So, Tony Graffanino, a decent defensive player — he can play all 4 IF positions — with a fairly decent bat, has signed a minor-league deal with the Cleveland Indians (props to MLBTR). Graffanino suffered from knee problems last year which seemed to hurt his hitting, plus he’s 36, but there’s really no downside in offering him a minor-league deal.
What I wonder is why the Yankees let these useful, versatile bench players go by so easily? Are Cody Ransom and Angel Berroa the best defensive duo this team can come up with (both were below average in the field in 2008)?
What’s the deal?
If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it!
6 Responses to We don't need no stinkin' bench…
Leave a Reply
TIQ IQ
Yeah, it makes no sense. I still have hop that hes waiting out Grud or Nomar.
Definitely. Graff is from NY, too.
I know what you mean. I watch these guys that would be quite useful on the Yankees go to other teams on minor league deals and I wonder if Cashman is sleeping. But, I think we need to give them the benefit of the doubt, I’m sure they are asking about these guys, but the players doubt how much playing time is really available with the Yankees. Or maybe they don’t feel like being in that clubhouse with all the drama is really worth it.
Like with Aurilia, he was probably willing to take a minor league deal with a team he thought he might end up getting a fair amount of time with. But with the Yankees, he probably wants a guaranteed contract or it’s not worth it for him.
Or Cashman is sleeping.
That’s true, Rob. I figured Aurilia took the deal because it was the Giants (he knows them) and he’ll probably get a good chunk of playing time if their rookies don’t pan out. I’m sure roster space has something to do with it, as well. Either way, when you have $200 million to play with, the bench should be a strength and not a weakness.
I think it’s Cashman-his track record for bench players is pretty bad.
Yeah, that’s what worries me- although the benches from 1998 to 2003 were pretty solid.