The New York Yankees spent $471 million on free agents during the offseason hoping that their new acquisitions would be able to help the club reach the postseason once again following a year’s absence. Much-needed signings of catcher Brian McCann (five-years, $85 million), starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka (seven-years, $155 million) and outfielders Jacoby Ellsbury (seven-years, $153 million) and Carlos Beltran (three-years, $45 million) helped solidify New York in key areas and through 13 games this season, the newest talents to don the Pinstripes have, for the most part, lived up to those contracts.
While the aforementioned players continue to get acclimated to their new homes, veteran stars in Derek Jeter and Mark Teixeira along with offseason signing Brian Roberts are presently dealing with injuries. Due to the fact that New York’s depth at positions such as first base and shortstop is not overly deep -- especially since Brendan Ryan continues to deal with a cervical spine nerve injury -- many are beginning to wonder if the club will seek outside help in order to provide the roster with more depth. Teixeira is slated to return on May 1 from a calf strain injury and with Jeter still dealing with a tight right quad in his final season, Yankees front office personnel could elect to hit the market as opposed to calling up talents from their minor league system.
According to multiple reports however, former Boston Red Sox shortstop Stephen Drew and former Seattle Mariners slugger Kendrys Morales -- who were hot names throughout the offseason -- will not become the newest members of the New York Yankees. Due to the fact that both players demand steep salaries, the Yankees don’t appear to be kicking the tires. Each player is represented by agent Scott Boras and after dropping over $470 million in recent time, New York Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner said he’s perfectly comfortable with the club’s infield situation but he will continue to monitor outside options. Spending money is not the immediate preference.
“I’m pretty confident with our infield right now,” he said. “I think guys like Dean Anna and Yangervis Solarte have been pleasant surprises. Kelly Johnson has been good. Derek Jeter is healthy. So far, so good. But it’s early. I’m pretty content with where we are. But I will always analyze options. That’s my job throughout the course of the whole year.”
In 156 last season with the Seattle Mariners, Morales batted a solid .277 while slugging 23 home runs and driving in 80 RBI’s, numbers that were certainly solid but down from his 162-game average of 27 home runs and 90 RBI. A career .280 hitter, the Fomento, Cuba native had his best season in 2009 with the Los Angeles Angels, driving in 108 runs to go along with 34 home runs and a .30 batting average.
While Morales was putting together a solid season in 2013, shortstop Stephen Drew was busy helping the Boston Red Sox win the World Series. Appearing in 124 games, the
31-year-old knocked in 67 runs and slugged 13 home runs while batting .253. Though he’s not known for his offensive prowess, Drew has shown the ability to play high-end defense but due to his high price tag, teams have shied away from the career .264 hitter.
Both Morales and Drew possess the abilities to help any ball club that signs them and while it certainly does not appear that the New York Yankees are interested, things could change as the season progresses, especially if the 27-time World Series champions continue to battle injury.
For now, Yankees fans can expect to hear names like Austin Romine (catcher), first baseman Russ Canzler and infielder Scott Sizemore when it comes to the popular call-ups from Triple A Scranton Wilkes-Barre.
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