Brennan Boesch Signs With Yankees
According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, Brennan Boesch signed with the New York Yankees Friday after being released by the Detroit Tigers two days earlier. Boesch reportedly signed a one-year deal that is worth $1.5 million plus incentives.
The move comes just at the right time as the Yankees lost Curtis Granderson and Mark Teixeira earlier this spring. Juan Rivera was expected to compensate for Granderson’s injury, but now can play first base to give the Yankees a little boost in the infield after losing Teixeira.
Brennan Boesch will become an everyday outfielder for the Yankees with Brett Gardner and Ichiro Suzuki. Juan Rivera will permanently move to first base and share time with Dan Johnson until Teixeira returns. Melky Mesa will fill in as a backup in the outfield.
Boesch didn’t put up his best numbers in 2012, hitting .240 with 12 home runs and 54 RBIs, but hit .283 in 2011 with 16 homers and was one of the best rookies in the MLB in 2010.
The 27-year-old outfielder will fit right in at Yankee Stadium with the short-porch in right field. Boesch has hit .367 in 32 career plate appearances at Yankee Stadium with a homer and six RBIs.
The Detroit Tigers left Boesch off their postseason roster last October and released him Wednesday after he strained an oblique muscle and missed the first two weeks of spring training.
Once Granderson and Teixeira return about a month into the season, the Yankees will be set up to give the AL East a run. Kevin Youkilis is in place to play third base while Alex Rodriguez gets back into shape and Travis Hafner is set to be the designated hitter. Hafner homered for the second time this spring on Friday against the Miami Marlins.
C.C. Sabathia also made his spring debut Friday as the Yankees ready for Opening Day against their bitter rival, the Boston Red Sox. Sabathia will get the start on Opening Day and pitched well in his first tune up.
Boesch joins a veteran club expected to make a run at the World Series, no matter how many injuries get in the way. Brennan Boesch didn’t wait long to find a new team after being released by the Tigers, as he signed with the New York Yankees Friday to add some depth to a hurting lineup.
