Major League Baseball general managers are often criticized harshly for their free-agent signings that don't pan out. Rightfully so.

Like any other MLB team, the New York Yankees are no strangers to suspect free-agent signings. They've also had their successes.

In my lifetime, outfielder Reggie Jackson is arguably the best free-agent signing the Pinstripes have inked. Below is my list of the five best Yankees free-agent signings in recent off-seasons.

(These stats were tabulated by the author and are not official MLB stats.)

5. P Mike Mussina

Six years, $88.5 million; two years, $23 million

106-61, 4.06 ERA, 1,322 IP, 1,064 K, 3.85 K/BB

For eight years, Mussina was a steady presence in the Yankees starting rotation (only in '04 was he plagued by injuries). The Moose won 20 games for the first time at the age of 39 this past season with a win over the Red Sox at Fenway Park. In his first three years with the Yankees, he ranked in the AL's top three in strikeouts.

4. OF Hideki Matsui

Three years, $21 million

70 HR, 330 RBI, 267 SO, 214 BB, .296 AVG, .370 OBP (first three years with Yankees)

Godzilla's monster years came during his career in Japan, but he was still a productive hitter and solid team player during his first three years with the Yankees who came cheap by baseball standards.

3. P Jimmy Key

Four years, $16.8 million

48-23, 4.14 ERA, 603.4 IP, 400 K, 2.51 K/BB

In '93 the Yankees weren't able to land starters Greg Maddux and David Cone. Key helped the Bronx Bombers to a World Series title in '96, with his final start in pinstripes out dueling Maddux in the deciding game. Key was one of the game's premiere control pitchers during his career.

2.  P Orlando Hernández

Four years, $6.6 million

61-40, 3.97 ERA, 875 IP, 703 K, 2.31 K/BB

Hernández enjoyed his best year in '99 with a 17-9 record and setting career-highs in strikeouts (157) and innings pitched (214.1). After the regular season, El Duque was selected the MVP in the American League Championship Series. He helped the Bronx Bombers to three World Series titles.

1. OF Bernie Williams

Seven years, $87.5 million

149 HR, 630 RBI, 575 SO, 541 BB, .294 AVG, .383 OBP

The Yanks rewarded Williams after eight productive seasons by resigning him to a hefty free-agent contract in '98. More importantly signing the center fielder kept him from going to the rival Red Sox. He was a major contributor to four World Series titles.

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