Yankees Rumors: Jorge Vazquez, Hideki Matsui and other DH Options
By Editorial Staff
The Yankees have most of their roster set for the 2012 season, but news and rumors continue to swirl around the club. At this point, now that the Yankees rotation is set, the only major question remaining for New York is who will fill their designated hitter role. Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com offered several bits of Yankees-related info yesterday, including whispers that New York only has limited funding to spend on their next DH. This could cause the Yankees to turn from free agents Carlos Pena and Johnny Damon to less expensive option Hideki Matsui or in-house candidate Jorge Vazquez.
Following the Michael Pineda–Jesus Montero trade, it was reported this weekend that the Yankees were seeking a bat to replace their prolific young backstop. Initial reports linked New York to free agent slugger Carlos Pena and former Yankee Johnny Damon.
Now, due to budget constraints, it appears the Yankees will not be able to afford this level of free agent. Jon Heyman reported yesterday that New York is “telling people they only have $1-2 million” to spend on their DH. Heyman says this would prohibit the Yankees from signing Pena and likely Damon.
Instead, the Yankees could turn to an in-house candidate or a familiar face.
Jorge Vazquez is a 29-year-old corner infielder that has raked in the minors. Last year with the Yankees Triple-A affiliate, Vazquez hit at a clip of .262/.314/.516 with 32 home runs, 20 doubles and 93 RBI’s over his 500 plate appearances.
Another option would be to sign a free agent that would be willing to accept a contract in the $1-2 million range. One of the remaining DH options that could be had at this price is former Yankee Hideki Matsui.
After spending his first seven years in the league with the Yankees, Matsui has suited up for a pair of West Coast clubs over the past two seasons, the Angels and A’s. Last season in Oakland, Matsui posted a line of .251/.321/.375 with 12 home runs, 28 doubles and 72 RBI’s over his 517 plate appearances.
For more on the Yankees, be sure to check out Yanks Go Yard.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.