Recap: What the Yankees did at the winter meetings
Brian Cashman talks with the media during batting practice before Game 4 of the ALCS against the Detroit Tigers. (Oct. 17, 2012) Credit: Newsday/J. Conrad Williams, Jr.
The Yankees were able to re-sign their three major priorities as far as pitching goes in Andy Pettitte, Hiroki Kuroda and Mariano Rivera, but now with Alex Rodriguez expected to miss between four and six months after hip surgery, the Yankees' biggest concern is filling that hole at third base.
It was thought that their first option would've been to re-sign Eric Chavez and potentially platoon him with another player, namely Jeff Keppinger. Both reportedly signed on to deals with other teams Wednesday. Keppinger reportedly agreed to a three-year deal with the White Sox, while Chavez agreed to a one-year deal with the Diamondbacks.
With third-base options running thin, the Yankees offered former Red Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis a one-year, $12 million deal Thursday.
The Chavez duping wasn't the first time this winter the Yankees were un-Yankee-like in attempting to re-sign one of their own from last season. Russell Martin left New York to sign a two-year deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates worth $17 million Nov. 29. Newsday's Erik Boland reported that the Yankees never made Martin an offer, according to a source.
The Yankees seem to be taking the $189 million luxury tax seriously as they've yet to make a big move.
Let's get a conversation going: What do you think the team needs to do to stay relevant in 2013? What are your thoughts on seeing the Yankees be more conservative with their money?
