Yankees Rumors: Vladimir Guerrero Wants to DH for New York
By Editorial Staff
Most recent rumors involving the New York Yankees have involved starting pitcher A.J. Burnett and his pending trade. While this story has taken over much of the spotlight, the question of what the Yankees will do with their additional budget space after a deal is reached remains. New York is reportedly seeking a veteran bat or two before the spring, and one player has made it clear that he wants to take over as the Yankees DH next season.
ESPN’s Buster Olney tweeted yesterday that free agent slugger Vladimir Guerrero has let the Yankees know that “he wants their DH spot”. New York has been targeting several veteran players that could potentially fill the role left vacant by Jesus Montero. The Yankees have been tied to free agents such as Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui and Raul Ibanez.
Ibanez has been especially connected with New York, as he is also reportedly interested in joining the Yankees. Ibanez’s desire to don pinstripes is said to go as far as including a willingness to take a pay cut in order to help facilitate a deal.
Olney gets the feeling that Ibanez is still the frontrunner, as the Yankees may prefer his left-handed bat over Guerrero. Based on 2011 statistics alone, Guerrero appears to have a slight leg up on Ibanez.
Ibanez posted a line of .245/.289/.419 with 20 home runs, 31 doubles and 84 RBI’s over his 575 plate appearances for the Phillies last season. In his first year with the Orioles, Guerrero hit at a clip of .290/.317/.416 with 13 home runs, 30 doubles and 63 RBI’s over his 590 PA’s.
Who would you rather have as your club’s designated hitter, Guerrero or Ibanez?
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