THE YANKEES & THE FREE AGENT RACE

Every year when the offseason starts, I like to take a look at the potential free agents and who the Yankees should go after, including free agents on the Yankees. I also like to play GM and decide for myself who the Yankees should take, dump, and add.

I view this season as a disappointment. The Yankees were running on all cylinders at one point when they were leading the rest of the division by 10 games and looked as if they could potentially win 110 games or more. They squeaked by the Orioles for the division crown, and also squeaked by them in the ALDS, then promptly got crushed by the Tigers in the ALCS in only 4 games, scoring a total of 6 runs. Alex Rodriguez's lack of production really hurt our chances, but moving him is really unthinkable, and he could end up turning this all around. Here are my picks on the Yankees Free Agents to be.

•  Nick Swisher: Although once a fan favorite, he now seems to be anti-Yankee after a few of the comments that he made about the fans. BYB wrote HEY NICK SWISHER... IT'S NOT ABOUT YOU! Nick will command a lot of money that the Yankees aren't willing to spend on someone who hits so poorly in the postseason, that's the bottom line.

• Hiroki Kuroda: Give this man a new contract! Kuroda had arguably his best season ever after his transition to the AL and proved valuable for the Yankees. He was their most dominant and reliable pitcher this season. I would lock him up to a 2-3 year deal. His age doesn't really seem to bother me much. I am curious however is Russell Martin, his old battery mate in LA was a factor with his success. We shall see if he signs again.

• Ichiro Suzuki: Ichiro's stellar play since coming over from Seattle before the trade deadline makes him deserving of a new contract. He hit .322 with the Yankees, which in itself is enough to earn himself a new contract. I would sign him to a 2 year deal to patrol right field given the fact that Swisher will most likely not be resigned.

• Raul Ibanez: Lord Voldemort is well deserving of a new contract. His playoff performance will go down in history and he is also a good guy to have in the clubhouse. 1 year with a team option for a 2nd year at roughly $2-3 million is the route I would take in giving Ibanez a contract.

• Andruw Jones: He had a terrible season, he batted under .200 and is really seems to be getting old. He was good while he lasted. Let him walk, I'm OK with that.

• Russell Martin: If Mike Napoli or Yadier Molina are on the open market. I say, let Martin walk. If their asking price is too high or the Yanks are unable to get either of them to come to the Bronx, re-sign Martin. Russell has done a good job but there is significant room for improvement with that bat of his.

• Freddy Garcia: Is there even a slight chance the Yankees would sign him again? Don't count on it. Freddy, you did good while you were with us in the Bronx, but it's over. No hard feelings.

• Andy Pettitte: If Andy Pettitte wants to come back, the Yankees should make that happen undoubtedly. That's it.

• Mariano Rivera: No explanation needed here. Re-enter Sandman, he has unfinished business.

• Eric Chavez: Eric provides a good bat and great fielding off the bench. Re-sign him for a 3rd straight 1 year deal.

• Derek Lowe: Solid long reliever/ 5th or 6th starter option, re-sign him. If he doesn't get a gig somewhere else as a starter, the Yankees should use him as their new Freddy Garcia.

We'll have another unique perspective on the Yankee free agents within the next few days as well.  BYB's Lem Allen will give his thoughts, no doubt he'll be pretty colorful about it!




--Will Cohen, BYB Contributor




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