Looking to rebound from a disappointing and injury-plagued season, the New York Yankees used their consistent surplus of finances to reel in some of the biggest free agent names on the open market. Ending the 2013 campaign with an 85-77 record that saw them finish fourth in the American League East and out of the playoffs for the first time since 2008, the 27-time World Series champions needed to add quality depth in multiple areas. While veterans including catcher Chris Stewart, first baseman Lyle Overbay, designated hitter Travis Hafner and outfielder Vernon Wells helped keep New York afloat in the competitive division, their efforts were unable to help the club overcome the devastating losses of Derek Jeter, Mark Teixeira, Alex Rodriguez and others.
Coming to terms with one of the most sought-after players on the market in former Atlanta Braves catcher Brian McCann however, the Yankees addressed one of their biggest needs in a tremendous way, inking the 29-year-old to a five-year, $85 million deal. In addition to adding McCann, the Bronx Bombers added proven stars in outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury (7 years, $153 million), Carlos Beltran (3 years, $45 million) and former Tampa Bay Rays utility man Kelly Johnson (1 year, $3 million). While those signings -- along with the healthy returns of Derek Jeter and Mark Teixeira -- will surely help New York become more consistent on the offensive end, the signing of Japanese pitcher Masahiro Tanaka solidified a questionable pitching rotation.
Signing the 24-year-old to a seven-year, $155 million contract the Yankees spent top-of-the-rotation money on a player who will begin his career as a middle-rotation figure. Veteran CC Sabathia will once again begin the season as New York’s ace despite coming off a down season in 2013. Posting a mediocre 14-13 record in 32 starts with a 4.78 ERA, the 2007 Cy Young Award winner was never able to find the form that helped him win 19 or more games three times since joining the Yankees in 2009.
Following Sabathia in the rotation will be veteran Hiroki Kuroda, who was one of the most consistent pitchers on the staff last season. At 38-years-old, Kuroda still holds the ability to pitch a high amount of innings while keeping opponents off the scoreboard, as evidenced by his 201.1 innings pitched and 3.31 ERA last season. The former Los Angeles Dodgers star will be followed by Ivan Nova, a 26-year-old who was strong in 20 starts for New York last season. Tanaka lands at No. 4 -- for now -- but perhaps the most enjoyable part of the rotation for the Yankees is that Michael Pineda earned the No. 5 position.
Joining the Yankees via trade before the start of the 2012 season, the 2011 All-Star was never able to jumpstart his Yankees career after landing with the club from Seattle. Enduring injuries the past two seasons, Pineda -- who finished fifth in Rookie of the Year voting in 2011 -- was eager to rejoin the club and thanks to a strong Spring Training, the talented righty appears headed in the right direction once again.
“He threw extremely well and it was what we wanted to see from him,’’ Yankees manager Joe Girardi said of Pineda, who underwent surgery in May to repair an anterior labral tear in his shoulder. “He improved in each outing and at times was dominating and we really liked what we saw. He is excited about it. He has worked very hard the last two years but understands he has a job to do.”
The Yankees begin their season on April 1 against the Houston Astros.
© 2024 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
