santana.

Yankees Make a Mess Out West

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
NY Yankees	3	1	0	0	1	0	1	0	0		6	14	2
LA Angels	0	1	0	0	4	2	3	0	X		10	13	0

WP - Bulger (4-1) SV - Fuentes (25) LP - Melancon (0-1)

The Yankees are going to have make a decision soon on the immediate future of Joba Chamberlain. The Yankees young star imploded once again last night, lasting just 4 1/3 innings in a 10-6 loss to the Los Angeles Angels. To make matters worse, the Yankees had staked him to a 5-1 lead. Chamberlain wasn’t completely at fault though- the Yankees are still snake bitten in Anaheim. Errors by Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter and another poor relief outing from Brian Bruney all contributed to the “Mess out West“.

Read the rest of my recap at Baseball Digest Online.

Jorgie's Barehanded Catch

Heck of a play by Jorge Posada in last night's game.

Yankees won't be Held for Ransom

It remains to be seen whether Cody Ransom is indeed the temporary fix at third base while Alex Rodriguez convalesces. (George King of the Post has more on Ransom.) He's certainly going to get the chance based on the spring he's had thus far, but if turns out that A-Rod will miss much more time than the expected 6-9 weeks, Brian Cashman, despite public statements, will be looking elsewhere for someone to man the hot corner.

Let's take a look at who might be available if the Yankees feel a 33-yr old journeyman isn't their answer on the left side of the infield.

Mark Teahen
It's the name that has been thrown out there most often. Teahen came up as a third baseman, and has also played first base and right field. The 27-yr old has had an up and down four year career in the majors.

His rookie season was nothing to write home about it - .246-7-55 and a .685 OPS- but Teahen's sophomore year was a big improvement. A .290 average, 18 home runs, 69 RBI, and an .874 OPS gave Royals fans a player to hang their hopes on.

Teahen put up another good average .285 in year three, but his power suddenly dropped off - just 7 home runs in 2007. Of more of a concern, were a career high 127 strikeouts.

Last season was a combination of Teahen's entire career. The power returned- 15 home runs, but his average dipped back down to .255 and he had even more strikeouts, 131, than the prior year.

Teahen's career is at a crossroads right now. Is he an every day player or a high power/high strikeout guy platoon or bench player?

With Teahen making over $3.5 million a season, the Royals would like to move him.


Bobby Crosby
Crosby's career has been filled with injuries since he hit 22 home runs as a rookie 2004. He's only topped 100 games once (2008) in the ensuing four years. The A's brought in Orlando Cabrera to play shortstop this season, so Oakland is giving Crosby a look at third base, which serves two purposes.

Eric Chavez has a chronic bad back, so Crosby could see a lot of playing time at his new position. Billy Beane knows another position will also give Crosby more trade value. (Beane also knows in hindsight that he should never have signed Crosby to the long term deal that pays him $5.25 million in this final season of the deal.)

Crosby would come relatively cheap because of his salary, but do you need a high priced player, whose career batting average is .239? Ransom's career average is .251.


Chone Figgins
There have been rumors for several years now about the Angels looking to move Figgins. This could be the year though since Figgins is in the last year of his contract, and Brandon Wood has a chance to establish himself at third base. Then again it could be Woods that's moved, with Figgins signing a new deal.

Figgins would add speed to the team and also would give them a super utility player (2B, 3B, OF) if A-Rod returns to form at third base.


Chad Tracy
Another potential free agent, Tracy was relegated to a part-time role the last two seasons for Arizona after putting up solid numbers in 2004-5. He's a lifetime .804 OPS guy, who, like Teahen, would be replacing a right-handed bat with a left-handed one.

A big knock on Tracy though is the 25 errors he made in those two fine offensive seasons. That's the reason he sees significant time at first base now instead of third. Would the Yankees be willing to take a defensive hit for plus offense?

Melvin Mora
It's hard to imagine the Orioles helping out the Yankees, but Mora could bring some significant trade value to the O's. The 37-yr old is coming off the second best offensive season of his career (.285-23-104).

Mora is set to make $9 million this season and the O's have an option for next year, though the buyout is for only $1 million. A buyout the O's would likely take advantage of.

More would like to finish his career in Baltimore, but perhaps playing for a contender would sway him.


Blake DeWitt
The Dodgers second year player has been mentioned, because of being blocked at third base by Casey Blake, and at second base by Orlando Hudson.

The Yankees would have to give up a prospect of significance for DeWitt, who could still replace Hudson next season. And what do you do with DeWitt once A-Rod is healthy? Your only option would be to deal him or Robinson Cano, if Cano doesn't play to potential.

DeWitt is unlikely to land in Pinstripes.

For now, Cody Ransom is the answer, but will A-Rod or Ransom be the answer on June 1?

photos courtesy of cbc.ca and baltimoresun.com

The Empty Corner

The "Who's on 1st?" routine that Abbott and Costello perfected, even to the amusement of Charlie Babbitt, fits the Yankees situation right now.

Abbott: Who's on first.

Costello: I don't know.

Abbott: He's on third, we're not talking about him

The Yankees aren't talking about their recent 3rd Baseman, but Brian Cashman and the Tampa contingent are going to have to work fast to figure out who will be manning the hot corner in 2008. The only worthwhile free agents are A-Rod and Mike Lowell. Lowell is coming off a monster regular season, plus a world series MVP. Unlike Scott Brosius with the Yankees in '98-'99, Lowell has done this before, so the Red Sox would be wise to keep him (as you recall Lowell was blocked by Brosius on the Yankees, and subsequently dealt to the Marlins for garbage Ed Yarnall.).

So then you start looking around at 2009 prospective free agents, who might get dealt for the '08 season is over. And then you keep looking at what other options are out there besides the instant incumbent, Wilson Betemit.

Miguel Cabrera, Florida
Big bat, big appetite. Since he made a major splash as a rookie, the Marlins' Cabrera has had an expanding offensive game and waistline. The latter is the bigger concern. He's been moody, temperamental, and lazy. And he's only 24. Girardi had him for one year, so he knows whether or not he can get Cabrera to focus or not. While a huge asset with the bat, he is a great liability with the glove. He'd be better off at 1st Base or DH. If the Yankees acquired him, it would probably make more sense to move him to 1st and let Betemit, and, maybe, Andy Phillips split time at 3rd. Peter Gammons reported today that the Marlins have made him available in trade talks.
Our take - great bat, but acting like Manny without Manny's resume. The bigger issue is the young pitching prospects the Marlins will demand back from the Yankees. We've already seen you can't win with a big hitting 3rd Baseman and no pitching. Pass

Chone Figgins, LAA
There have been rumors over the last 2 years about the Angels gauging interest in Figgins around the league. Whether or not it's true remains to be seen. What is true is that Figgins will be expendable if the Angels sign A-Rod. It's been reported that the Angels already haven spoken to Scott Boras. Figgins, who underwent surgery to remove the hamate bone in his left wrist, started out slowly last year due to injuries and finished the same way because of the hamate injury. But in between he was torrid.

Figgins would give the Yankees another lead off man at the bottom of the order, or he could truly lead off if the Yankees move Johnny Damon. Also has the ability to fill in spots in the outfield. Figgins will still be just 30 in January and has averaged 47 steals the last 4 years. Signed thru 2009.
Our take - Definitely worth negotiating. Figgins could give the Yankees additional opportunity to play small ball. Go for it.

Joe Crede
Crede is coming off back surgery, which caused him to miss all but 47 games this past season. Crede had a career year the prior season, belting 30 home runs to go with 94 RBI and a .283 average. His 3 year average (2003-2005) of .251-21-69 is probably closer to his norm. Crede doesn't walk much and is certainly no threat to steal. His big asset is his glove, which is gold glove caliber. Becomes a free agent after the 2008 season.
Our take - Tread cautiously. Might be worth it if the price is right (aka low). Tough to tell if he'll return to '06 form or be damaged goods. Maybe

Scott Rolen
Rolen has been beset by injuries 2 of the last 3 years. Underwent surgery in September to clean out a bothersome left shoulder. As good as it gets in the field. Can be expected to put up a .280-25-95, if healthy. He'll turn 33 as the '08 season begins and is signed through 2010 (about 11 mill per year).
Our take - Definitely worth talking to the Cards about. Now that Larry Bowa is out of pinstripes, you don't have to worry about the clash that helped drive Rolen out of Philly. Though 3 years older than Crede, he still is the better overall player. Again the price would have to be right, though this time it has more to do with money exchange (take my Igawa, please). Go for it.

Troy Glaus
Forget it, the free agent to be (after '08) is on a division rival. Won't happen.

Hank Blalock
Another player that will be a free agent, though there is a team option for the following year, after the '08 season. Blalock missed most the '07 season due to thoracic outlet syndrome, which affects the nerves that pass through the shoulder into the neck. Blalock had a rib removed from his upper chest to alleviate the condition. Average 29 HR-97 RBI from 2003 to 2005, before a drop off to 16-89 in '06. Should bounce back well this year. However, he's a much better hitter at hitter friendly Ameriquest park (.303) than he is on the road (.243). Has a very good glove and a strong arm.
Our Take - Combine the career road average with a .226 average against left-handers, and we say forget it. Pass

Pedro Feliz - the free agent averaged 21 HR, 84 RBI the last 4 years, but is a .250 hitters with
a .720 OPS Pass

Alex Rodriguez - You just never know.


So there you have it. Now obviously, the Yankees don't need to get 1 person to replace all of those HRs and RBI. With more production from 1st Base and DH, it can certainly balance out the offense. It also shows the importance of re-signing Jorge Posada. Ultimately this team will still only get its far as its pitching, and that's where the Yankees need to focus more of their money and attention.

The Empty Corner

The "Who's on 1st?" routine that Abbott and Costello perfected, even to the amusement of Charlie Babbitt, fits the Yankees situation right now.

Abbott: Who's on first.

Costello: I don't know.

Abbott: He's on third, we're not talking about him

The Yankees aren't talking about their recent 3rd Baseman, but Brian Cashman and the Tampa contingent are going to have to work fast to figure out who will be manning the hot corner in 2008. The only worthwhile free agents are A-Rod and Mike Lowell. Lowell is coming off a monster regular season, plus a world series MVP. Unlike Scott Brosius with the Yankees in '98-'99, Lowell has done this before, so the Red Sox would be wise to keep him (as you recall Lowell was blocked by Brosius on the Yankees, and subsequently dealt to the Marlins for garbage Ed Yarnall.).

So then you start looking around at 2009 prospective free agents, who might get dealt for the '08 season is over. And then you keep looking at what other options are out there besides the instant incumbent, Wilson Betemit.

Miguel Cabrera, Florida
Big bat, big appetite. Since he made a major splash as a rookie, the Marlins' Cabrera has had an expanding offensive game and waistline. The latter is the bigger concern. He's been moody, temperamental, and lazy. And he's only 24. Girardi had him for one year, so he knows whether or not he can get Cabrera to focus or not. While a huge asset with the bat, he is a great liability with the glove. He'd be better off at 1st Base or DH. If the Yankees acquired him, it would probably make more sense to move him to 1st and let Betemit, and, maybe, Andy Phillips split time at 3rd. Peter Gammons reported today that the Marlins have made him available in trade talks.
Our take - great bat, but acting like Manny without Manny's resume. The bigger issue is the young pitching prospects the Marlins will demand back from the Yankees. We've already seen you can't win with a big hitting 3rd Baseman and no pitching. Pass

Chone Figgins, LAA
There have been rumors over the last 2 years about the Angels gauging interest in Figgins around the league. Whether or not it's true remains to be seen. What is true is that Figgins will be expendable if the Angels sign A-Rod. It's been reported that the Angels already haven spoken to Scott Boras. Figgins, who underwent surgery to remove the hamate bone in his left wrist, started out slowly last year due to injuries and finished the same way because of the hamate injury. But in between he was torrid.

Figgins would give the Yankees another lead off man at the bottom of the order, or he could truly lead off if the Yankees move Johnny Damon. Also has the ability to fill in spots in the outfield. Figgins will still be just 30 in January and has averaged 47 steals the last 4 years. Signed thru 2009.
Our take - Definitely worth negotiating. Figgins could give the Yankees additional opportunity to play small ball. Go for it.

Joe Crede
Crede is coming off back surgery, which caused him to miss all but 47 games this past season. Crede had a career year the prior season, belting 30 home runs to go with 94 RBI and a .283 average. His 3 year average (2003-2005) of .251-21-69 is probably closer to his norm. Crede doesn't walk much and is certainly no threat to steal. His big asset is his glove, which is gold glove caliber. Becomes a free agent after the 2008 season.
Our take - Tread cautiously. Might be worth it if the price is right (aka low). Tough to tell if he'll return to '06 form or be damaged goods. Maybe

Scott Rolen
Rolen has been beset by injuries 2 of the last 3 years. Underwent surgery in September to clean out a bothersome left shoulder. As good as it gets in the field. Can be expected to put up a .280-25-95, if healthy. He'll turn 33 as the '08 season begins and is signed through 2010 (about 11 mill per year).
Our take - Definitely worth talking to the Cards about. Now that Larry Bowa is out of pinstripes, you don't have to worry about the clash that helped drive Rolen out of Philly. Though 3 years older than Crede, he still is the better overall player. Again the price would have to be right, though this time it has more to do with money exchange (take my Igawa, please). Go for it.

Troy Glaus
Forget it, the free agent to be (after '08) is on a division rival. Won't happen.

Hank Blalock
Another player that will be a free agent, though there is a team option for the following year, after the '08 season. Blalock missed most the '07 season due to thoracic outlet syndrome, which affects the nerves that pass through the shoulder into the neck. Blalock had a rib removed from his upper chest to alleviate the condition. Average 29 HR-97 RBI from 2003 to 2005, before a drop off to 16-89 in '06. Should bounce back well this year. However, he's a much better hitter at hitter friendly Ameriquest park (.303) than he is on the road (.243). Has a very good glove and a strong arm.
Our Take - Combine the career road average with a .226 average against left-handers, and we say forget it. Pass

Pedro Feliz - the free agent averaged 21 HR, 84 RBI the last 4 years, but is a .250 hitters with
a .720 OPS Pass

Alex Rodriguez - You just never know.


So there you have it. Now obviously, the Yankees don't need to get 1 person to replace all of those HRs and RBI. With more production from 1st Base and DH, it can certainly balance out the offense. It also shows the importance of re-signing Jorge Posada. Ultimately this team will still only get its far as its pitching, and that's where the Yankees need to focus more of their money and attention.