Despite signing multiple players to significant contracts this offseason, the New York Yankees are still in the market for pitching. While the team does have needs in the starting rotation, Yankees brass may elect to fill those holes internally in order to focus more carefully on the bullpen situation. The acquisitions of catcher Brian McCann (five-years, $85 million), outfielders Jacoby Ellsbury (seven-years, $153 million) and Carlos Beltran (three-years, $45 million) have certainly helped fill positional needs but with a suspect bullpen and rotation that includes just three guarantees in CC Sabathia, Hiroki Kuroda and Ivan Nova, expect the Yankees to explore all options.
While it remains to be seen what becomes of Japanese star Masahiro Tanaka - since the Nippon Baseball League and Rakuten Golden Eagles have yet to post the 25-year-old - multiple sources are reporting that the Bronx Bombers could elect to pursue current free agent closer Fernando Rodney along with entertaining trade options for Philadelphia Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon. New York's bullpen as currently constituted contains three locks - according to manager Joe Girardi - in Shawn Kelley, Preston Claiborne and presumed closer David Robertson but the remaining holes would as of now be filled by talented yet unproven commodities.
Former Notre Dame standout David Phelps, Vidal Nuno, Cesar Cabral and Dellin Betances have all been thought of very highly in seasons past - with Nuno and Phelps having some strong moments as starters - but these pieces may not be enough to give Girardi and GM Brian Cashman loads of confidence heading into 2014, especially since the Yankees are coming off a season in which they missed the playoffs for just the second time in 19 years. These reasons coupled with the fact that New York is never shy about spending money and/or entering trade talks leave open the possibility that Rodney or Papelbon could land in Pinstripes.
36-year-old Fernando Rodney put together a brilliant 2012 campaign before struggling at times last season. Last pitching for the Tampa Bay Rays, the Dominican Republic native posted a brilliant 0.60 ERA in 2012 to go along with 48 saves and 76 strikeouts in 74.2 innings. Though he did record 37 saves in 2013, Rodney's ERA (3.38) and walks per game (36 up from 15 in 2012) didn't sit overly well for a Rays team that advanced to the postseason. One of the available targets on the market, Rodney could make sense for New York if higher-ups are unsure about using David Robertson in the closer role.
Fernando Rodney is definitely on New York's radar but rather than sign a 36-year-old free agent with control issues, the team could entertain acquiring Jonathan Papelbon via trade. With two years left on his current contract in Philadelphia, the former Boston Red Sox closer and five-time All-Star may be the man who takes over for future Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera, who retired following the completion of the 2013 season.
The 33-year-old Baton Rouge, Louisiana native posted a 5-1 record in 61 appearances last year for the Phillies while also recording 29 saves. Averaging 37 saves per season since joining the major leagues in 2005, Papelbon has become a hot topic of discussion with Philadelphia shopping him around, and the New York Yankees might just be the team who completes the offer.
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