Yankee Bench Options

So the Yankees aren’t just about steroids, believe it or not they have to play baseball eventually. When they do, it might be beneficial for them to add some depth to their bench.

Well they can cross Andruw Jones off their list. He has signed a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers. He can opt out of the deal by March 20. Jones had previously declined an invitation from the Yankees to come and compete for a job with Melky Cabrera and Brett Gardner.

This isn’t necessarily bad news for the Yankees. Joel Sherman of the Post points out that they now have a very crowded outfield and somebody like Marlon Byrd could be a good fit for the Yankees. His $3.06 million contract may be too much for the Rangers for a role player.

iYankees proposed a decent idea the other day: Rich Aurillia. He could have played the infield and pinch hit, but instead it looks like he’s going to sign a minor league deal with the Giants. Too bad.

If not Aurillia, Ray Durham may be a good option for a similar role. Durham is still out there and has not gotten any offers. He is currently mulling retirement. It might be wise for the Yankees to invite him to spring on a minor league deal.

There is also a new bench option available that could be the best yet, Adam Kennedy. Kennedy was just released by the Cardinals. He doesn’t have the best bat, but he can hold his own and would be a very good utility infielder. Hopefully the Yankees have placed a call.

Ty Wiggington may be back on the market. He and the Orioles agreed to a deal last week, but nothing has been finalized yet which raises the question of whether the O’s may be backing out.