Decision Marte, not Ex Parte
by JoeI think the Yankees heard from all sides on this one, and made an informed decision. Down the stretch, we saw a very effective bullpen managed by Girardi. He had two good lefthanders to go to, to mix and match against any lineup. Forget the cost. It doesn’t matter. If Marte doesn’t work out for 3 years, you throw him away. What did it cost you, a couple of Luxury suites?  But if he does work out, like he did in August and September… Draft picks are a crap shoot. I like this signing.
3 comments November 13 2008 11:42 am | Joe | Discussion |
My only point is what’s the cost? If you excercised his option you would only be paying $2M more next year AND you could wait to see how he does in NY for a full year. Why commit to 3 years for an older reliever? Does he maintain the dominance? Does he break down? If he remains dominant you can always sign him again. Its not like they don’t have the $$. If he starts to fall off, he probably is still a Type A or B free agent next year – meaning 1 or 2 picks next year if he walks and signs somewhere else. The problem is if you throw him away after sigining him you get little in return. I would have simply excercised the option.
Obviously, the Yankees think he’s going to be good for more than one year, so they don’t want to risk losing him to free agency. I understand where you are going. I guess this could have gone either way.
My nervousness is perhaps best explained as a reaction to Farnsworth. I don’t like giving these relievers three years (or four years !) Because then if I can’t stand looking at them (and Girardi is afraid to use them) then what’s the point? Joe, you’re right the money is not really the issue – I’m more concerned from a roster perspective. If Marte doesn’t live up to expectations, I don’t want him clogging up the roster in year 2 when that spot can go to a younger, more effective pitcher. I’m nervous about running the guy out there because he makes too much, or the ‘ol “we might as well get something out of him” I hate that! It happens less so on the Yankees, but it still happens here.