The Veteran Question - El Come Dulce

Another popular topic of debate among Yankee fans this offseason will be the decision about our free agent veterans. Some of them are easy choices, such as Giambi and Pavano; most Yankee fans seem to be in agreement that their stay in pinstripes will come to a close. However, a few others keep this offseason from being that clear cut.

First, we have Bobby Abreu. The Yankee right fielder is currently tied with Jeter for most hits on the team (179), leads the team in doubles (39), and is ranked in the top 5 in average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and RBI's, and runs scored. Abreu has a hell of an arm, consistantly making strong, accurate throws when a runner is foolish enough to test him. Unforunately, his strange fear of the wall out in right more or less washes out any defensive advantage. He will be 34 next year, and given his type A free agent status, will likely require at least a couple years (2-3) and an eight-digit salary.

Resigning Abreu is a good option. The free agent market for right fielders is rather bare, and Abreu leads the pack. He has shown time and time again that he hits in the clutch (exemplified by his 10th inning grand slam the other night), and a .296/.369/.474 batting line isn't too shabby; especially when he's at 20 homers and 99 RBI's too.

However, I am going to say "no" to Bobby Abreu. His time with the Yankees has been great; certainly an excellent acquisition by Brian Cashman. However, in light of the Yankees' lack of defense and athleticism, and the outfield logjam we will have, I think we can afford to let Abreu walk. Nady can play right field, Damon can play left, and as I have stated in earlier posts, I think a tandem of Rocco Baldelli and Bret Gardner can hold down the fort in center until AJax is ready for the bigs. On top of that, we get a first round draft pick if we offer Abreu arbitration, assuming he declines (and he almost certainly will). This is very important, because it means we can use our own first round pick to sign a top flight starter, and receive a first round pick back when Abreu signs elsewhere.

The only potential problem in this situation is Nady. He is currently sitting on a very respectable .303/.355/.506 line with 24 homers and 94 RBI's. Overall, an excellent season for Xavier Nady. However, his line is at .260/.310/.460 since joining the New York Yankees. These numbers don't worry me too much. The X-Man has shown his ability to knock in runs in big spots, and he is really just the kind of player we need more of. The Yanks need more infusion of young, athletic, hard-nosed kind of players that just play the game of baseball instead of lingering in the spot light. Another point to consider is that Nady switched leagues halfway through the year. All of a sudden, he's facing pitchers that he is unfamiliar with in arguably the toughest division in baseball. I will give him the benefit of the doubt, and predict that he will be fine once he can adjust to the new pitchers he will be facing and the higher level of competition.

Its time for the Yankees to get younger. Just look at the Rays! Yankee fans need to ask themselves his question: Would you rather have Bobby Abreu and his contract, or would you rather have Nady in right and have a chance to draft the next Phil Hughes or Joba Chamberlain?