The Yankees have announced that they’ve claimed righty Blake Parker from the Mariners. In addition, to clear space for new lefty reliever Tommy Layne, they’ve optioned lefty Richard Bleier to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Another move will be required to make space on the team’s active roster when Parker reports.
The Mariners designated Parker for assignment when they acquired Arquimedes Caminero from the Pirates over the weekend. Parker has only pitched one inning in the big leagues this season, but he’s had a very impressive campaign in Triple-A, posting a 2.72 ERA, 12.7 K/9 and 2.5 BB/9 in 39 2/3 innings for Tacoma.
Parker signed a minor league deal with the Mariners last offseason. He missed most of the 2015 season after being released by the Cubs in May, but pitched parts of three seasons in the big leagues with Chicago before that, posting a 3.63 ERA, 10.3 K/9 and 3.0 BB/9 in 74 1/3 innings. Both his Major and minor league numbers — and particularly his outstanding strikeout rate — suggest there’s potential for him to contribute once again, so it’s hardly surprising to see a team take a chance on him.
Can’t wait to hear emac22 complain
Don’t tell emac
Cashman needs to stop shopping the scrap heap for pitchers. Am I wrong or do the Yankees have some money to spend on pitching next year?
They probably do. However, scouring the waiver wire is a good idea when hunting for pitching talent. With pitchers, you never know.
Everyone needs to take a deep breath. In November, about $70mm is coming off the payroll (Tex22, Beltran20, Chapman12, Miller9, Nova4, I’m sure I’m missing others). There is money to spend. My fear is go look at the ’17 FA class. It’s underwhelming and I hope that we don’t spend a lot on it. In the meantime, we do have about 50 games to finish, so we will see kids (Yay!), but we also need the scrap heap to eat innings on the pitching side. Guys like Clippard can be cut this year or next (Clippard is signed through next year). Just be patient, the Yankees have had a great year rebuilding wise…
I agree. And I don’t think they should make a crazy splash for the entire 70 million clear. Work on your minor league system. There are always pitchers coming back you can get on the cheap. If Bartolo free sign him for a year. In 2 years you also have ARod money free. Then make a few bigger moves
Money is coming off the books, but the Yanks also want to stay under the luxury tax next season to reset the clock. The way I figure it (and I could be wrong) they only have about $19 Mil to spend after the arbitration guys get raises. This could go up assuming the luxury tax gets raised next year, but as of now I doubt they will be spending much this off season.
Beltran was only $15 Mil
Both Layne and Parker are controllable and have been solid in the past- either way, they aren’t spending any real money on these types of moves– If I’m not mistaken, including the waiver fee, they spent a total of $338,662.79 on both relievers which is like nothing, especially for the Yankees.
1 for you for getting the exact Cents
Why did the Yankees feel the need to add 2 scrap heap relievers? If Cash & Girardi felt the need to make changes to the bullpen, why not bring up one of the kids from our own system?
Whether it be Jonathan Holder or Ben Heller, who they just got for Miller. Both those kids are having big years in the minors. Bring them up and stop settle for scrap heap guys like this or the likes of Swarzak and Shreve.
This guy could be a low cost high reward project. Could turn into a 7th inning guy who could be packaged in a future trade. As for not brining up the young arms… Why do that during a losing season and potentially use up a year of control too early? Wouldn’t be better to bring them up next season?
Because they’re better off using the waiver wire RP pickups than putting useless innings on the young kids. Leave them in the minors, use them on your schedule and limit them. Don’t rush then to the pros when they aren’t ready or don’t need to be there simply because there is a roster spot
With all the second-guessing over these signings, I’m surprised no one has mentioned service time considerations for some of the younger arms. You are in a non-playoff season. Bring up the kids when the rosters expand September 1. Why start their clocks now? How many innings would they be pitching over the next three weeks?
Exactly, and the horse guys they’ve picked up could turn out to be at the very worst below average middle relievers who can easily be dfa’d, or actually turn out to be serviceable. I don’t know why everybody’s initial reaction to when their team makes a minor move is so negative, litterally every team in the league makes these moves
The clock is already ticking on Ben Heller, he’s Rule 5 eligible at the end of season so they are going to lose him unless they add him to the 40 man roster. Why not just bring him up now and see if he’s worth keeping before someone else grab him.