THINK DAVID ROBERTSON AIN'T WORTH 4 YEARS? THINK AGAIN

I am getting impatient with this standoff between the Yankees and David Robertson and I know I am not the only one. It's my opinion that Robertson is the best reliever on the market, and he's our own product. What's the problem, Yankees? Seems like a no-brainer.

Robertson is reportedly holding out for a four year deal, read that HERE. I can't say I blame him. The next best option on the market is Andrew Miller, and he is likely to get a four year deal as well due to the amazing year he had. If Miller is worth four years as a set up man, why should Robertson sell himself short when he is the closer?

A few things come to mind here. First, the bullpen was a strong point for the Yankees last year. Robertson successfully converted 39 of 44 save opportunities behind an under achieving offense AND a patched up starting rotation. He performed under pressure when he had two different dynamics to handle. Not bad for his first year taking over as Mariano Rivera's replacement. Stick with the winning formula here, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Second, the market is working against the Yankees this year. If the Yankees want to stay competitive in the market, they are going to have to offer the going rate. At this rate, four years seems to be the standard especially if other relievers who are not closers are likely going to get that offer. I look at it like this....if I put a house up for sale that is worth $500,000 why would I want to take an offer from a potential buyer that is $450,000? This is baseball supply and demand.

Third, the Yankees are going to have to pay someone in years or dollars that they really don't want to spend. Knowing that, why not spend it on a player that they have drafted and developed? It makes no sense to let a 29 year old reliever walk when he is in the prime of his career. Based on numbers, only one reliever has similar stats and that is Craig Kimbrel. Coincidentally, he signed a 4-year, $42 million extension last year...so again a four year deal isn't unreasonable.

I've had many conversations with fans and even other writers on this subject. A common theme is that people are OK with a three year deal, but not four years. The free agent market is a hard to justify. Usually I am in agreement that the Yankees need to stay away from long term deals. In DRob's case, I disagree. His stats and the free agent market justify a four year deal.

The Yankees need to buckle down and get it done. After all, this isn't a Robinson Cano deal. He's young, and durable and yes, worth the investment. Better act fast Yankees before you are outbid!



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




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