As the Yankees and Pirates hammer out a deal for starting pitcher A.J. Burnett, the focus turns to what New York will do with its additional budget space. We knew that the Yankees were targeting one or two more veteran free agent bats, and Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com is confirming this. According to Heyman, the Yankees are intent on adding two bats once a Burnett deal with the Pirates is complete.
While there are several viable free agent bats remaining on the free agent market, Heyman noted that the Yankees are “focused” on Raul Ibanez and Eric Chavez. This news shouldn’t be surprising, as both Ibanez and Chavez have been tied to New York for weeks.
The Yankees apparently are eyeing Ibanez as their next designated hitter. New York is reportedly favoring Ibanez over other free agent options due such as Vladimir Guerrero and Johnny Damon due to his left-handed bat and ability to play the field in a pinch.
Chavez spent the 2011 season as a reserve player for the Yankees. Chavez has the ability to cover both corner infield positions and the Yankees reportedly enjoyed his presence in the clubhouse despite his paltry .676 OPS.
While the Chavez move makes sense to most, some are having trouble understanding why the Yankees are deciding on Ibanez over other options. Guerrero and Damon have each said they would like to fill the role of DH in the Bronx this season, and a case can be made why either player would be a better option for the role than Ibanez.
My choice would be Guerrero. None of the three should really be considered viable options to play the field any longer, and I like Guerrero’s bat the best.
So let’s hear it; who do you think the Yankees should target as their 2012 DH?
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