The New York Yankees this offseason have gone after starting pitching and in return they really haven't gotten anywhere. After the Phillies stunned everyone by adding Cliff Lee to their rotation the Yankees had no lead after that, Lee was the big time pitcher on the market and he didn't sign with the Yankees after reports said Lee was going to be a Yankee it never happened. The Yankees found themselves in a hole and in the offseason they have made some moves but nothing to brag about.
The Yankees a few days ago signed free agent pitcher Bartolo Colon to a minor league contract. Colon pitched for the Chicago White Sox in 2009 where he had an ERA of 4.19, 3 wins, 6 losses, and 38 strikeouts. The problem with Colon has been his health and weight. Colon at one point was one of the game’s best pitchers in baseball but he never really took good care of his body.
In 2005 Colon did win the AL CY Young award with the Angels with a 3.48 ERA, 21 wins, 8 losses, and 157 strikeouts, after that his career went downhill. After Colon’s amazing season in 2005 he only managed to win 13 games in the next four seasons where at one point he won 21 games in just one season. It will be a big come back if Colon can somehow make his way in the Yankees bullpen or starting rotation.
The latest signing by the Yankees was picking up free agent pitcher Freddy Garcia who also pitched for the Chicago White Sox in 2010. Garcia agreed to a minor league contract. In 2010 Garcia had an ERA of 4.64, 12 wins, 6 losses, and 89 strikeouts. I honestly think this is another head stacker move by the Yankees, why sign Garcia?
He is another pitcher where his better days are behind him but I guess you have no choice when you have two rookies at the end of your pitching rotation. Garcia is more likely to maybe find himself in a Yankees uniform then Colon this season if Andy Pettitte does not return in 2011.
The biggest move the Yankees have made this offseason is signing free agent bullpen pitcher Rafael Soriano to a three year deal. Soriano was the closer for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2010 and had wonderful year with a 1.73 ERA, 45 saves, and 57 strikeouts.
Soriano will most likely be the set-up man for closer Mariano Rivera but don't be surprised if Soriano comes in to save a few games for the Yanks this season. The Yankees bullpen has been a weak part of their team and now with Soriano it just got a bite stronger. There's a new closer in town and his name is Rafael Soriano.
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