New York Yankees Keep Adding with Roberts, Thornton

The New York Yankees add depth with second baseman Brian Roberts and reliever Matt Thornton.

Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

A couple of transactions have built up the roster depth of the New York Yankees.

First, former Baltimore Orioles second baseman Brain Roberts has agreed to a one-year deal that could see him earn at least $2MM, possibly more with incentives. Roberts is coming off a 2013 season that saw him play in 77 games, his most since 2009. He posted a triple slash of .249/.312/.392 with 8 HR and 39 RBI.

Robert has dealt with numerous injuries over the past four seasons:

2010: herniated disc, abdominal strain, pneumonia, concussion
2011: concussion
2012: groin strain, hip surgery
2013: ruptured tendon

This is a laundry list to be sure. Of course, this deal is contingent on Roberts passing a physical. He appears to have fully recovered from the two concussions he had previously sustained.

With the signing of Kelly Johnson, the Yankees are in a little better shape at second base. No, they most likely won’t get the production from this duo that they would have from Robinson Cano. But if Roberts can relive some of his magic from the ’04-’09 days, then GM Brian Cashman has made an extremely shrewd investment.

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The Pinstripes also added a needed piece to their bullpen with Matt Thornton. Having lost Boone Logan to the Colorado Rockies, snatching a lefty reliever was a must. While Thornton might not be the pitcher he was a couple of years ago, he may still have some life in his left arm. From ’08-’10, Thornton was one of the game’s better lefty relievers. In those three seasons, he was 16-10 with an ERA of 2.70, a WHIP of 1.028 and an ERA+ of 169. Thornton was named an AL All-Star back in 2010.

Thornton was acquired by the Boston Red Sox from the Chicago White Sox last season. After the trade, Thornton struggled for the World Series champs and was left off the Red Sox postseason roster.

The deal for Thornton is for reportedly two years and $7MM. He will make $3.5MM for both years of the contract.