Yankees pass on Giambi, Abreu, Pettitte…for now
Brian Cashman refused to offer arbitration to any of the Yankees free agents, but didn’t rule out signing them to a reduced contract later in the winter.
By refusing arbitration, Cashman saves money in the short term, but may lose draft picks if Bobby Abreu, Andy Pettitte, and Pudge Rodriguez sign elsewhere.
Cashman didn’t want the judge to set salary (both Andy and Bobby made $16 million each), and didn’t want I-Rod or Giambi to accept arbitration and be forced to put them on the 2009 roster.
Once again this was all a cost-cutting business move by the Yankees.
It was a fact that Cashman had been waiting for all of these contracts to go off the books , so he’s happy about freeing up payroll, and doesn’t want to get handcuffed again.
So..to summarize this complicated process: the Yanks can still sign these players, but it seems unlikely Abreu would come back for less money and only 1-2 years. Meanwhile, Jason Giambi may be underrated at this point.
Other Yankees not offered arbitration: Sidney Ponson and Chad Moeller.
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I’m a bit surprised the Yanks went this direction because Abreu was their best option in right for at least 2009.
c Molina/Posada
1b Swisher
2b Cano
3b A-Rod
ss Jeter
Lf Damon
CF Gardner
Rf Nady
DH Godzilla
That is an underwhelming offense.
This means Teixeira at 1B and with Swisher taking over Abreu’s role in right.
Harry, it’s really:
c Posada
1b Teixeira
2b Cano
3b A-Rod
ss Jeter
Lf Damon
CF Swisher
Rf Nady
DH Matsui
Much better.
The Yankees just gave away two draft picks and quite possibly more
Nah, Stats Head..
I can’t imagine that the Yankees fancy Swisher as a CF. If they get Teixiera, then Damon is the CF.
Okay…let’s try this again:
2009 Yankees Opening Day Starting Lineup
LF Damon
SS Jeter
1b Teixeira
3b A-Rod
DH Matsui
2b Cano
Rf Nady
C Molina (Posada ready after)
CF Gardner
Mark that down
truthfully that’s a greta lineup although gardner’s not ready yet…ya gotta fit Swisher in there, man