Yankees bring back Vazquez
As with every other off-season the annual arms race between the New York Yankees, the Boston Red Sox, and the rest of baseball is in full swing. The only real difference this year is the Yankees are trying to remain somewhat financially responsible, and are trying to bring in a payroll under 200 million. However they have no problem trading away players and prospects to give them one of the deepest rotations in the Major Leagues. With that in mind the Yankees, traded for SP Javier Vazquez to come in and be their fourth arm. That leaves Joba Chamberlain amongst others to fight it out for the fifth and final starting rotation spot.
Before we go any further here is a look at what each team gets:
New York Yankees– get SP Javier Vazquez and LHP Boone Logan
Atlanta Braves– get OF Melky Cabrera, LHP Mike Dunn, Minor League RHP Arodys Vizaino, plus cash considerations
Vazquez spent the 2004 season with the Yanks, going 14-10 with 150 strike outs and a 4.91 ERA. Last year with the Atlanta Braves he went 15-10 with 238 strike out and a 2.87 ERA. For his career he is 387-385 with a 4.19 ERA. That makes him a strong bet to flourish in New York as the fourth guy, being backed up by an awesome Yankee lineup.
In Cabrera the Braves are getting a switch hitting everyday center fielder, who can hit leadoff and steal them a few bases. Since they have Jair Jurrens, Derek Lowe, and a healthy Tim Hudson they felt they had enough pitching depth to address their need for a leadoff hitter, and starting center fielder.
Since the Yankees added John Lackey, the Yankees felt compelled to add another bonified starter to their starting rotation. It is the annual arms race of baseball, and who will win the American League East hangs in the balance.
