FORMER YANKEES: HOW'D THEY DO?

It's coming down to the wire. With just a few games left I am already looking back at the season and checking in with some former Yankees. Some of them you may have adored, like me. Some you may not even think about anymore, and some of them you may look at what they have accomplished this year and wish that they were still here. So, where are you now fellas?

Eric Chavez: Anyone else miss him like I do? Considering how many third basemen we saw this year that made me miss him even more. I guess I am fortunate enough to live in Arizona where has been been playing for the Diamondbacks, but obviously it's not the same. It's been a rough season for Chavez. I have heard a lot of fans here blame the Diamondbacks staff for overusing Chavez to the point where he landed on the disabled twice. The first time was in May after the Diamondbacks used him 10 games in a row causing a neck injury. He was out for most of June. He went on the disabled list again in August. I guess the Diamondbacks thought thought couldn't afford to sit him earlier in the season when they were leading their division because he was a very productive player for the team. There are rumors out there that despite the rough season, Chavez really wants to sign another one year deal with the Diamondbacks next season because he lives in Arizona, read that HERE. I guess I shouldn't hold my breath hoping for a reunion.

Raul Ibanez: I admit, I am still not over the fact that the Yankees just let him walk away. I should be over it but I am not. That said, the Mariners definitely got a lot of production out of him, and at 41 years old he has been more durable for them compared to almost the entire Yankee lineup. This year he has logged more time in the outfield and had more at bats for the Mariners, then compared to last year and his second half proves he has had a lot of time out there, but his 27 home runs are impressive. Ibanez is also talking about a return next year also, so even as tired as he may be he is eager for more, read that HERE. He didn't say he was set on returning to the Mariners next season so whoever gets him will be lucky in my opinion. He is an asset to any team, and clearly the Mariners agree because they have already nominated him for the Roberto Clemente award so congratulations to him because he does deserve it. We have always been a big fan of his here, read our interview with him BYB EXCLUSIVE. IBANEZ TO SANDY VICTIMS: "I AM HERE TO HELP" for more on that and you will see why.

Russell Martin: Possibly another decision that the Yankees are regretting. Not that the Yankees could have ever predicted the injury and suspension of Francisco Cervelli, but his defense is still top notch and can't compare to Chris Stewart offensively or defensively. Martin's power has certainly been missed by the Yankees, but it has been of benefit to the Pirates. He has 14 home runs this season and he is a big part of the reason why this team is only 2 games out of first place in their division and is enjoying their first winning season since 1992. Martin's new role agrees with him, and with a contract that lasts through 2015 he is enjoying the stability. He is going to help this team become even stronger, and I know as a baseball fan I am cheering for the Pirates to win their division. It would make a great Cinderella story right?

AJ Burnett: We may not miss Burnett these days, but he certainly has rebounded since his trade to the Pirates. Obviously he and Martin are helping that team and steering them in the right direction. The team is basically a shoe in already for a wild card spot, but are still in the mix for taking the division away from the Cardinals. Burnett has been ace like for the Pirates and actually leads the National League with 9.8 strikeouts per nine innings and also has a respectable 3.43 ERA in 28 starts this year. He has already admitted to considering retirement after this season, so I am sure the team results this postseason will play a big part in his decision.

Nick Swisher: May have the last laugh here. Even after signing a lucrative deal with the Indians his first year has been rough and his bat has not been consistent. His .250BA and 20 home runs though can't be hurting the team that much though because unlike the Yankees, they at least are holding on to a wild card spot right now. As rough as his first year with the Tribe has been if you look at his numbers, they are pretty similar to what he did for us in the Bronx in several categories. Either way, Swisher is sitting pretty right now because out of all remaining schedules for wild card hopefuls, they have the easiest schedule by far. If he makes the postseason and the Yankees don't it would be ironic and depressing. Of course, we have always been big Swisher fans here though. It will be interesting to see how this wild card race plays out.

So who are you missing, anyone on this list? It looks like we could be watching a few ex-Yankees play into the postseason. GAME ON!





--Jeana Bellezza, BYB Senior Writer and Editor
Twitter: @NyPrincessJ



 

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