Yankees focus on bullpen, but big-money closer not likely
After signing Jacoby Ellsbury, Carlos Beltran and Brian McCann for big bucks, Bombers seem reluctant to pony up for big money relievers.
By Mark Feinsand / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Monday, December 23, 2013, 8:14 PM
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Rob Carr/Getty
Grant Balfour is still out there after his deal with the Orioles falls through.
Has the back end of the bullpen moved to the top of the Yankees’ to-do list?
While the Bombers – and the rest of Major League Baseball – wait to see if Japanese ace Masahiro Tanaka will be posted, the relief pitching market has taken center stage following the bizarre circumstances that saw Grant Balfour sign with Baltimore, only to have the Orioles rescind the offer after claiming to see something they didn’t like during his physical.
According to a source, the Yankees aren’t looking to sign a big-money closer, preferring instead to bring in a set-up type reliever to compete with Dave Robertson for the closer’s job.
The Bombers have been aggressive on the free-agent market this winter – they inked Brian McCann, Jacoby Ellsbury and Carlos Beltran before the winter meetings – but they have shied away from getting involved with top closers such as Joe Nathan, Fernando Rodney or, to this point, Balfour.
Given Balfour’s current situation, that could change.
Balfour agreed to a two-year, $15 million contract with the Orioles last week, but Baltimore backed out of the deal after Balfour took his physical. Balfour, who turns 36 next week, insists there is nothing wrong with his arm, telling the San Francisco Chronicle last Friday that the MRI on his right shoulder – which was surgically repaired in 2005 – looks the same as it did three years ago.
“I’m the All-Star pitcher I was last season,” Balfour told the paper. “My shoulder is fine, everything is fine. I’m ready to come out there in the ninth inning, do what I do.”
Still, Baltimore’s decision to back out of its deal with Balfour could hurt the pitcher’s market. If Balfour’s price drops, the Yankees could try to swoop in and nab him, pairing him with Robertson at the back end of the bullpen.
The Orioles appear to have turned their focus to former Rays closer Rodney, while the Rays are reportedly interested in a reunion with Balfour, who pitched in Tampa Bay from 2007-10.
Since the end of last season, the Yankees have lost Mariano Rivera to retirement and Boone Logan and Joba Chamberlain to free agency. Robertson, Shawn Kelley and Preston Claiborne are expected to be important pieces of the bullpen, while Matt Thornton agreed to a two-year, $7 million contract last week to replace Logan as the primary lefthanded reliever.
Balfour would bolster that group, adding an experienced arm that would serve as protection if Robertson isn’t ready to take over closer duties. Balfour converted 62 of his 67 save opportunities during his two years as Oakland’s closer, posting a 2.56 ERA in 140 appearances. Balfour fanned more than a batter per inning during those two years, posting a 1.049 WHIP.
REYNOLDS WRAP? The Yankees have been engaged with Mark Reynolds about a possible return, but a source said the power-hitting infielder appears close to signing with another team outside the Bronx… The Cubs claimed RHP Brett Marshall off waivers from the Yankees. Marshall, 23, appeared in three games with the Yankees last season.
SD Yankee Report 