MLB Free Agency: Players New York Yankees Should Avoid

When Brian Cashman and the New York Yankees look to bolster their starting rotation and enhance their lineup this offseason via free agency, there are a few players they would be wise to avoid.

Some marquee names are attractive because of their track record or skill set, but many mid-career signings are ill-advised risks and end up being poor choices.

Here is a list of players New York should avoid this winter.

Roy Oswalt

There's still a chance that the Yankees throw an offer Roy Oswalt's way this winter because he's a solid starter who knows how to pitch at a high level.

However, they should shy away from the Phillies right-hander, who has struggled with back issues recently. Signing him to a multi-year deal is a risk that the Yankees would ultimately regret.

The days of Oswalt throwing 200 innings and 180 strikeouts per season are behind him, and New York should keep this in mind when thinking about making an offer.

Grady Sizemore

In the event that the Yankees trade Nick Swisher to get some starting pitching, they may look to replace him with a free agent such as Grady Sizemore.

Sizemore would be a giant-sized risk because he hasn't been healthy since 2008 and hasn't shown much during his stints from 2009-2011. He has become a player who doesn't work counts to get on base and would likely be overpaid if the Yankees or Red Sox signed him.

In 71 games in 2011, Sizemore batted .224 with an on-base percentage of .285 and zero stolen bases. Injuries and diminished production should be enough reasons for New York to refrain from pursuing him.

David Ortiz

In a much-publicized interview, David Ortiz said he would be open to the idea of playing for New York in the future. Even though Big Papi still swings a powerful bat, Cashman should avoid him because of his age and perceived value.

Teams bidding for his services will be offering multi-year deals that pay $12 million to $15 million per year, and he's not worth that anymore. The chances of him repeating his respectable 2011 are very slim.

Over the next two to three years (and beyond), it's highly unlikely that Ortiz will average 30 homers and 90 RBI. The Yankees shouldn't want a $14 million designated hitter who hits 20 homers and 70 RBI.

Yu Darvish

Yu Darvish is a tempting option for many teams, as his seven-pitch repertoire and gaudy statistics in Japan have caught the eye of many big league general managers. But the Yankees should (and probably will) steer clear of this risky investment.

While Darvish seems to be a more complete pitcher than the recent Japanese MLB hurlers, signing him would still be an unpredictable, expensive proposition.

New York's past acquisitions such as Hideki Irabu and Kei Igawa, as well as Boston's expensive Daisuke Matsuzaka endeavor should be reminders of the danger involved in overpaying a Japanese pitcher.

Nate McLouth

Nate McLouth is another outfielder Brian Cashman should stay away from. He isn't much of an upgrade over Andruw Jones, and wouldn't be able to fill the shoes of Nick Swisher if Swisher left.

He's 30 years old and still has power and speed, but ultimately McLouth is an outfielder who has only had one great year in his career. At this juncture, he is an injury-prone player who is nearly an automatic out against left-handed pitching.

I'd be surprised if the Yankees even think about going after McLouth. Shame on them if they actually do.

Mark Buerhle

I don't think the Yankees should avoid Mark Buerhle based on performance. He's still a good pitcher, and he's not much of a risk.

They should avoid him because he's not the long-term answer they're looking for, and they would have to overpay for him. In an offseason void of phenomenal pitching free agents, Buerhle may command grade A money even though he is a B+ pitcher at best.

New York should focus on getting younger and resist the temptation to find a short-term answer like Buerhle.

Jorge Posada

The Jorge Posada drama is still somewhat of a hot topic in New York, and I know there are plenty of Yankee fans who would like to see him stick around in pinstripes a little longer. But the aging legend wouldn't be able to contribute enough to the Yankees for them to justify re-signing him.

He will turn 41 this summer, has limited defensive ability and had a weak 2011 at the plate. The Yankees have several designated hitter options that are better than Posada. Both parties should set emotions aside and realize what is best for the team.