Pinstripe Alley - Yankees potential free agent targetsBig boi dinger enthusiastshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51961/pinstripe_alley_minimal.png2013-12-11T13:00:10-05:00http://www.pinstripealley.com/rss/stream/47898252013-12-11T13:00:10-05:002013-12-11T13:00:10-05:00Yankees free agent target: Joaquin Benoit
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<figcaption>Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Yankees apparently have an interest in bringing aboard the former Tigers closer to shore up the bullpen. Is it a good idea?</p> <p>Many teams' bullpens change from year to year, but the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a>' bullpen appears destined to have an overhaul unlike any they have had in years. For the first time in 17 years, they will have a new closer going into Spring Training. In fact, Joe Girardi <a href="https://twitter.com/DanBarbarisi/status/410525296874749952" target="_blank">recently told</a> <i>Wall Street Journal </i>reporter Daniel Barbarisi that the only "sure things" to be in the bullpen for 2014 are <span>David Robertson</span>, <span>Shawn Kelley</span>, and Preston Claiborne. Teams typically carry seven-man bullpens, so there are several more spots to fill in the 'pen, and frankly, they can do better than Claiborne and his 6.53 second half ERA third on the depth chart.There are only so many internal options at the moment aside from rotation candidates <span>David Phelps</span> and Adam Warren. David Huff is a lefty but not particularly impressive, and although <span>Dellin Betances</span> and <span>Cesar Cabral</span> are intriguing, they have only pitched about 11 combined major league innings.</p>
<p>Back at the start of '97, the Yankees' bullpen already had some solid pieces in Rivera and <span>Jeff Nelson</span> (among others), but they signed veteran lefty <span>Mike Stanton</span> to a three-year, $5.45 million deal. That contract worked out pretty well, as Stanton became a bullpen fixture for the next six years. Now, they might be seeking a similar free agent import to supplement the current bullpen core. Bob Nightengale revealed the Yankees' offseason goal for the bullpen along with a particular name they could pursue:</p>
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<p>The <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Yankees&src=hash">#Yankees</a> would love to grab two relievers and have had lots of internal discussions about <span>Joaquin Benoit</span></p>
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) <a href="https://twitter.com/BNightengale/statuses/410594264075476993">December 11, 2013</a>
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<p>Benoit is 36 years old and has taken a very interesting career path. A native of the Dominican Republic, he signed and eventually debuted with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Texas Rangers</a> as a starter in August 2001. He started 46 of his first 71 games with underwhelming results. In 2005, the Rangers used him out of the 'pen 24 times, and he pitched to a 1.30 ERA with a 0.888 WHIP and 9.1 K/9; in his nine starts, his ERA approached six. That effectively ended his starting career. He sandwiched an excellent season in '07 (61 ERA-) between two mediocre ones in '06 and '08, then underwent rotator cuff surgery in early '09 to address the shoulder soreness that plagued him during his rough '08.</p>
<p>At age 32 with middling success and a full season on the DL behind him, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Rays</a> picked him up off the scrap heap in February 2010 for a mere $750,000. It was the type of low-cost gamble on a bullpen arm that the Rays' pitching coaches have had great success with over the past several years, and Benoit was no different. He seemingly came out of nowhere to dominate the American League in 2010. Featuring a mix of a 94-95 mph fastball with a devastating changeup about 10 mph slower and the occasional slider, he pitched to a 1.34 ERA (34 ERA-), a 2.43 FIP (61 FIP-), and struck out 75 batters in 60 1/3 innings versus just 10 walks. Opposing batters only hit .147/.189/.265 against him, and the bullpen duo of Benoit and closer <span>Rafael Soriano</span> helped the Rays win the AL East. Hitting the free agent market at his highest value yet, Benoit jumped to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/">Tigers</a> to set up for <span>Jose Valverde</span> on a three-year deal worth $16.5 million.</p>
<p>Multi-year free agent contracts for relievers are always risky, but this three-year pact with Benoit worked out pretty well for Detroit. Over the past three years, he's pitched to a 2.89 ERA (70 ERA-) and 3.39 FIP (82 FIP-), posting impressive rates of 9.9 K/9, 2.8 BB/9, and a 1.075 WHIP in 199 total innings. The Tigers have won three AL Central titles in a row, and Benoit was Jim Leyland's most consistent reliever, given Valverde's implosion. The closer's collapse in 2012 led to an opening for the position at the start of 2013, but strangely, Benoit was not given a legitimate shot until the end of June. Benoit took the opportunity and ran with it to the end of the season, finishing 2013 with a 2.01 ERA (49 ERA-) and a 2.87 FIP (71 FIP-), converting each of his first 22 save opportunities before blowing a couple meaningless games in late September when the Tigers already had the division title wrapped up.</p>
<p>Benoit's playoff year was not a pretty sight, but that can be chalked up to small sample size weirdness--after pitching to a 1.62 ERA in his first 16 2/3 playoff innings from 2010-12, he was probably due for some regression. Unfortunately for the Tigers, that regression came in the form of three strong appearances (highlighted by clinching the opening and closing games of the ALDS victory over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/">Athletics</a>) and three bad appearances (marred by the game-tying <span>David Ortiz</span> grand slam in Game 2 of the ALCS). Now, the righthander is a free agent again, and with new closer <span>Joe Nathan</span>, Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski has said he expects Benoit to sign elsewhere. Injuries are not a concern, as Benoit hasn't hit the DL since the rotator cuff surgery almost five years ago. Are the Yankees right to pursue him?</p>
<p>Although he has closing experience, one plus that Benoit has going for him that the Yankees might like is that he doesn't seem like the type of guy who would demand to be closer over Robertson, the likely heir to Rivera's throne. Keep in mind that this <a target="_blank" href="http://wapc.mlb.com/play/?content_id=31120071">video link</a> could very well just have been Benoit putting on a team-friendly face for any future employers, but he did mention that he recognizes teams don't often turn to guys in their mid-30s with no closing experience to be their closer as the Tigers did in 2013. He said that if he did return to Detroit and they wanted him to set up for youngster <span>Bruce Rondon</span> in 2014, he would be amenable. If this is true, then it seems unlikely that he would cause a scene about not wanting to set up for the much more experienced Robertson. (I can't imagine fellow free agent <span>Grant Balfour</span> would be as accommodating since he's now saved 62 games over the past couple years.) He could even provide an alternative and some competition for the closing gig in Spring Training, as the Yankees might desire to keep Robertson on edge. Either way, having a reliever with as much experience and recent success as Benoit could be a boon for a team whose bullpen is not especially strong at the moment.</p>
<p>A slight concern on Benoit's record can be observed in his slowly rising walk rate since that phenomenal 2010. Over the past four years, his BB/9 has gone from 1.64 (2010) to 2.51 (2011) to 2.79 (2012) to 2.96 (2013). All things considered, the past three years aren't terribly different from each other, but it's something to watch. A walk rate around 3.0 would still have been better than half of all qualifying relievers last year anyway, so as long as Benoit can stem the small increases, he should be fine. His fly ball rate of 38% was also 49th-highest out of 135 relievers, so that should be taken into account However, Kelley's was even higher last year though at 45%, so it's not as though Benoit would be doomed pitching half his games at Yankee Stadium.</p>
<p>Like Kelley, Benoit also gets more than his share of strikeouts to work out of jams; he ended 2013 with a +3.85 WPA, the fourth-highest total for MLB relievers. It should be noted that similar to RBI, WPA for relievers should be taken with a grain of salt according to <i>Baseball Prospectus</i> writer-turned-<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/">Astros</a> statistician <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/cwyers/status/370553369309360128">Colin Wyers</a> since the relievers do not control the circumstances of the game before they enter it, but it's still comforting to know that when inserted into these tough situations, Benoit got the job done far more often than not. His strikeout potential has helped him in these efforts, inducing a swing and a miss on <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/10/free-agent-profile-joaquin-benoit.html">13.6% of his pitches</a>. Benoit's greatest weapon is his changeup, which was worth a remarkable 4.9 runs above average last year by Pitch F/X measures. It induced a swing a miss 24.7% of the time, like here:</p>
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<p>Spot-on location and a wicked dive. Would not say no to adding another nasty pitch in the bullpen to go along with D-Rob's curveball.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.mlbdailydish.com">MLB Trade Rumors</a> estimates that Benoit might earn a deal of about $16 million for two years. He has <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/ChrisCotillo/status/410802994825809920">reportedly </a>received an offer worth multiple years at an average annual value of $6-8 million (<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/ChrisCotillo/status/410882254572118016">two years, $14 million?</a>). While that seems a little high, it wouldn't be too bad for a reliever who's been as durable and productive as Benoit. Obviously you would want to pay less for a reliever, but hey, that's free agency. If the Yankees want to dip into the market to improve the back end of their bullpen, Benoit would be a pretty solid overall choice, superior to most of the alternatives on the market. Bring me his changeup.</p>
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https://www.pinstripealley.com/2013/12/11/5198462/yankees-target-joaquin-benoit-bullpen-reliever-free-agency-hot-stoveAndrew Mearns2013-12-09T15:00:05-05:002013-12-09T15:00:05-05:00Yankees free agent target: Mark Ellis
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<figcaption>Stephen Dunn</figcaption>
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<p>This is really what it's come to.</p> <p>Following <span>Robinson Cano's</span> dash to the Pacific Northwest, the <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Yankees</a> will now have to scramble to find an alternative to man second. As it stands, the market for second basemen is pretty weak, but perhaps there may be a diamond in the rough.</p>
<p>That diamond in the rough could be <span>Mark Ellis</span>. Ellis spent last season with the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Dodgers</a>, hitting .270/.323/.351 with a 92 wRC+ in 480 plate appearances. For reference, the average second baseman in Major League Baseball sports a .257/.316/.376 line with a 91 wRC+, so basically Ellis is pretty much average offensively when you compare him to his peers at the same position. Ellis' platoon splits, however, are a bit discouraging, but not very surprising given he's a right-handed batter. Last season, he hit .282/.331/.414 with a 112 wRC+ against lefties while hitting just .265/.319/.325 with an 83 wRC+ against righties. In his career, Ellis is a .276/.348/.429 (110 wRC+) hitter against lefties while hitting .262/.324/.377 (90 wRC+) against righties.</p>
<p>Thankfully, defense is Ellis' calling card. Last season, UZR/150 rated him as a +7.8 defender, DRS had him at +12, FRAA at +3.3, and, finally, dWAR at +1.5. That's been pretty much the same for his career, too, as UZR/150, DRS, FRAA, and dWAR peg him as a +9.1, +125, +~66.4, and +~16.9 defender, respectively, in 1314 career games and 11214 innings at the second base position.</p>
<p>There are two problems with that, though. One: Ellis has always been a second baseman and that's about it. He has played eight career games at third base, 15 games at shortstop (most recently in 2005), and five games at first base. For a guy who isn't all that special with the bat (especially given his platoon splits), you'd at least like to have a bit of versatility. Maybe they can try him out at other spots if they sign him, but I'm not counting on it. Also, he's 36 years old and turns 37 in June. At an advanced age like that, you could see his defensive numbers take a nosedive.</p>
<p>Even before Cano agreed to sign with the <a href="https://www.lookoutlanding.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Mariners</a>, the Yankees had interest in <span>Omar Infante</span>, and I expect that interest to grow now that Robbie is gone. However, since Infante is now the best second baseman available on the open market, it's far from a guarantee he'll end up becoming a Yankee, which is why the team may end up having to pursue Ellis. At the same time, they could peg <span>Kelly Johnson</span> as the regular (or at least against right-handed pitching) second baseman while signing a cheap utility man (<span>Jeff Baker</span>!) to fill Johnson's original role. With all this said, it's pretty sad how the Yankees go from having a star like Cano holding down the fort at second for the last nine years to having to go bargain hunting for the likes of Mark Ellis, but that's the world we currently live in, unfortunately.</p>
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https://www.pinstripealley.com/yankees-analysis-sabermetrics/2013/12/9/5182960/yankees-target-mark-ellis-second-base-free-agency-hot-stovejessenyy2013-12-05T13:00:11-05:002013-12-05T13:00:11-05:00Yankees free agent target: Jeff Baker
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<p>With a surplus of left-handed batters, Jeff Baker would make sense in a utility type of role.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a>, once again, made a massive splash, as they signed <span>Jacoby Ellsbury</span>, a left-handed bat, to a seven-year deal on Tuesday. Later in the night, they agreed to a deal with <span>Kelly Johnson</span>, another left-handed bat, to a one-year contract. This is coming from a team who already sported plenty of left-handed bats, thus adding a right-handed bat would make plenty of sense.</p>
<p>Enter <span>Jeff Baker</span>. Baker is just a career .267/.321/.440 hitter with a 96 wRC+ in over 1600 plate appearances. However, he does hit lefties very well; he's a career .298/.353/.522, 128 wRC+ hitter in 827 plate appearances against southpaws. Last season with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Rangers</a>, Baker demolished lefties to the tune of a 183 wRC+ in over 100 PA's. And, in the last three years, Baker is a 124 wRC+ hitter against them.</p>
<p>As an added bonus, Baker provides versatility. In his career, Baker has seen time at the corner outfield spots, first, second, and third base. This doesn't come without any caveats, however, as he grades out as at least a below-average defender according to the respective advanced defensive metrics. At the same time, <span>Mark Reynolds</span>, who most want the Yankees to re-sign, is a complete disaster at third base and can't at least fake it in the outfield like Baker can.</p>
<p>Assuming the Yankees re-sign <span>Robinson Cano</span> (and I feel like that's a bigger "if" as the days continue to pass), Baker wouldn't have to see much of second base at all, but could see time at third base in place of Kelly Johnson if they decide to platoon him (73 wRC+ vs. LHP since 2011) or a corner outfield spot if they want to platoon Gardner (101 wRC+ vs. LHP since 2011) or even Ellsbury (96 wRC+ vs. LHP since 2011). He could also see some time at DH, of course. Finally, Baker, in theory, wouldn't cost a whole lot, as he made just less than $2 million last year.</p>
<p>If acquired, the Yankees would presumably cut ties with <span>Vernon Wells</span>. He was brought in with the purpose that he would hit left-handed pitching, but is simply incompetent in that regard, to go along with everything else. Adding a lefty masher like Jeff Baker and losing a complete waste of a roster spot like Vernon Wells is the very definition of addition by subtraction and is definitely something the Yankees should look into.</p>
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https://www.pinstripealley.com/2013/12/5/5173516/yankees-target-jeff-baker-free-agency-hot-stovejessenyy2013-12-03T17:00:05-05:002013-12-03T17:00:05-05:00Non-tender relievers the Yankees could target
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<p>Monday was the non-tender deadline and a total of 40 players were given the boot by their respective teams. The <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Yankees</a> need bullpen help now that <span>Mariano Rivera</span> has retired and <span>Boone Logan</span> is a free agent. While they do have internal candidates, there aren't any guarantees to help make up for the talent they lost. There are seven free agents who could help the Yankees in 2014, and maybe even beyond that, it would just take a small leap of faith.</p>
<p><b><span>Scott Atchison</span> (RHP) -</b> While nothing spectacular, he could be a solid addition to the bullpen. He's had a history of elbow injuries, though he's never required Tommy John surgery. He had a bone spur removed last season, so surgery could have been responsible for his unimpressive 2013 season with the <a href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Mets</a>. In 2011 and 2012, he had a 2.42 ERA and a 2.71 FIP, which is what the Yankees would hope he can repeat. While he does struggle somewhat against lefties, he has maintained a 1.72 BB/9 against right-handed batters in his career. He's projected to make $1.3 million in his second go-around in arbitration, but the 37-year-old could easily be had on a minor league deal well below that price.</p>
<p><b><span>John Axford</span> (RHP) -</b> Before 2012, Axford could be considered an elite reliever. He had a 2.21 ERA and 2.27 FIP across his first two full seasons, but his career has taken a nosedive since. Over the last two years he's had a 4.34 ERA and 4.20 FIP without even an injury to blame. While he's always struggled with control (4.05 BB/9), he has dominated with the strikeout (10.82 K/9). He has a good ground ball rate (46.9%), though that has been dropping slowly, and while his fly ball rate hasn't risen consistently, his HR/FB rate has shot up from 4.2%, in 2010 and 2011, to 18.2% over the last two seasons. He's a Super Two, so he's already made $5 million in 2013, however he isn't worth his projected $5.7 million in arbitration until he can prove he's still the pitcher he used to be. He could be worth a shot if he can be signed for $3 million at the most.</p>
<p><b><span>Andrew Bailey</span> (RHP) -</b> Bailey has been limited by injury throughout his career, but when he's healthy he's a force in the backend of the bullpen. He has a career 2.64 ERA and 3.13 FIP, but he hasn't pitched a full season since his rookie season in 2009. Unfortunately, he tore the capsule in his shoulder this season and he might never be the same again. If the Yankees decide to go after him, they can't expect him to be healthy. He's a free agent after 2014, so it could make sense to try and sign the 29-year-old to a $1 million deal over two seasons, like they did with David Aardsma. Let him work himself back to health and if he contributes, great, if not, he won't cost much to cut.</p>
<p><b><span>Daniel Bard</span> (RHP) -</b> Poor Daniel Bard was looking to be the future closer of the <a href="https://www.overthemonster.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Red Sox</a> until he was transitioned to the rotation out of desperation. He hasn't been the same since and it's hard to tell if there's some kind of undiagnosed injury or if it's all mental. He had a 2.97 ERA and 3.23 FIP through his first three seasons, but he hasn't had an ERA or FIP under five at any level since. The <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cubs</a> tried to work with him this offseason, but I guess they didn't see much of an improvement, so they cut him and his projected $1.8 million arbitration salary. He's still just 28, and if the Yankees sign him to a minor league deal, perhaps they can be the ones to fix him before he finds himself out of baseball. It would be really nice to have the pitcher he used to be in the back of the bullpen for the next few years.</p>
<p><b><span>Ronald Belisario</span> (RHP) -</b> After being surprisingly non-tendered by the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Dodgers</a>, Belisario could bring solid depth to the Yankees' bullpen. He has kept a 3.25 ERA and 3.36 FIP over the last two seasons, has maintained a ground ball rate over 60% for the last three seasons, and has been able to limit home runs to a rate of 0.54 HR/9. He's still just 30 years old, so he might end up making a good portion of his projected $2.3 million salary in 2014.</p>
<p><b><span>Ryan Webb</span> (RHP) - </b>The <a style="background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration: underline;" href="https://www.fishstripes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Marlins</a> right-hander is a ground ball pitcher (57.4%) who had a solid year with a 2.91 ERA and 3.60 FIP this season. He has a 21.8% fly ball rate that will play up in Yankee Stadium, and, though he lacks high strikeout rates (6.26 K/9) and low walk rates (3.16 BB/9), he has remained relatively healthy in his career. He is arbitration eligible for the second time and was projected to make $1.5 million, though he'd likely agree to a lesser contract.</p>
<p><b><span>Wesley Wright</span> (LHP) - </b>If the Yankees need a LOOGY, Wright might be someone the Yankees should pursue. He has a 10.42 K/9 and a 2.93 FIP against left-handed batters, though he seems to be nuclear waste against righties, as he has a 5.75 FIP against them. He has a 54.1% ground ball rate over the last three years and his fly ball rates have dropped below 30% over the last two, however it seems that when it gets in the air, it's a home run, seeing as how he has a career 15.4% HR/FB rate. Thankfully, that rate is inflated due to his use against righties (18.7% vs. right-handed hitters), so keeping him away from those match ups is key. He was projected to make $1.4 million in arbitration this year at the age of 28, but that's a small price to pay compared to what <span>Javier Lopez</span> ended up getting.</p>
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https://www.pinstripealley.com/yankees-rumors-offseason-hot-stove/2013/12/3/5169880/yankees-non-tender-relievers-free-agency-axford-bailey-belisario-webb-bardJason Cohen2013-12-01T13:00:04-05:002013-12-01T13:00:04-05:00Yankees Free Agent Target: Scott Sizemore
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<p>Is he worth a shot?</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Yankees</a> are going to need to find someone to play third base, whether it's to play full-time when <span>Alex Rodriguez</span> gets suspended or part-time when Alex Rodriguez doesn't get suspended. For the last few years the Yankees have gone with injury-prone players like <span>Eric Chavez</span> and <span>Kevin Youkilis</span> to fill in, but so far it's been a mixed bag. While <span>Scott Sizemore</span> has had his share of injuries, he's also much younger.</p>
<p>At the age of 28, Sizemore is still looking to play a full season of major league baseball. He never had less than a 120 wRC+ at any level in the minors, but he was slow to progress through the <a href="https://www.blessyouboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Tigers</a>' system before making his debut in 2010. The Tigers traded him to the <a href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Athletics</a> after a disappointing 17-game streak, but then he thrived in Oakland. He hit .249/.345/.433 (118 wRC+), with 11 home runs, and a good 12.1% walk rate, all for a 1.5 WAR. Sizemore looked poised to become a regular in the 2012 lineup, but then injury derailed his career.</p>
<p>He tore his ACL in spring training and missed the entire 2012 season. The next year, he made the team and played in a total of two games before he tore the same ligament again, missing his second season in a row. Now he's heading into his age-29 season with only 598 major league at-bats.</p>
<p>There's very little sample size to analytically make a decision on his fielding abilities. He's played 820 innings at third, though most of that came in 2011, and he has 477.2 innings at second base and has provided negative value at both positions. He's probably not a very good fielder, but he really just needs to be league-average or just better than what <span>Mark Reynolds</span> can provide.</p>
<p>He can likely be signed to a minor league deal at this point in his career and can compete for a job in spring training. Worst case scenario, if A-Rod is suspended, the Yankees sign Sizemore and Reynolds to compete and then stash Sizemore at Triple-A. If he makes the team, he can be used as a right-handed bat off the bench against lefties.</p>
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https://www.pinstripealley.com/yankees-rumors-offseason-hot-stove/2013/12/1/5160992/yankees-free-agent-target-scott-sizemoreJason Cohen2013-11-27T11:00:14-05:002013-11-27T11:00:14-05:00Yankees Free Agent Target: Corey Hart
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<figcaption>Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>A lot of teams could be looking to buy low on the recovering slugger. Is he also a fit with the Yankees?</p> <p>It seems the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a> are being linked to just about every high-priced free agent still left on the market. Whether it's simply posturing or genuine interest, the Yankees should be careful to not just spend their time in the priciest aisles of the store. There can be potential bargains to be had as long as you don't mind the players being a little old or a bit dinged up. One player that falls into that latter category is slugger <span>Corey Hart</span>, who missed the entire 2013 season.</p>
<p>A Milwaukee Brewer his entire career, Hart will be entering his age-32 season in 2014. Prior to 2012, Hart had been a mainstay in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Brewers</a>' outfield and the middle of their order. He never graded out particularly well as an outfielder and was transitioned into playing the majority of his games at first in 2012. A right knee injury at the tail end of that season that required microfracture surgery was followed by an injury to his left knee during his rehab that required its own surgery that cost him all of 2013. So at this point any chance for a return to the outfield seems remote. In fact, Hart <a href="https://twitter.com/JimBowdenESPNxm/status/402898784478179328" target="_blank">still</a> has yet to be 100 percent cleared by his doctor.</p>
<p>Hart's calling card has always been his power bat. For his career he has a 117 wRC+, which is primarily due to his career .491 slugging percentage. In the best stretch of his career to date, Hart amassed a total of 87 home runs from 2010-2012. A right-handed hitter, Hart could go a long way toward balancing a Yankees lineup that seems to struggle year-in and year-out with lefty pitchers. Considering his injury history, the cost for Hart would seem to be a one year incentive-laden deal. The market for his services could be quite competitive, especially as the more prominent free agents get scooped up.</p>
<p>As the Yankees seem to be zeroing in on <span>Carlos Beltran</span> to make him their next big signing, the idea of Hart as a power-hitting alternative has been floated. While Beltran has his own knee-related concerns, he has played the outfield for the majority of the last two years. Not well mind you, but he has still managed to be out there more often than not. Hart's future looks only to be as a 1B/DH, and a player with Hart's history being insurance for a recovering <span>Mark Teixeira</span> seems like a real risky proposition. Even with the much higher asking price, I would consider Beltran the better fit for the Yankees. But I would consider a decent full-time outfielder with a clean bill of health a better fit than either of them.</p>
<p>Now if Hart can be had as a DH and spot starter at first with utility insurance behind him and Teixeira, the Yankees should snap him up in a second. He's shown himself to be a very good player when healthy. But I suspect in the end that Hart and his agent will opt for a team with a fully vacant first base spot so he can better re-establish his value for the 2014 offseason when he would be in a position to secure a multi-year deal.</p>
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https://www.pinstripealley.com/yankees-rumors-offseason-hot-stove/2013/11/27/5149618/yankees-free-agent-target-corey-hartChuck Burly2013-11-23T11:00:08-05:002013-11-23T11:00:08-05:00Yankees Free Agent Target: Juan Uribe
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Etc4Y4yYfl4q7qcCSoiypZlghwM=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/23696119/20130917_mjr_su5_025.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>With Alex Rodriguez's 2014 status still up in the air, could Juan Uribe be just the utility infielder the Yankees desperately need?</p> <p>As a protracted battle in federal court appears inevitable in the seemingly infinite battle between <span>Alex Rodriguez</span> and Major League Baseball, it is becoming increasingly unclear if A-Rod will be able to play on Opening Day 2014. Even if he can, and even if <span>Derek Jeter</span> is healthy and <span>Robinson Cano</span> stays in the Bronx, the <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Yankees</a> need a utility infielder that can fill in when injuries strike (and, if there's anything we learned about 2013, it's that injuries <i>will </i>strike). If this infielder can hit, well, that would certainly be welcome, especially after a season spent watching the likes of <span>Jayson Nix</span> and <span>David Adams</span> struggle in the middle of the Yankee lineup.</p>
<p><span>Juan Uribe</span> might just fit all of New York's needs.</p>
<p>Uribe has been a good defender throughout his career, posting above-average defensive numbers every year he's been in the big leagues (according to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=454&position=SS" style="background-color: #ffffff;">FanGraphs'</a> "Fielding and Positional Adjustment combined" stat). He was especially good last year, leading the league in UZR/150, and his skill is magnified by his ability to play multiple positions. Uribe has spent significant time at second base, third base, and shortstop throughout his career, although he's mainly played third in the last few seasons. This versatility would prove invaluable, as he could fill for any number of injuries that might occur in the infield. His experience at third would also make him a viable option to start the season there if Alex Rodriguez cannot play on Opening Day. While Uribe might not be an ideal everyday third baseman, he <i>did</i> do well for the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/" class="sbn-auto-link" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Dodgers</a> last season as just that. And it wasn't only because of his glove.</p>
<p>While he hit just .204 and .191 in limited action during the 2011 and 2012 season, Uribe had a resurgent year at the plate in 2013, hitting .278/.331/.438 with a 116 wRC+ and 50 RBI. He also posted a 5.1 fWAR in 2013. For his career, he's a .253/.299/.420 hitter, meaning he's probably in store for a bit of a decline in 2014. However, he definitely showed last season that he can still produce at the plate, all the while being stellar in the field, as he helped the Dodgers make the NLCS.</p>
<p>While he may get offers for more money and a starting spot elsewhere (<a target="_blank" href="http://fansided.com/2013/11/20/miami-marlins-reach-veteran-infielder-juan-uribe/">Miami is apparently interested</a>), if he wants a chance to play a meaningful role on a (fingers crossed) contender next season, the Yankees would be a prime destination. He's not that old (just 34), and he probably won't warrant more than a one or two-year deal. However, he may end up being more expensive than the Yankees are willing to spend on what they surely hope would mainly be just a bench/utility player.</p>
<p>Still, New York could certainly do a lot worse than having Uribe in this role, and it may be time to start planning on A-Rod not being the everyday third baseman next year. Uribe would be an ideal candidate; he could fill in admirably for Rodriguez , and when A-Rod (hopefully) returns, he'd remain a dependable option off the bench that could step up if/when the injury bug bites again.</p>
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https://www.pinstripealley.com/yankees-rumors-offseason-hot-stove/2013/11/23/5131724/yankees-free-agent-target-juan-uribeScott_Davis2013-11-20T13:00:17-05:002013-11-20T13:00:17-05:00Yankees Free Agent Target: Michael Morse
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/S3leqcGEBSCtqFcJy-GzmOWCuGQ=/0x60:4000x2727/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/23558981/20131024_ter_sv7_366.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>At the age of 31, <span>Michael Morse</span> had the worst year of his career, but that could only mean that he can be had for cheaper and might be in line for a comeback in 2014. Morse could actually end up filling multiple roles for the <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Yankees</a> next year, if he's signed on a one-year deal.</p>
<p>If the Yankees are looking for someone who can hit lefties off the bench, Morse could be that guy. The right-hander has a 121 wRC+ against southpaws in his career. Over nine seasons he has hit .281/.334/.473 (119 wRC+), though he strikes out a lot (22.4%) and walks too seldom (6%). He's shown 30+ home run potential in 2011, but is more likely to hit around 15 a season.</p>
<p>Morse could also serve as a power-hitting designated hitter against left-handed pitching, while <span>Derek Jeter</span> takes the field. The Yankees could use the DH spot as a revolving door against right-handed pitchers, but keep Morse in permanently against lefties.</p>
<p>Besides DH, he has the ability to fill in at a few positions. He carries the reputation as a bad corner outfielder, but his career -23 runs pales in comparison to the horrendous -64 runs that <span>Raul Ibanez</span> is responsible for. But aside from an atrocious 2013 in the outfield (-16 DRS), he's mostly hovered around replacement-level. Comparing someone's defensive abilities with Raul Ibanez doesn't say much for their skills, but if the Yankees made it through 651 innings of Ibanez, they can survive having Morse in there.</p>
<p>He can also play some first base, though he's not that great there. In 2011, the one season where he was a full-time first baseman, Morse had a -7 DRS. Before then and since then he's really only been a backup. With Mark Teixeira coming back from wrist surgery, the Yankees need someone who can play when Tex needs time off. Morse would provide power and flexibility as an adequate replacement.</p>
<p>If you're not sure he'd be a great fit, you'll be happy to know that Morse is actually better at going the opposite way (186 wRC+) than pulling the ball (139 wRC+), so despite his right-handed swing, he could still work out great in Yankee Stadium.</p>
<p>The only thing the Yankees have to be wary of is the fact that he has also had trouble with his wrist. He dealt with left wrist soreness and inflammation, culminating in offseason surgery to remove a bone spur. That's obviously not as serious as a torn tendon sheath, but it's something to look out for. He also suffered from injuries to his legs that potentially sapped him of his hitting ability.</p>
<p>If the Yankees sign him to a $4 million salary with incentives based on plate appearances, it could be very enticing to a player who is trying to show that he's healthy and not on the decline. A strong year could make him a lot and lead him into a better position come next offseason. With all the players that will need rest, Morse will likely get plenty of playing time.</p>
<p>He's not going to get a starting job from anyone, so this could be one of the best offers he gets. As long as he passes all his physicals, the Yankees should take the chance that he's healthy and ready to produce when they need him.</p>
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https://www.pinstripealley.com/yankees-rumors-offseason-hot-stove/2013/11/20/5124266/yankees-free-agent-target-michael-morseJason Cohen