Free Agent Signings Still Possible for Yanks

Hey boys and girls, after receiving some positive (and negative) reviews of my trade scenarios I have decided to explore some possible free agent signings for the Bronx Bombers. So far the Yankees are second in the AL but have been faced with injuries and poor play. Here are some possible changes. Here we go...




Free Agent Signings:



(1) Sign Ben Sheets- Yes, I know he is rehabbing. However, he proved last year that he has the potential for being a 1 or 2 starter. However, on the Yankees he would be a 3rd starter. The bonues of this signing is if it is done after the Entry Draft, the Yankees don't have to forfit a draft pick. With Chen Ming-Wang pitching as if he has the pitcher version of Chuck Knoblauch Disease (inexplicably losing your talent), Sheets could be a steal. He won't demand a large sum of money. And, if it works out, the Yankees could put a club option for 2010 so that they could potentially have him next year if he works out. If he doesn't, they cut the cord. Another possibility could be putting him in the bullpen if he needs an innings restriction. Either way, it's very list risk with a massive reward.




(2) Sign Jim Edmonds- Here is the thinking behind this signing. He can still play defense at a high level. His bat is slower but with Yankee stadium being a wind tunnel, a left handed bat could be a devastating addition in the lineup. Clearly he is not an everyday guy but who would you rather have as the 4th Outfielder? Melky or Edmonds? I'd rather have a seasoned yet whose arm may be weaker but range is better. And Edmonds is certainly an upgrade offensively over Cabrera. Also, with Matsui constantly injured, the Yankees might need to move Swisher to the DH spot and let Edmonds roam Left or Rightfield. He won't command big money and he would give considerable depth and leadership. And wouldn't you love to see that sweet lefty swing launching fly balls into the rightfield stands.



(3)Do Not. I repeat..DO NOT Sign Pedro- Seriously, do I even need to give a reason?



Other Moves:

(1) Promote Pat Venditte up to AA- He got a promotion to Charleston but is staying in A ball for now. But honestly he seems beyond A ball. Last year he dominated (.83 ERA, 23 Saves, 42 K's in 30 Games) and is offer to another great start this year (0.00 ERA, 4 Saves, 10 K's in 5 games). I'm not saying put him in Yankee Stadium today but let him go another month of two in A ball then put him AA (where the real prospects and talent is) and let him be the closer. This guy could save the bullpen one day. I mean he is not limited by his arm being tired because he pitches with both arms! Looking at this stats is amazing enough but being able to do it with both arms is unbelievable. His velocity is low 90's on the right side and mid-low 80's lefty but that's as a side-arm/submarine motion with a great slider. Let's see what he's got because so far he has been a steal so far in the Draft (620th overall).

(2) Keep Gardner Where He Is- Yea I know his swingy sometimes looks like a video game glitch but he does hit well with runners in scoring position and is perhaps in the top-3 in speed in the majors. We know he will hit around .250 or .260 but that's fine because he has great plate discipline and draws a lot of walks. When he gets on base, that's where the fun begins. He has great instincts and is almost automatic, being caught only once but that was on a pick-off. Furthermore, the threat of his stealing has led pitchers to deliver the ball quick and over the heart of plate. He also hustles more than anyone on the team. His range is well above average and his arm strength is pretty average. Let him stay the centerfielder and he will pay off big time.

(3)Think about trading for Jeff Samardzija- The Cubs won't give him up without a fight. He is starting the season in AAA but certainly won't stay there all season. He is a flame-thrower with great breaking stuff. The Cubs would ask for a lot for him but the Yankees have a wealth of (for a change) young pitching talent. Perhaps Kennedy could be shipped off along with another position player. Either way, he could give a dominant 7th inning man (if Bruney continues his good work).