In addition to signing Jayson Nix today, the Yankees also decided to offer arbitration to Freddy Garcia. Garcia qualified as a Type B free agent on the strength of his surprisingly good 2011 campaign, so if Garcia declines arbitration and signs with another team, the Yankees will receive a supplemental round pick in exchange. That might be moot, however, as new reports indicate that the Yankees and Garcia are close to agreeing to terms on a new one year deal to keep Sweaty Freddy in pinstripes for the 2012 season.
I’m not necessarily opposed to another go-round with Garcia, but I do wonder what it says about the team’s plan for the 2012 rotation. Re-signing Garcia would give the Yankees five nominal starting pitchers, so if they still plan to add an upgrade to the rotation in the offseason, either Garcia, A.J. Burnett, or Phil Hughes would have to be the odd man out.
I think this says that Brian Cashman doubts that he can sign a high-end free agent starter (because there really aren't many out there). Signing Freddy is insurance. If Cashman can pull off a major trade, he can always use Freddy in long relief or he can bite the bullet and release Burnett if his 2012 season is a repeat of his last one. Overall, this is a good move to give us depth and potential options.
it's called depth. teams should have it…
Totally agree on the "depth" point. Garcia gives you quality innings and he would be one of the best 4 or 5 men in a rotation in the AL. I still hold out hope that the Yanks can pull off a trade for either Danks or Gonzalez and move Burnett (eating most of the salary). Danks or Gonzalez would be the solid #2 the team needs, followed by Nova, Hughes and Garcia. Nice rotation with depth provided by Hector Noesi or one of the guys from AAA (Phelps or Warren). Good move and I like the fact that both Garcia and CC are locked up early. However, I want no part of Colon returning next year
Sounds like another first round playoff elimination for the Yankees.