In a bit of an unexpected move today Brian Cashman told reporters that the Yankees have not exercised their option on their 2007 1st round draft pick Andrew Brackman, making him a free agent.
The Yankees were considered fortunate when they drafted Brackman so late in the 1st round (he was 30th overall), but they got him thanks to an arm injury that he eventually needed Tommy John surgery for.
Since that time he has really struggled with consistency. His numbers this season were especially bad as he posted a career low K/9 rate of 7.0 and a career high BB/9 rate of 7.0, numbers that are a recipe for disaster.
It seems a bit odd to cut and run so quickly with Brackman here, but because of the TJS he started his career late and is going to be 26 in December. He also makes quite a bit more than the average minor leaguer, set to earn at least $500K and up to $1 million in 2012, according to Keith Law.
Brackman is not arbitration eligible per a special clause in his contract that forc...
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