Hello. 
Most of the players that were tendered contracts will play an important role for the Yankees next year.
NEW YORK — The Yankees tendered contract offers to all of their unsigned players, including six who are arbitration-eligible, in advance of Monday’s midnight ET deadline.
The moves ensure that the Yanks will retain control of right-handers Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes and David Robertson; outfielder Brett Gardner; left-hander Boone Logan; and catcher Russell Martin.
Those decisions were not a surprise, as the Yankees have spoken openly about all six players figuring into their plans for the upcoming season.
To the players…
Martin, 28, signed a one-year, $4 million deal as a free agent before last season, having been non-tendered by the Dodgers. He batted .237 with 18 homers and 65 RBIs in 125 games with the Bombers, earning selection as an American League All-Star.
The Yankees have done a great job at getting Martin. What a great pick up he was. Great defensive catcher.
Logan, 27, served as New York’s lone left-handed reliever for much of the season. Earning $1.2 million, he went 5-3 with a 3.46 ERA in 64 relief appearances. His success — particularly later in the season — prompted the Yanks to say that a second left-hander in the bullpen would be a luxury.
Even though the Yankees need another lefty in the bull pen, he did a good job last year.
Hughes, 25, and Chamberlain, 26, are each arbitration-eligible for the second time. Making $2.7 million, Hughes went 5-5 with a 5.79 ERA in 17 games (14 starts) this year, a trying season that has the hurler heading into Spring Training motivated to win a job.
Phil Hughes will be the x-factor of the Yankees rotation this year. They need him to have a turn around season.
Chamberlain is recovering from Tommy John surgery performed in June after he went 2-0 with a 2.83 ERA in 27 appearances, and he is expected to be back in the bullpen before the All-Star break. Chamberlain, who drew a $1.4 million salary last year, recently tweeted that he is playing long toss on flat ground and that it “feels awesome.”
I don’t know what to expect from Joba Chamberlain.
Robertson, 26, had a terrific season in New York’s bullpen, going 4-0 with a 1.08 ERA in a team-high 70 relief appearances. Earning $460,500 last season, the first-time All Star led all AL relievers in ERA and ranked second in the Majors, behind only the Braves’ Eric O’Flaherty (0.98).
David Robertson was dominant. I’m wondering if he could be the next closer for the Yankees.
Gardner, 28, batted .259 with seven homers, 36 RBIs and 49 stolen bases in 159 games this year. He is in line for a raise over the $549,500 he earned this season. Manager Joe Girardi said last week that he envisions Gardner as the starting left fielder, possibly batting ninth in the order.
I’d like Brett Gardner to bat lead off because he hits better when he does and he brings a dimension of speed to the top of the lineup.
In other roster updates, outfielder Colin Curtis was outrighted to the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre roster. Outfielder Greg Golson cleared waivers after being designated for assignment on Thursday and is now a free agent.
Source: Bryan Hoch
Original Story:
http://www.yankeesdaily.com/post/36521
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December 14, 2011
